8 Black Women Who Helped Revolutionise the Beauty Industry
8 Black Women Who Have Helped Make the Beauty Industry a More Welcoming, Inclusive Space
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Madam CJ Walker was the first Black woman to become a millionaire in America. Born in 1867 in Delta, Louisiana, she was the child of two former slaves. After her marriage ended, the mother of one's health began to deteriorate. As she started to lose her hair in the 1890's, Walker embarked upon a search for a cure for her hair loss.
In 1904, she launched her own range of hair-care product and straighteners for African American women, Madam Walker's Wonderful Hair Grower. Along with her hair grower, she also launched a product called Glossine, which was a pressing oil and a vegetable shampoo. Walker wanted Black women to know that it was possible to grow their own hair and that there was nothing wrong with them taking pride in themselves and their appearance.
As the business became successful, she began to advocate for Black women's economic independence. She employed 40,000 African American women and men in the US, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Madam CJ Walker paved the way for every Black hair and beauty entrepreneur you see today. She believed women could be successful, independent, and beautiful at the same time — she was a true advocate for Black excellence.