Feeling cooped up at home? Check out “Self Made,” a 4-part series on Netflix about Madam C.J. Walker, the first female millionaire.
I always knew she built her haircare empire and made millions, but what I didn’t know was that she faced fierce competition from Addie Munroe, dealt with her husband cheating on her with one of her top salesgirls, and had a daughter (played by Tiffany Haddish) who was gay. These intriguing details aren’t found in her Wikipedia profile, but the movie covers them all.
Entrepreneurs, especially female and black female entrepreneurs, will find her story very relatable. Often, we only see her successes without realizing the many setbacks she encountered. The movie illustrates just how strong-minded, determined, and faithful Walker was.
Another important takeaway from the movie is the significance of marketing. Even though it’s revealed that Walker initially stole her hair growth recipe from Addie Munroe, she was an exceptional marketer. She successfully promoted the product, building it into a fortune and taking credit for it.
Moreover, Walker understood the value of preserving her story for future generations. During my research, I discovered that her rival, Addie Munroe (whose real name was Annie Malone), was just as successful but didn’t ensure her legacy lived on. While Walker encouraged her descendants to keep her story alive, Malone left no heirs to continue her legacy. The movie also shows that Walker’s biological daughter was gay and chose not to have children, so Walker adopted a girl who later gave birth to A’lelia Bundles. Bundles, named after Walker’s daughter, authored the book that inspired the movie.
Entrepreneurs, take note! Effective marketing is crucial for preserving your legacy. Strategies like SEO, PPC, press release distribution, and social media marketing can ensure your brand’s enduring presence. For instance, you can use the best press release services to spread your content worldwide.
So, if you watched “Self Made,” what’s your take?