Founder of The Hills, April Martinez, has always had a passion for the beauty industry which is what drew her to her first job years ago at a salon. After quickly working her way up to salon manager there, she secured her aesthetics license so that she could continue to grow in the industry. Even back then, she knew that her dream was to one day own her own salon.

Life’s twists and turns took her through several other careers in recruiting and as a marketing manager before she spent some time as a stay-at-home mom. But she always knew she wanted to go back to her roots and dream, and in 2016 that became a reality.

Being able to sit down with women making Herstory in their lane of expertise is always amazing to us. We had the pleasure of sitting down with CEO and Master Stylist April Martinez and ask a few questions about her journey thus far.

What inspired your start in entrepreneurship?

I always knew as a little girl knew that I wanted to own things, but I didn’t know what that meant. Becoming an entrepreneur you don’t know what you’re getting into. I’d been in the industry and was working as an executive in business development, then decided to open my own business. I was really coming at it from striking out on my own. I wanted to create my own reality.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far? 

 The highlight of my career is right on the horizon. We are hosting a gala on April 15th that is celebrating The Hills Experience Grand Opening as well as a charity event for Child Crisis Arizona. I am going to be celebrating a crazy six years of changing and morphing this business into what I’ve always dreamed of! At our gala, we are unveiling a mural for Child Crisis Arizona, and I can’t wait to see it all unveil! We are also opening The Clean Counter which will serve juice, healthy eats, and smoothies, etc. I think of it like if Nekter and Starbucks had a baby, that would be The Clean Counter!

If you could tribute your success to any in your life who would it be?

 My success is from God, and as a child abuse survivor and I do a podcast about surviving trauma. A big part of what I have comes not only from my higher power, but from myself. Being able to heal and doing the right thing always. I try to stay true to my word. Something about surviving childhood trauma makes you feel like you are never safe. But when you start showing up for yourself, it gives you the strength to press on. Spread light as often as you can.  

What message do you hope women take away from your platform?

 I hope women take away that they’re worthy and valuable and they too can accomplish anything they want to if they’re willing to work hard and never give up.

What is your go-to quote for motivation?

 I refuse to stay stuck in a place that doesn’t suit me.

What does being a woman making Herstory mean to you?

 A woman making Herstory means that a woman doesn’t define herself unabashedly and makes no apologies.

Connect with April by visiting her brand online Hills Salon