Despite the glamour and glitz that are associated with high-fashion hair and makeup teams now, it wasn’t very long ago that many of these regimes did not exist. In fact, in the early 1900s, a common practice was to wash one’s hair with soap containing lye — a routine that caused many severe skin ailments in the African American community.
Madam C. J. Walker saw this as an opportunity to build a hair care and cosmetics empire. Born December 23, 1867, Madam Walker was the first child in her family born after the Emancipation Proclamation. Walker began working as a sales agent for Annie Turnbo Malone, a hair care entrepreneur, and saw how many African American women needed a beauty system tailored just to them. In 1905, Madam Walker began selling hair care products through Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company, an enterprise that expanded to a successful, national business within a few years. Her business model required local sales agents, employing hundreds of young women from around the country.
Becoming the first female self-made millionaire in the United States, Madam Walker stressed the importance of political engagement and philanthropy. In 1917, she started her own union, the Walker Hair Culturists Union of America, as well as becoming involved in the NAACP and its protests. Prior to her death in 1919, Madam Walker specified that two-thirds of any future net profits of her estate go to charity and donated more than $100,000 of her own money to orphanages and other causes. Her hair care line is still highly popular today and The Madame Walker Theater Center in Indianapolis honors young entrepreneurs who embody her spirit.
CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.
Join us on October 8, 2024! Tune in at 12:30 p.m. ET for expert tips from top business leaders and Olympic gold medalist Dominique Dawes. Plus, access our exclusive evening program, where we’ll announce the CO—100 Top Business! - Register Now!
CO—is committed to helping you start, run and grow your small business. Learn more about the benefits of small business membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, here.
Join us October 8, 2024
Unlock today’s biggest trends with expert tips and inspiring stories from Olympic gold medalist Dominique Dawes! Don’t miss our exclusive evening program and CO—100 Top Business announcement!
RSVP Now for the CO—100 Small Business Forum!
Discover today’s biggest AI and social media marketing trends with top business experts! Get inspired by Dominique Dawes’ entrepreneurial journey and enjoy free access to our exclusive evening program, featuring the CO—100 Top Business reveal. Register now!
