When I first learned about Madam C.J. Walker in elementary school, I didn’t realize just how much her story would shape my own. From growing up in a hair salon, the woman who built a hair care empire and became the first self-made female millionaire in the United States wasn't just another historical figure in my textbook.
Looking back, She wasn't just an entrepreneur; she was a visionary. A game-changer. A force that carved out space for Black women in business long before it was considered possible. And for me, her story has always felt personal.
The Moment She Chose Herself
One of the biggest lessons I’ve taken from Madam C.J. Walker is the power of fully believing in your vision. Before she created her empire, she was selling hair products for another company—products that were similar to her own hair growth formula. But at some point, she decided enough was enough. She stopped promoting someone else’s dream and went all in on her own.
I felt that moment in my own journey. As a natural hair influencer, it was always a dream to work with big brands. And I did. I had companies reaching out, offering thousands of dollars for promotions. But when I created Mane Nutrients, everything changed. I knew I had built something bigger than just a product—I had built a movement. Every day, I turn down those big-brand deals because when people see me, I want them to think of Mane Nutrients and the impact I’m making in the natural hair community. Just like Madam C.J. Walker, I knew I had to choose myself.
Making an Impact
Madam C.J Walker built her business in an era of harsher conditions than it is now. An era where Black women had limited opportunities. Therefore, She had to find a way to stand out, to demand attention, and to carve her own lane. She didn’t just sell her products; she built a network. She trained thousands of women as sales agents, helping them achieve financial independence when very few doors were open to them. This proved very fruitful.
People say the natural hair industry is “oversaturated,” but I see it differently. Just like Madam CJ Walker, the way forward is bringing in new ideas to make a real impact, uniquely creating value. That's why Mane Nutrients also isn't just about selling hair products—it’s about educating, uplifting, and empowering the natural hair community. That’s why I created:
Mane Event Hair Classes, where we don't just provide high-quality products, we also teach how to use them. We're now transitioning from a society that once told us our hair had to look a certain way to be acceptable. And that's why we are doing what we're doing.
Also the Mane Achievement Scholarship – Through this initiative, we support HBCU students in embracing their natural hair in professional settings, in alignment with the CROWN Act. Because representation matters—and so does breaking barriers.
Continuing the Legacy
Madam CJ Walker wasn't just about hair care —She displayed resilience, empowerment, and drive towards building something bigger than yourself. She built something that outlived her, something that continues to inspire generations. That’s the kind of legacy I aim to build with Mane Nutrients.
If you’ve ever doubted whether you should chase your vision, I hope her story reminds you that you absolutely should.