Madam C.J. Walker

Madam C.J. Walker was an American businesswoman and philanthropist. She was born Sarah Breedlove in Delta, Louisiana, in 1867. She created a line of hair care products for Black women. She became the first female self-made millionaire in America.

Early Life

Walker was born to parents who had been enslaved. She was orphaned at age seven and worked as a domestic servant. She experienced hair loss and began experimenting with homemade treatments. She developed her own formula that worked and decided to sell it.

Building an Empire

Walker traveled door to door selling her hair products. She built a factory, a hair salon, and a training school. She employed thousands of Black women as sales agents. She used her wealth to support civil rights causes and gave generously to charity.

Fun Facts

• Madam C.J. Walker was the first female self-made millionaire in the United States.
• She employed thousands of Black women as sales agents across the country.
• She donated large amounts of money to schools, orphanages, and civil rights organizations.

Did You Know?

Madam C.J. Walker built a mansion in New York called Villa Lewaro. She used it to host gatherings for civil rights leaders and activists.