Everyone has heard of Oprah Winfrey and Madame C.J. Walker, but have you heard of Annie Malone? She was the first Black, female millionaire with a reported $14 million in assets, generated from her beauty and cosmetics company in 1920. Here are facts about the entrepreneur:
Employed Madam C.J. Walker
Annie Malone was two years younger than Walker. She launched her hair care business four years before Walker, who was an employee of hers.
She Built a Beauty College in 1918
Poro College included her business’ office, manufacturing operation and training center as well as facilities for civic, religious and social functions. By 1926, the college employed 175 people in St. Louis. Through its school and franchise businesses, the college created jobs for almost 75,000 women in North and South America, Africa and the Philippines, according to an article titled Notable American Women: The Modern Period
