Description

Born Delta, LouisianaOne of the most successful African American entrepreneurs of the early twentieth century, Madam C. J. Walker created a line of phenomenally popular hair care and beauty products that fueled a business empire. In 1905, after devising a restorative formula that was used in combination with her improved steel hot comb to treat thinning and damaged hair, she began marketing her products and beauty regimen to the black community. During a troubled period in the history of race relations in America, Walker built a lucrative enterprise that employed thousands in the manufacture and sale of her beauty aids. By the time of her death, she was reputed to be the first self-made female African American millionaire. The Guinness Book of World Records also recognizes her as "the first woman to earn a personal fortune of more than $1 million."This portrait, by famed African American photographer Addison N. Scurlock, became Walker’s trademark image. It was featured on her product packaging and used extensively in her advertising.Nacida en Delta, LouisianaMadam C. J. Walker, una de las empresarias afroamericanas más exitosas de principios del siglo XX, creó una línea de productos de belleza y cuidado del cabello que gozaron de enorme popularidad y cimentaron un imperio comercial. En 1905, luego de concebir una fórmula restauradora que se usaba con su peine de acero caliente para tratar el cabello escaso y dañado, empezó a comercializar sus productos y régimen de belleza entre la comunidad negra. En una época difícil para las relaciones...

Record Contributed By

National Portrait Gallery

Record Harvested From

Smithsonian Institution