Her early life was marked by struggles and hardships. After being orphaned at a young age, she faced poverty and a lack of opportunities. However, she displayed an innate curiosity and sought knowledge wherever she could find it. She taught herself to read and write, and she was known to be an avid reader throughout her life, constantly seeking information and expanding her knowledge.
Madam C.J. Walker gained valuable skills and knowledge from her experiences working as a domestic worker. She observed the struggles that many African American women faced with hair care, particularly due to the harsh effects of laundry soap on their scalps. This led her to experiment with creating her own hair care products. Her observations and experiences became the foundation for her later entrepreneurial success in the hair care industry.
Her limited formal education did not hinder Madam C.J. Walker's ability to excel as an entrepreneur, inventor, and businesswoman. Through self-education, determination, and a deep understanding of the needs of her community, she managed to overcome many obstacles and achieve remarkable success. Her contributions to the hair care industry and her work in empowering African American women continue to be recognized and celebrated today.