PROFILE
By Glenda Graves | Portrait photo by Keith Branch
Marsha Martin
Blending Business With Philanthropy
Sam Walton once said, “High expectations are the key to everything.” These words surely resonate with Marsha Martin, whose life has been defined by her drive to achieve and a commitment to giving back. From her trailblazing career as the founder of Onyx Brands to her impact on Northwest Arkansas nonprofits, Marsha has set ambitious goals — not just for herself but also for the people and communities she cares about. She has demonstrated the power of combining business success with a sense of purpose.
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Born in Anderson, Missouri, Marsha grew up spending summers just across the border of Arkansas in Bella Vista. Her sisters lifeguarded at the community pools there, so she tagged along, eventually becoming a lifeguard herself. Her childhood was shaped by the example of her parents, who instilled in her generosity a strong moral compass.
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Her father, Eddie Williams, a former state representative, was as unique as he was influential. A one-armed professional baseball player for the Boston Red Sox, he played alongside Mickey Mantle in Southwest Missouri before embarking on a career in politics. Marsha recalls the unusual experiences of growing up as a politician’s daughter — attending gubernatorial inaugurations, meeting dignitaries, and being exposed to a world of responsibility and service at a young age.
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Her mother, Irene, was equally remarkable, balancing the demands of raising seven children with her own community contributions. “She worked full time, campaigned for my father, made our clothes and even baked cakes for events across the area,” Marsha said. “I definitely got my creative genes from her.”
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These early influences laid the groundwork for Marsha’s career and her lifelong dedication to giving back.
In high school, Marsha maintained a passion for beautifully styled hair and nails, but she also loved sports and was on the dance team. She kept the books for the basketball team and said, “I loved numbers and had no idea how important they’d be to me in my life.”
Marty and Marsha Martin with their daughter-in-law and son, Melissa and Chase Martin, and their grandchildren, Beckham and Ellie
Although Marsha dreamed of attending Kilgore College in Texas and joining its famous drill team, the Rangerettes, she instead took a job out of high school at Walmart’s corporate headquarters in the buying office. Originally meant to be a temporary plan before college, her love for retail took hold, and she never looked back. That first job at Walmart also led to her meeting her husband, Marty. They met in the parking lot of the corporate office, as he was selling products to Walmart at the time.
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The job in the buying office would ultimately define her career, offering her the chance to work with Walmart founder Sam Walton and develop a deep understanding of retail.
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Marsha and Marty married in 1978. She eventually made the decision to go to cosmetology school to feed that passion she always had. She was pregnant with their oldest son while in school and also helping her husband with his retail business. It seems Marsha has always enjoyed juggling many things at once.
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In 1988, Marsha and Marty invested in a Dallas-based beauty company that distributed products to major retailers. This investment led to the founding of Onyx Brands, a company that started with nail care and grew to include bath products, foot care and cosmetics. Over the years, Onyx became a trusted supplier to retailers such as Walmart, Target and Dollar General as well as specialty chains such as TJ Maxx.
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The journey wasn’t without challenges. From navigating legal battles with larger competitors to recovering from a devastating manufacturing fire, Marsha faced every obstacle head-on. “What one cannot anticipate is that as the CEO of a business, you have to learn all the roles — CFO, sales, product development, logistics, sourcing and compliance,” she said. “But I loved it. Retail is constantly changing, and it’s so rewarding to create something new every day.”
After 34 years, Onyx Brands was sold to Mason Wells private equity in 2021, but Marsha remained CEO until October 2024. Today, she serves on the company’s board of directors, continuing to guide its growth while also focusing on new ventures.
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Marsha has invested in real estate for the past three decades, collecting properties to build on. Now in retirement, she has begun building and is currently working on a shopping center in north Little Rock. She has also built homes on 30A in Florida since 2018, with some currently under construction. In December 2021, Marsha purchased the building the Onyx offices are located in and remodeled it. Recently, along with other investors, she purchased the Tata Consultancy Services building across from the Walmart Home Office in Bentonville with plans to remodel as well.
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However, for Marsha, success is measured not just in business milestones but also in the ability to make a difference in the lives of others. Her philanthropic efforts span decades and touch numerous causes, from supporting women and children to advancing heart health research.
Marty and Marsha Martin at American Cancer Society’s 2024 Suits & Sneakers Gala
Left: Marsha Martin with Onyx Brands team members and American Heart Association 2024 Circle of Red Chair Debbie Alsup at AHA’s Go Red for Women Luncheon on May 21, 2024
Middle: Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge, Arkansas Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek and Marsha Martin at the Little Rock Touchdown Club on Sept. 16, 2024
Right: Marsha Martin with Sandy Abdallah, ONYX Brands’ new CEO, and Kim Sharpe, publisher at CitiScapes Magazine, during a Razorback basketball game Nov. 18, 2024
The American Heart Association has been a passion of Marsha’s since 1988, when she began serving on the board of its Little Rock affiliate. Inspired by her family’s history with heart disease, she has chaired multiple Heart Ball events and championed initiatives such as Go Red for Women. In 2024, Marsha represented Arkansas at the Red Dress Collection Concert in New York City, celebrating the organization’s centennial. She is now exploring ways to use her retail expertise to further the association’s mission.
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In addition to her family members struggles with heart disease, Marsha herself had an eye-opening experience last year. She was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, which she said she ignored for too long, thinking it was just stress. “I think women are so busy and often overlook health issues such as that,” Marsha said. “I’m so glad I didn’t let it go too far.”
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She explained, “I received an ablation to rewire the electrical system in my heart. After the surgery, my heart was fine. However, when I woke up, I could not see correctly. With the help of many doctors at UAMS and testing for many days, I woke up on day 10 with my vision back.”
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She and Marty support the University of Arkansas as well. With Marsha also serving on the Razorback Foundation Board of Directors, their contributions to the foundation helped fund the Marsha and Marty Martin Family Basketball Performance Center, which provides essential resources for student-athletes. “We wanted to help educate athletes and ensure they have the tools they need to succeed both on and off the court,” she said.
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The Martins also support the American Cancer Society’s Suits & Sneakers Gala, an annual event that raises funds for cancer research. “It’s always inspiring to see the impact these events have,” Marsha said. “Being able to give back in a way that combines our love for sports and community is incredibly rewarding.”
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While her professional and philanthropic achievements are impressive, Marsha is equally devoted to her family. She and Marty have two sons, Fletcher and Chase, and four grandchildren. Family time is often spent enjoying Razorback games together or at their vacation house on Lake Hamilton near Hot Springs.
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As Marsha steps into the next chapter of her life, she remains focused on her family, her company and the causes she holds dear. Onyx Brands continues to thrive under new leadership, with plans for innovative product launches that reflect the company’s excellence.
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Meanwhile, Marsha’s role as a board member and investor allows her to stay connected to the industry she loves while exploring new opportunities. Whether supporting nonprofit initiatives or cheering on the Razorbacks, Marsha approaches everything with the same drive and passion that have defined her career.
