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!

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.

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

Perseverance is my motto.

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

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.