#PowerWomen is part of an ongoing column for the WiB blog where we learn more about some of the World's most powerful women and how they are changing the world.
Madam C.J Walker was an African American entrepreneur, philanthropist and political and social activist. She has been named the first female self-made millionaire in America. Born as Sarah Breedlove in 1867, she was the first child born free in her family after the Emancipation Proclamation. Her business journey into the homemade hair care line catered to Black women started after her own experience with hair loss due to a scalp disorder.
She founded ‘The Walker System’ which was a treatment that completely changed the Black hair care industry. This process included scalp preparation, lotions and iron comb. The way she was able to create loyalty amongst her customers was the attention to detail by emphasising her focus on the health of the women using the products. Furthermore, she was one of the few Black inventors behind the products being catered to Black women, the others available were predominantly manufactured by white businesses.
“I want the great masses of my people to take greater pride in their personal appearance and to give their hair proper attention.”
The beginning of the empire…
Walker moved to Colorado in 1905 with savings worth $1.05. She started selling her products such as the Wonderful Hair Grower, Glossine and Vegetable Shampoo. She gained a loyal customer base. Her over three thousand employees consisted of largely Black women who sold the products by going door-to-door and Walker called them “beauty culturists”.
The Wonderful Hair Grower - One of the most popular products
She was thoroughly embraced by the Black press and went on to become of the best-known African Americans. Walker’s townhouse, Villa Lewaro, in Hudson became an iconic architectural landmark and was used as a salon for members of the Harlem Renaissance after her passing in 1919.
Walker established several clubs for employees to encourage her employees to give back to their communities and rewarded them with bonuses. She provided jobs for Black women when opportunities were scarce, promoted female talent alongside also generously donating to education causes, numerous Black charities and funding scholarships for women.
To this day, she is remembered as a pioneer for entrepreneurship not just amongst Black women but amongst all women. With her story, she serves as an inspiration.
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