Celebrating Black History Month: Women Mean Business!
In this post, I want to focus on women entrepreneurs. Women are a driving force in this nation’s economy, and credit should be given where credit is due. These businesses are generally concentrated in one of three categories: service businesses, healthcare and social assistance, and lastly professional/technical services. In fact, in the last year 64% of women-owned businesses were started by women of color; but what about before?
Woman Entrepreneur in History: Madam C.J. Walker
In 1905, Madam C.J. Walker launched her own line of hair care products and straighteners; it’s worth mentioning she started out with $1.25. Walker employed over 40,000 African American women and men over the course of her business. In 1906, she was the first female self-made millionaire in entrepreneurial history. She didn’t stop there, Walker began to branch out and began her philanthropic endeavors. In 1917, she founded the National Negro Cosmetics Manufacturers Association. She also covered tuition for six African American students attending Tuskegee University. Walker tweaked her will prior to her death, and sent out two-thirds of her profits for charity, and thousands of dollars to various schools as well as individual people.
You can learn more about Madam C.J. Walker here:
https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/madam-cj-walker
You can also watch this four part series inspired by her life and business:
“Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker” is available on Netflix.
Temple Student Owned Business Feature: Alyssa Chambers Design
Alyssa Chambers is a Temple student in the Tyler School of Art and Architecture. Her work is absolutely amazing. The cover photo of this post is actually one of her works, as well these which particularly caught my attention:
“My main service is usually event flyers but I’m trying to break out and work more with small businesses helping create branding.”
“I was inspired to begin designing because of my passion for art and creativity and it gives me an outlet to do all the things I love. After I started designing I just wanted to help my friends and small businesses create a look for themselves which would elevate their brand and vision!”
You can browse animation or brand designs on her website and instagram, and can commission pieces by reaching out to Alyssa via:
Her email: a.chambers@temple.edu
Her website: https://www.behance.net/alyssamc
Her Instagram: @alyssamc.art