Madam CJ Walker. Born Sarah Breedlove on December 23, 1867, in a Louisiana cotton plantation, her journey from an orphaned child to America's first self-made African American millionaire woman is nothing short of inspirational.
Sarah Breedlove was the fifth child of Louisiana sharecroppers Owen and Minerva who were born into slavery. Sarah was the first in her family to be born free after the Emancipation Proclamation. By age seven, Sarah was orphaned, and life propelled her into marriage by fourteen. By twenty, she was widowed with a young daughter, A’Leila, in tow. Seeking better prospects, she migrated to St. Louis, where her brothers had found success as barbers. Here, she toiled as a washerwoman but managed to provide a school education for A’Leila. In this bustling city, she crossed paths with Charles J. Walker, a newspaper sales professional, who would become her second husband and the name behind her burgeoning brand.
"Don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them."
- Madam C. J. Walker
Navigating the rigid racial landscape of the time, Madam Walker was frequently confronted by racial barriers. In a world where African Americans were routinely marginalized and had limited opportunities, Walker's ambitions were monumental. Despite facing societal prejudices, she rose above the challenges, turning them into fuel for her business endeavors.
Like many black women of her time, scalp diseases, damaging products, stress, and poor nutrition led her to battle alopecia. This drove her to experiment with hair treatments, bringing her into the orbit of Annie Malone, a black entrepreneur who was making waves in the hair care industry. Initially working for Malone's Poro Co., Sarah soon ventured out on her own, adopting the moniker 'Madam CJ Walker' in Denver.
The linchpin of her business was "Madam Walker’s Wonderful Hair Grower", a game-changing scalp conditioner. Advocating 'cleanliness and loveliness', she peddled more than just a beauty product; she sold a philosophy intertwining beauty with the empowerment and upliftment of African Americans.
Battling racial prejudices, Walker forged a unique path in an industry predominantly controlled by white entrepreneurs. Her products not only addressed the unique needs of black hair but also uplifted the community by providing economic opportunities.
"I got my start by giving myself a start."
- Madam C. J. Walker
With products flying off the shelves, by 1908, Madam Walker had set up a factory, a beauty school in Pittsburgh, and later a significant base in Indianapolis. Her training programs, known as 'The Walker Method', which blended unique scalp treatments with the use of hot iron combs, turned many African American women into renowned 'Walker Agents'.
Madam Walker's empire grew exponentially, employing over 40,000 individuals spanning the U.S., Central America, and the Caribbean. But she wasn't just a business tycoon; she was a visionary. Her company's charter uniquely mandated that only a woman could helm its presidency. Philanthropy was ingrained in her business model; she funded scholarships, backed African American charities, and promoted community service among her employees.
Relocating to Harlem in 1916 post her divorce, Madam Walker immersed herself in politics and culture. Notably, she approached The White House advocating for anti-lynching legislation. In a groundbreaking move in 1917, her 'Hair Culturists Union of America' organized one of the pioneering national meetings for business women in the country.
"This is the greatest country under the sun. But we must not let our love of country, our patriotic loyalty, cause us to abate one whit in our protest against wrong and injustice."
- Madam C. J. Walker
On May 25, 1919, this luminary's journey was cut short by kidney failure at the age of 51. She left behind a legacy, with her businesses valued at over $1 million, solidifying her place as one of the first American women to be a self-made millionaire. After her demise, her Harlem townhouse under A’Leila's stewardship became a hub during the Harlem Renaissance, a testament to Madam Walker's indelible mark on history in the face of racial adversity.
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