Madam C.J. Walker was more than just a successful entrepreneur — she was a symbol of Black excellence, determination, and self-reliance. Born Sarah Breedlove in 1867 to formerly enslaved parents in Louisiana, she overcame poverty, racism, and limited opportunity to become America’s first self-made female millionaire.

In the early 1900s, Madam C.J. Walker began developing and selling her line of haircare products, specifically designed for Black women. Her signature product, “Madam Walker’s Wonderful Hair Grower,” addressed common scalp conditions and was revolutionary for its time.

What made Walker’s empire special wasn’t just the products — it was her commitment to empowering other Black women. She created one of the first national sales networks for Black female agents, teaching them how to achieve financial independence and develop a business mindset. At her peak, she employed over 20,000 women across the United States, the Caribbean, and Central America.

In 1910, she built a factory, salon, and beauty school in Indianapolis. Later, she moved to New York, where she became a philanthropist, donating to the NAACP, Black colleges, and anti-lynching campaigns.

When she died in 1919, her estate was worth over $600,000 (equivalent to over $9 million today). More importantly, her legacy lives on as a pioneer in business and a trailblazer for future generations of Black women entrepreneurs.