The daughter of former slaves was born Sarah Breedlove in 1867. Life and responsibilities were thrust on Madame Walker very early, she was orphaned at five, married by the time she was fourteen, a mother by 20 and left a widowed washerwoman soon after.

Her involvement in the hair industry began quite simply because she was trying to stop her own hair from falling out. Her concoction worked so well she shared it with friends. From this very humble beginning was founded a multimillion dollar industry. Not only did she become the first Black woman millionaire, she was probably one of the most famous African-American female business owners of the pre-World War II era.

Walker prided herself as "the Negro entrepreneur" whose goal it was to develop and employ African Americans in every aspect of her product manufacturing and distribution. She also expressed concern with non-minority owned hair products that used harsh chemicals that harmed Black hair.

Some of her products included: Wonderful Hair Grower, Vegetable Shampoo Soap and Glossine.

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