Madam C.J. Walker was America’s first self made female millionaire. Netflix recently premiered a limited series about her life entitled Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker.
Born with the name Sarah Breedlove, Madam C.J. Walker, went from washing clothes for $1.50 a day to a millionaire. While watching the series you get a glimpse of Walker’s struggle about beauty, building a business, her marriages, and her family.
I enjoyed the series and learned more about this Black icon. In this article, I share some of my favorite quotes and lessons from the series.
Madam C.J. Walker Was a Boss
Madam C.J. Walker left her mark on American history and was a huge contributor to the arts and Black causes. As a female entrepreneur myself, I find Walker’s life and business accomplishments inspiring.
Her grit and determination to exceed everyone’s expectations motivated her to build a hair care empire that lasted decades after her death.
Octavia Spencer did an amazing job playing the lead role of Madam C.J. Walker and kudos to Tiffany Haddish too for her role as Walker’s daughter, A’Lelia Walker.
Every Lady Needs Her Own Money
“Don’t gamble your future away on that man, any man. Always make your own money.”
Octavia Spencer as Madam C.J. Walker in Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker by Netflix
In the Netflix story you can see early on that Madam C.J. Walker simply wanted the best for her daughter. So she pushed her to get married with the hopes she would one day have a family. However, Walker is very clear no woman should depend on a man for money.
That’s why she developed her hair grower into a thriving business with hundreds of hair salons across the country. Walker was open about her dream to be just as famous and wealthy as Rockafeller and Ford, wealthy white men of her time.
However, she was constantly reminded by Black and White men that she was a woman. Her second husband Charles Joseph “C.J.” Walker was sometimes the person men looked to for answers during meetings about the business.
Eventually, Walker divorced C.J. and was able to leave her fortune to her daughter A’Lelia, who lead the company until her death. A’Lelia also was a champion of the arts and a major player in the 1920s Harlem Renaissance.
Men Need Their Own Money Too
“Never get your money where you get your honey.”
Garrett Morris as Madam C.J. Walker’s father-in-law in Self Made: Life Inspired by Madam C.J. Walker by Netflix
Garrett Morris, who you may remember from his role as “Stan” on Martin, plays Madam C.J. Walker’s father-in-law in the series. He helped with the production and distribution of hair care products.
Despite the fact that he benefited from working for the business, he was openly skeptical about his son’s unclear position in the company. So he told his son, Charles Joseph, “Never get your money where you get your honey.”
Garrett Morris’s character was ashamed his son earned all of his income from his wife’s business. He emphasized the need for a man to make his own money and be the head of his household.
Interestingly enough, Charles Joseph’s initial response was the truth. As a member of the family business, he made more money in the company than working for someone else. But he couldn’t escape the stigma about a man working for his wife.
Honestly, I don’t have any issues with a man working for his wife or vice versa. But the delivery of this line in the movie is funny. And later in the movie, Morris’s character grows on you.
He also tells his son, “Men like you and me need a good woman by our side.” He learns to value Madam C.J. Walker and the business she built. So he tries to stop his son from making a huge marital mistake.
Building Wealth Takes Time
“You can’t plant a seed today and expect fruit tomorrow.”
Octavia Spencer as Madam C.J. Walker in Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker by Netflix
I love this quote because it’s so true. So many people are trying to rush their journey to financial freedom and independence. But it takes time, and honestly, it’s the journey that produces the most growth and development.
I promote financial literacy on my podcast, website, and on social media because I am planting seeds. Everyone isn’t going to take my advice right away. Yet, I am hopeful one-day they’ll take action and build wealth.
For those that do take action right away, it will still take time for their savings and investing to grow into great wealth. I believe wealth is possible when you prioritize where your money goes and make a plan.
Every dollar you invest today will bear fruit tomorrow. Don’t let drops in the market discourage you from taking action. They should actually be your motivation to do something now, while the market is on sale. Then you can reap all the rewards when the stock market bounces back.
Start with investing in your employer’s retirement account. Then look at what other items you can add to your financial plan to make you a well rounded and diversified investor. Contact me if you need help. Creating financial plans with my clients is one of my favorite things.
Female Enterprise Is Good for Us All
“Female enterprise is good for us all. It’s the way of our future…this is how we can truly uplift the race.”
Octavia Spencer as Madam C.J. Walker in Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker by Netflix
When men and women work together, own successful businesses, and solve the world’s problems, everyone is better off. Women-owned businesses are growing two times faster than other businesses.
It’s important to educate young women and empower them to own their own businesses. That’s why women are my primary focus and women empowerment is my goal. When we empower women, we all win.
Since Self Made is a fictionalized account of Madam C.J. Walker’s life, I could not find any evidence that these quotes were really said by Madam C.J. Walker or her family. However, the main points behind her story are true. She was a genuine leader with a goal to empower other women.
My favorite real quote from the real Madam C.J. Walker is
That’s exactly what I aspire to do. I am proud to see that Madam C.J. Walker accomplished her goal. Her company may have trained over 20,000 women as sales agents and hair salon owners.
Madam C.J. Walker died on May 25, 1919, at age 51. However, her company continued well beyond her death. The company ceased operations in 1981, but you can still find cosmetic and hair care products bearing her name in Sephora today.