Welcome to episode twenty-one of the Doneson Podcast. Today we dive into the story of Madam CJ Walker! But before we do, we want to take a moment to introduce our guest host on today program. Today we have the honor of Ms. Sonya Davis who will be joining us! As a banker and business professional for the past 20 years, Ms. Davis has utilized her experience and passion for helping people in the community, through her leadership and service. She has pioneered and established the 15 and 30 LLC, which educates underserved youths between the ages of 15 and 30 about financial literacy. To learn more about Ms. Sonya Davis and the work she does, please find her at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonya-n-davis-942059a1
And now for Madam CJ Walker, a true entrepreneurial pioneer for African-American women in the early part of the 20th century. Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the first female self-made millionaire, Madam CJ Walker invented a line of hair products specifically designed for African-American hair. An early feminist and women's liberation activist, Madam Walker 's goal was to help black women from all over the country improve their own financial well-being by selling her products. In fact, years later, her door-to-door sales system was actually appropriated by cosmetics giant Avon.
However, there's a flip side to everything and Madam CJ Walker's story is no exception. She was also accused of stealing the recipe blueprint for her hair care products. As well, some say that her products were the original source of imposing white beauty standards on black women. So, this brings us to an important question; is CJ Walker a leader to follow? Does her success negate her alleged methods?
