Madam C.J. Walker the First Self-Made Millionaire

Madam C. J. Walker

Madam C. J. Walker is known as the first self-made millionaire. This can be a surprise to some because most rich people from the late 1800s were white men. And a lot of time in American history it's "The first black person to..." which is impressive on its own but Miss. Walker was in a different category "First person in general to.." which is pretty rad.

Sarah Breedlove also known as Madam C. J. Walker was born into a family of sharecroppers who were previously slaves in Louisiana. Walker's life wasn't easy she was a orphan at age six married at 14 then became a widow at 20.

She also suffered from hair loss and back then most women were using home remedies to maintain their hair. This would then inspire Miss Walker to make hair products.

And the target audience were ready for this type of product. She would then completely change the Black hair care Industry with the Walker system. "Walker’s method, known as the “Walker system,” involved scalp preparation, lotions, and iron combs. Her custom pomade was a wild success. While other products for Black hair (largely manufactured by white businesses) were on the market, she differentiated hers by emphasizing its attention to the health of the women who would use it." (A&E Television Networks, 2021)

After making her fortune from a successful business Madam C. J. Walker would donate money to the NAACP and fund scholarships for women at the Tuskegee Institute. Madam C. J. Walker was an entrepreneur and philanthropist and thanks to her many women had hair products to maintain their curls.

Quote: “I am not satisfied in making money for myself. I endeavor to provide employment to hundreds of women of my race.” “I had to make my own living and my own opportunity. But I made it!