How Madam C.J. Walker became the first Black woman millionaire

Born Sarah Breedlove, Madam C.J. Walker created her hair care products after experiencing hair loss. The “Walker system” was one of the first hair care systems designed for Black women that was actually created by a Black woman. At first, she sold her products personally, but she would go on to employ a group of Black women she called “beauty culturalists” to sell her wares.

Her company became a massive success, earning her the title of the first Black woman millionaire. She used those millions to fund scholarships for women at the Tuskegee Institute and donate to many charities.

– Jacqueline Gualtieri, The Colorado 100