Women’s History Month Entrepreneur Spotlight – Madam C.J. Walker
A portrait of Madam C.J. Walker – Credit: Madam C.J. Walker Estate Archives
Madam C.J. Walker (1867 – 1919) was the first Black woman millionaire in the United States. She achieved such a status through her line of hair care products for Black women, with a desire to create hair products for Black women experiencing hair loss.
Madam C.J. Walker behind the wheel of her Model T Ford – Credit: SFO Museum via Madam C.J. Walker Collection, Indiana Historical Society
Walker began her business by selling her products directly to Black women in her community, and also hiring women to sell her products.
“I am not satisfied in making money for myself. I want to use it for the good of my people.”
– Madam C.J. Walker
Directions for use of Madam C.J. Walker’s Hair Grower product. Credit: Antique Advertising On-Line Auction
The “Walker System” was her systemic approach to the hair issues that Black women were facing, using the hair grower, oil and hot combs, to produce healthier hair.
An Advertisement for Madam C.J. Walker’s Hair Products – Credit: Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Not only did she revolutionize Black hair products for women while building an empire, but she also used her fortune to provide scholarships for women at the Tuskegee Institute and donated large sums of her wealth to the NAACP, Black YMCA and many other charities.
Madam C.J. Walker passed away at fifty-one, with her remaining business goals being completed posthumously with an Indianapolis headquarters, the Walker Building, being completed in 1927.
Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company headquarters 1930 – 2020. Once the site of Madam Walker’s HQ, it is now restored and used as a jazz venue, for comedy tours and art exhibitions. – Credit: SFO Museum via Madam C.J. Walker Collection, Indiana Historical Society/Lori Rackl/Chicago Tribune
Madam C.J. Walker’s achievements and fervor paved the way for many Black female and female entrepreneurs and will always be a hallmark in the history of women entrepreneurs.
Be sure to also check out the rest of our Women’s History Month Entrepreneur Spotlight series that highlights interesting facts and history of the lives of prominent entrepreneurs.
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