This week I watched Self-Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam CJ Walker.
Born Sarah Breedlove the beauty products entrepreneur did exactly that: breed love of their hair for millions of African American women.
More than an astonishing narrative about a self-made woman the story was an aperture onto Black history in the wake of enslaved Africans being freed.
Dismissed by Black and white men alike Walker persisted with her ambition.
Madam CJ Walker was the first female millionaire in America. She built an estate in Upstate New York near the home of John D. Rockefeller.
Proving the truth that where you start out in life is not where you must remain.
Watching the show I could relate to how Walker was driven to succeed.
With 10,000 sales agents Madam CJ Walker was bigger in her time than Mary Kay today.
Viewing Self-Made was the latest method of reinforcing that I should love my hair even when it’s not cooperating.
I say to you readers: persist until you achieve your goal(s) in life.
Tear a page from the Madam CJ Walker playbook (like I’m doing) and be not afraid to Make It Happen.
Refuse to let shame or blame imposed either by others or you on yourself prevent you from acting to get what you want in life.
Lastly what Self-Made taught me:
Having ambition aligned with a humanitarian ethic will make you succeed.
Be unstoppable.
Left of the Dial 