A story of the first woman in history to start with nothing and earn her own million-dollar fortune. This pioneering businesswoman is an inspiring illustration of a rags-to-riches existence.
This documentary explores the life of self-made haircare extraordinaire Madame C.J. Walker. Her invention of beauty products flourished, helping her to become Guinness Book of World Records America’s first self-made millionaire. At a time when black women’s hair texture was devalued, misunderstood and there were not many products available, Walker discovered a formula designed to manage and grow healthy hair. She became well known and respected not only for her products but giving black women a sense of pride and empowerment through their own individual beauty. As a feminist, she employed mostly women and taught them how to run a successful business and create a living outside the home. She promoted women being independent and built beauty colleges where over 50,000 when would study in hopes of following in her footsteps.
Described as a shrewd businesswoman, her sales team sold her products door to door; a technique later adapted by larger companies like Avon. Women who worked at the Walker company described it as a place they were proud of, as it was one of the only black businesses of that time. While many say that Madame C.J. Walker raised the self-esteem of black women by creating straightening products to manage their hair, others, such as myself, question whether the message of altering the hair to appeal and assimilate to white society is actually a form of building self-esteem or breaking it.
I thought this was a great documentary overall. I love how it takes you through the journey from beginning to end and adds richness and authenticity by including amazing footage of actual employees who worked alongside Walker. I do wish however, they had explored further the issue of responsibility Madame C.J. Walker played in promoting self-love all while influencing black women to change their hair texture. This documentary is definitely worth checking out.
Now available on YouTube and on DVD
