Madam C. J. Walker quotes

Madam C. J. Walker, born Sarah Breedlove, was an African American entrepreneur and philanthropist who became the first female self-made millionaire in America. She made her fortune by developing and marketing a line of beauty and hair care products for black women. Walker's success paved the way for future generations of black entrepreneurs and inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams. Her legacy continues to inspire empowerment and success in the African American community. Learn more about Madam C. J. Walker and her incredible journey to success.

Worth more than it costs.

- Madam C. J. Walker

When we began to make $10 a day, my ex-husband thought that was enough, thought I ought to be satisfied. But I was convinced that my hair preparation would fill a long-felt want. And when we found it impossible to agree, due to his narrowness of vision, I embarked on business for myself.

- Madam C. J. Walker

There would be no hair growing business today had I not started it.

- Madam C. J. Walker

There is no royal flower-strewn path to success. And if there is, I have not found it for I have accomplished anything in life it is because I have been willing to work hard.

- Madam C. J. Walker

Surely you are not going to shut the door in my face. I feel that I am in a business that is a credit to the womanhood of our race.

- Madam C. J. Walker

Perseverance is my motto.

- Madam C. J. Walker

People are ugly not in their face but in their thoughts. So never get impressed by someone’s appearance, rather dig deep down into their thoughts to reveal the real person inside out.

- Madam C. J. Walker

Open your own shop. Secure prosperity and freedom.

- Madam C. J. Walker

One can slide between poor and rich.

- Madam C. J. Walker

Now I realize that in the so-called higher walks of life, many were prone to look down upon ‘hairdressers’ as they called us; they didn’t have a very high opinion of our calling, so I had to go down and dignify this work, so much so that many of the best women of our race are now engaged in this line of business, and many of them are now in my employ.

- Madam C. J. Walker

Love’s language is imprecise, fits more like mittens than gloves.

- Madam C. J. Walker

It's pretty hard for the Lord to guide you if you haven't made up your mind which way to go.

- Madam C. J. Walker

If I have accomplished anything in life it is because I have been willing to work hard.

- Madam C. J. Walker

I want you to understand that your first duty is to humanity. I want others to look at us and see that we care not just about ourselves but about others.

- Madam C. J. Walker

I want the great masses of my people to take a greater pride in their personal appearance and to give their hair proper attention.

- Madam C. J. Walker

I want others to look at us and see that we care not just about ourselves but about others.

- Madam C. J. Walker

I love to use a part of what I make to help others.

- Madam C. J. Walker

I have made it possible for many colored women to abandon the wash-tub for more pleasant and profitable occupation.

- Madam C. J. Walker

I had to make my own living and my own opportunity. But I made it! Don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.

- Madam C. J. Walker

I got my start by giving myself a start.

- Madam C. J. Walker

I endeavour to provide employment to hundreds of women of my race.

- Madam C. J. Walker

I am not merely satisfied in making money for myself, for I am endeavoring to provide employment for hundreds of women of my race. I want to say to every Negro woman present, don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them!

- Madam C. J. Walker

I am not ashamed of my past. I am not ashamed of my humble beginning.

- Madam C. J. Walker

I am a woman who came from the cotton fields of the South. From there I was promoted to the washtub. From there I was promoted to the cook kitchen. And from there I promoted myself into the business of manufacturing hair goods and preparations. I have built my own factory on my own ground.

- Madam C. J. Walker

Having a good article for the market is one thing, putting it properly before the public is another.

- Madam C. J. Walker

God answered my prayer, for one night I had a dream, and in that dream a big black man appeared to me and told me what to mix up for my hair. Some of the remedy was grown in Africa, but I sent for it, mixed it, put it on my scalp, and in a few weeks my hair was coming in faster than it had ever fallen out. I tried it on my friends; it helped them. I made up my mind I would begin to sell it.

- Madam C. J. Walker

Girls and women of our race must not be afraid to take hold of business endeavour and, by patient industry, close economy, determined effort, and close application to business, wring success out of a number of business opportunities that lie at their doors.

- Madam C. J. Walker

Don’t think that because you have to go down in the wash-tub that you are any less a lady!

- Madam C. J. Walker

America doesn't respect anything but money. What our people need is a few millionaires.

- Madam C. J. Walker

Keep in mind that you have something that the person standing before you really needs, imagine yourself a missionary and convert him.

- Madam C. J. Walker