Madam C. J. Walker Quotes

I am a woman who came from the cotton fields of the South. From there I was promoted to the washtub. From there I was promoted to the cook kitchen. And from there I promoted myself into the business of manufacturing hair goods and preparations....I have built my own factory on my own ground.

I am not ashamed of my past. I am not ashamed of my humble beginning.

One night I had a dream, and in that dream a big black man appeared to me and told me what to mix up for my hair. I made up my mind I would begin to sell it.

You might say that I was the first and caused others to awaken to the sense of their duty in helping deserving causes for the benefit of the race.

Perseverance is my motto.

I want you to understand that your first duty is to humanity. I want others to look at us and see that we care not just about ourselves but about others.

IT'S PRETTY HARD for the Lord TO GUIDE YOU IF YOU HAVEN'T MADE UP YOUR MIND WHICH WAY TO GO.

I had to make my own living and my own opportunity. But I made it! Don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.

I got my start by giving myself a start.

I am not merely satisfied in making money for myself, for I am endeavoring to provide employment for hundreds of women of my race. ... I want to say to every Negro woman present, don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them!

There would be no hair growing business today had I not started it.

If I have accomplished anything in life it is because I have been willing to work hard.

I want the great masses of my people to take a greater pride in their personal appearance and to give their hair proper attention.

America doesn't respect anything but money. What our people need is a few millionaires.

I am not satisfied in making money for myself. I endeavor to provide employment for hundreds of the women of my race.