Madam C. J. Walker: First American woman millionaire business owner

Sarah Breedlove (December 23, 1867 – May 25, 1919), known as Madam C. J. Walker, was an African American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and a political and social activist. Eulogized as the first female self-made millionaire in America, she became one of the wealthiest African American women in the country, “the world’s most successful female entrepreneur of her time,” and one of the most successful African-American business owners ever.

Madam C. J. Walker

Birth name: Sarah Breedlove

December 23, 1867

Delta, Louisiana, United States

Died: May 25, 1919 (aged 51)

Irvington-on-Hudson, New York, United States

Resting place: Woodlawn Cemetery (Bronx, New York)

Residence: Villa Lewaro, Irvington-on-Hudson, New York

Nationality: American

Occupation: Businesswoman, hair-care entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Activist

Spouse(s)

Moses McWilliams (married 1882–1887)

John Davis (married 1894 – c. 1903)

Charles Joseph Walker (married 1906–1912)

Children: A’Lelia Walker

Website: www.madamcjwalker.com

C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company, Indianapolis, 1911

Walker made her fortune by developing and marketing a line of beauty and hair products for black women through Madame C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, the successful business she founded. Walker was also known for her philanthropy and activism. She made financial donations to numerous organizations and became a patron of the arts. Villa Lewaro, Walker’s lavish estate in Irvington-on-Hudson, New York, served as a social gathering place for the African American community.