Madam C.J. Walker (1867–1919)
Birth Name: Sarah Breedlove
Profession: Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Inventor
Known As: America’s first self-made female millionaire
Her Groundbreaking Innovation
In the early 1900s, Madam C.J. Walker developed and marketed a line of hair care and beauty products specifically for African American women, including:
- “Madam Walker’s Wonderful Hair Grower” – a scalp conditioning and healing formula
- Hair oils, shampoos, and pomades tailored to textured hair
- Products paired with educational guides on grooming and self-confidence
Why It Mattered:
She addressed a neglected market and empowered Black women to embrace their beauty at a time of intense racial and gender discrimination.
Business Empire
- Founded the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company
- Employed thousands of Black women as “Walker Agents”, offering them training and economic independence
- Created a nationwide network of saleswomen and beauty schools
Legacy of Empowerment
- First Black woman millionaire in America by her own efforts
- Donated to causes like the NAACP, Tuskegee Institute, and Black YMCAs
- Built a lavish estate in New York called Villa Lewaro, which became a hub for Black leaders and artists
“I got my start by giving myself a start.” – Madam C.J. Walker
Cultural Impact
- Her life was portrayed in the Netflix miniseries Self Made, starring Octavia Spencer.
- Honored with stamps, museums, and in business and women’s history textbooks.
