Jeff Martin - hairstylist / salon owner | by Phillip Istomin
I’m bias. I like Jeff a little too much, but let me explain why.
Jeff is one of those people who seems to always be in a great mood. His energy is contagious, much like his laughter. You might make an excuse of “needing a haircut” just to go see him, because you know that Jeff is going to make you feel better about yourself. He does this not only through his masterful hair cutting abilities, but also by being a genuinely great guy.
I’ve known Jeff for close to 10 years. I remember driving past this beautiful building that was still under construction, and knowing I had to discover whatever it was going to become. What became of it was Dexterity salon. This is where I met Jeff.
Jeff Martin grew up in Chicago Heights, IL. You could say that hair cutting runs in the family. Jeff’s dad cut his hair when he was a kid, and his sister picked up where dad left off. Naturally, he started experimenting with his own hair and got good enough to start giving his high school football buddies identical haircuts inspired by Seattle Seahawks’ Brian Bosworth, aptly titled “The Boz.” At 21 Jeff knew that hair was his passion, and he was ready to make a career of it. Schooling took place at the Von Curtis Academy (currently Paul Mitchell) followed by bouncing around various salons for about a decade.
“I was always trying to implement ideas through the owners. It's tough when it's not "their" vision. That's when I decided to pursue my own passions and desires. Of course, with the help of my wife,” Martin explains.
Jeff’s wife, Tara, is the perfect yin to his yang. They are a devastatingly awesome tandem, and pretty easy on the eyes, I might add, but back to Dexterity...
I fell in love with the salon, the people who work there, the service, the interior design. Everything about the business just seemed right. I attribute this to Jeff and Tara, it is a true reflection of them as people.
“I love what I do! I like to have fun with my clients! Create change, subtle or big," says Jeff. "To make someone feel amazing, confident, and DAMN sexy, that's pretty cool!"
Dexterity recently moved right into the heart of downtown (35 west Broadway). The new location is quaint and warm, full of natural light, buzzing with dynamic energy of a unique set of creative hairstylists.
“I feel that Dexterity brings a fun, relaxed atmosphere,” explains Jeff. "Customer service is our focus. I worked in a few Salons, and I felt strongly about the lack of customer service. I take pride in seeing clients that have been with me for 22 years. I love them!! They are apart of my life! Some days I look around and see some of my clients with other stylists, and instead of feeling betrayed, I feel loved! Clients change, we change. Nothing makes me more happy then knowing what relationships I have built over the years, and TRUST that I (we) have developed with our clients. That is success! Let's look to the future and evolve as human beings. And enjoy what we have and do.”
Below are a few examples of my collaborations with Jeff Martin and the fine people of Dexterity. I know there will be more, and I can’t wait to create again with my dear friend.