Madam C.J. Walker: America’s First Self-Made Female Millionaire

Over a century after her death, Madam C.J. Walker remains an iconic figure in American history. Born in 1867 to emancipated slaves, she rose to become the United States’ first self-made female millionaire by 1910, building a hair care brand and founding a network of beauty schools.

As her company grew, so did her ambition. In 1916, Walker commissioned Villa Lewaro—a 34-room, 20,000-square-foot mansion overlooking the Hudson River in Irvington, New York. She built it as a symbol of what was possible. Her neighbor was John D. Rockefeller. Today, the estate is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and designated a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Beyond her success in the beauty industry, Walker used her wealth to support human rights causes. She donated thousands of dollars to the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and other groups fighting the lynching of Black Americans in the early 20th century South. She also funded scholarships at the Tuskegee Institute and helped finance the Silent Protest Parade, organized by the NAACP in response to the deadly 1917 outbreak of white mob violence in East St. Louis.

Despite her privileged life, Walker never distanced herself from the broader Black community. She recognized her responsibility to give back and, though she saw herself as a businesswoman, she was also an ardent social activist.

Madam C.J. Walker. Addison Scurlock, 1914.

This sign identified salons that were franchises of the Madam C. J. Walker Company. During segregation, when African American women were often denied bank loans, many became Walker franchisees to pursue entrepreneurship. Thousands launched their own businesses through the Walker network. This sign belonged to Marjorie Joyner, the company's vice president and a close friend of Walker’s. 1930.

Reception room at the Walker Hair Parlor and Lelia College of Beauty Culture. 1916.