Madame C.J. Walker(1867–1919)
Walker made a fortune on her specialized beauty product line for African American women.
Born: Sarah Breedlove was born on a cotton plantation in Louisiana. Her parents were former slaves. Walker was orphaned at age 7 and married at 14. By age 20, she was widowed with a small child. She moved to St. Louis, Mo., and later married Charles J. Walker.
Invention: During the 1890s, she suffered hair loss. This was a common problem at the time. People did not wash their hair often. Their scalps got bacteria and lice. She experimented with homemade treatments. One treatment worked. She called it "Madame C.J. Walker's Wonderful Hair Grower." Then she changed her name to the more recognizable "Madame C.J. Walker". She traveled around the country promoting her hair care tips and products to African American women. She became one of the most famous African Americans of her time and a very successful businesswoman who owned multiple homes. She is one of America's first self-made female millionaires.
Did You Know? Madame C.J. Walker donated generously to African American causes. She also employed thousands of female customers who helped sell her products.