As an ode to celebrating some of the most influential figures in Black History during Black History Month, I wanted to take a deep dive into one of the figures I was always inspired by. Being someone who values the entrepreneurial spirit, especially in women of color, Madam C.J Walker’s journey to becoming the first Black female millionaire is not only inspiring but also humbling.
Though she started out as a cook and washerwoman in 1905, a time when segregation ran rampant through the South, Madam C.J Walker realized her entrepreneurial power early on by experimenting with hair care products aimed at Black women. Her spirit, however, did not come without costs. Though many of the women around her supported her endeavors, a fair share of “naysayers” also attempted to dissuade her at any cost.
Still, Madam C.J Walker persisted, eventually opening a teaching facility training more than 20,000 “Walker Agents” to start selling her “Wonderful Hair Grower.” The venture was so successful that her training program soon spread to dozens of cities, leaving a lasting legacy in the Black female beauty industry. Madam C.J Walker was also a well-known philanthropist. With the profits earned from selling her products, she invested heavily in workforce development and education of her employees and all who she served. MADAM by Madam C.J Walker continues her legacy today by being an industry leader for hair care products for Black women.
Reading a story like Madam C.J Walker’s gave me a great wake-up call to the power of persuasion and grit when pursuing a passion as a business venture. Whether it’s blogging, social media or turning a hobby or a skill into a business, focusing on the successes and learning from the mistakes is essential to keep going. I think the biggest lesson I personally took away from her story was the amount of self-preservation and willingness that she had to do good. I don’t know if we can all become millionaires in this lifetime, but I do hope her story inspires some of us to keep pursuing our passions, and always look for opportunities to improve other people’s lives.