Madam CJ Walker Worked Her Way to Successful Entrepreneurship
The wealthiest black woman of our time may be Oprah Winfrey. But a hundred and fifty-years ago, during the Civil War era, the wealthiest black woman was Madame C.J. Walker. She was born in 1867, right after the Empancipation Proclamation. She grew up to become a self-starting entrepreneur. Prefiguring Mary Kay Ash, she began selling, not makeup but hair products, advancing to the point at which she could open her own factory.
From there, Walker became a millionaire. She then gave plenty back to her community, acting as a prolific philanthropist. Here, then, are some inspirational quotes from Madame C.J. Walker.
“I am not satisfied in making money for myself. I endeavor to provide employment to hundreds of women of my race.”
“I had to make my own living and my own opportunity. But I made it! Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.”
“I got my start by giving myself a start.”
“I am not ashamed of my past. I am not ashamed of my humble beginning.”
“I want you to understand that your first duty is to humanity. I want others to look at us and see that we care not just about ourselves but about others.”
“I am a woman who came from the cotton fields of the South. From there I got promoted to the washtub. From there I was promoted to the cook kitchen. And from there I promoted myself into the business of manufacturing hair goods and preparations. I have built my own factory on my own ground.”
“There is no royal flower-strewn path to success. And if there is, I have not found it for I have accomplished anything in life it is because I have been willing to work hard.”