Madam C.J. Walker: The businesswomen who changed the way US looked at black women

“Blacks who have not succumbed to the victim culture have been, are, and will be doing quite well - all on their own, without handouts, affirmative action, and other patronizing measures.” – Tammy Bruce

Black entrepreneurs are the new industry leaders in almost every area of specialization these days. With their hard work, dedication, sheer concentration, and strong business sense, black entrepreneurs have made a notable presence in the global business world. Amongst the countable black achievers, Madam C.J. Walker occupies a special place. Let’s take a look on her success story:

Born on December 23, 1867 in Delta, Louisiana as Sarah Breedlove, Walker was an American businesswoman, hair care entrepreneur, and philanthropist. She holds the title of first female African-American entrepreneurs, who became a millionaire by her own endeavors in beauty and hair products.

Walker became an orphan at a tender age of seven and was raised by an elder sister. At the age of 14, she married Moses McWilliams in Vicksburg, Mississippi. After the death of her husband, Walker moved to St. Louis and completed her education by attending public night schools. She was only 20 at that time.

Working as a washerwoman, she supported her daughter’s education. In 1890s, she came out with the idea of hair care treatments and products. Walker invented a method to straighten typical African-American kinky hair. In her method, she suggested a pomade and use of heating combs to straighten the hair after much brushing.

The idea got clicked and converted into a profitable business entity. Later, she moved to Denver, Colorado, married Charles J. Walker and changed her name to Madam C.J. Walker. There, she promoted her business by traveling to numerous locations and lecturing and showing demonstrating her invention.

After that, there was no looking back for Walker, who had a strong will to reach on the top in business world. On May 25, 1919, Madam C.J. Walker died in New York. At the time of her death, her fortune was valued at $1 million