Annie Malone's Transformative Impact on Hair Care for African American Women, Culminating in Her Status as One of Early America's Affluent Black Female Entrepreneurs
Born on August 9, 1869, in Metropolis, Illinois, to formerly enslaved parents, Annie Turnbo Malone grew up to become a trailblazing African American businesswoman and inventor[6]. With a chaotic early life, being orphaned at a young age and largely raised by a sister, Malone never graduated from high school[7]. However, her natural talent for chemistry and her fascination with Black beauty would lead her to remarkable success.
In 1902, Malone moved to St. Louis, Missouri, in search of a customer base for her hair care product, the "Wonderful Hair Grower." This product, geared towards Black women who often used damaging products to straighten their hair, focused on maintaining healthy scalps, a significant advancement for Black hair care at the time[3]. St. Louis, a thriving, growing city hosting the 1904 World's Fair, provided the perfect platform for Malone's business[2].
Malone opened a store on Market Street, where she emphasized the importance of scalp health and helped customers restore healthy scalps and hair[8]. Her business model combined product sales with personalized diagnosis and treatments, addressing various hair and scalp conditions such as dandruff and psoriasis[3].
Malone's success attracted a notable customer - C.J. Walker, who later became a successful entrepreneur in her own right. Walker trained under Malone before starting her own hair care company[5].
In 1918, Malone established the Poro College, the first cosmetology school in the United States focusing on Black hair care[1]. This institution educated tens of thousands of Black Americans, primarily women, and offered employment opportunities for thousands more who sold Malone's products as "Poro agents." The Poro College also hosted meetings of the National Negro Business League, which was excluded elsewhere due to segregation[4].
By the 1920s, Malone was a multi-millionaire, paying high income taxes (nearly $40,000 in 1924), which highlighted the extent of her financial success and influence[4]. However, the Great Depression hit Malone hard, causing significant financial losses[4]. Despite this, Malone continued to donate to Black orphanages and Howard University with her fortune[1].
After her death in 1957, Malone's wealth had dwindled significantly from its peak. However, her legacy lives on, with her contributions to Black wealth, entrepreneurship, and the professionalization of cosmetology for African American women still being felt today[1].
References: 1. "Annie Malone." Encyclopaedia Britannica, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc., 17 Mar. 2021, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Annie-Malone. 2. "St. Louis." Encyclopaedia Britannica, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc., 19 June 2020, https://www.britannica.com/place/St-Louis. 3. "Poro College." Encyclopaedia Britannica, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc., 25 Feb. 2021, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Poro-College. 4. "Annie Malone." BlackPast, BlackPast.org, 2021, https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/malone-annie-turnbo-1869-1957/. 5. "Madam C.J. Walker." Encyclopaedia Britannica, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc., 18 Nov. 2020, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Madam-C-J-Walker. 6. "Annie Malone." Black Women in America, Oxford African American Studies Center, 2021, https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780195384678.001.0001/acref-9780195384678-e-3025. 7. "Annie Malone." BlackPast, BlackPast.org, 2021, https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/malone-annie-turnbo-1869-1957/. 8. "Annie Malone." Black Women in America, Oxford African American Studies Center, 2021, https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780195384678.001.0001/acref-9780195384678-e-3025.
- Annie Malone's understanding of chemistry and her passion for Black beauty, coupled with her entrepreneurial spirit, significantly contributed to the evolution of health-and-wellness and skin-care industries, focusing on products tailored for African Americans.
- Malone's business ventures expanded beyond just hair care, as she opened the Poro College, the first cosmetology school in the United States specialized in Black hair care, promoting education, self-development, and personal growth for thousands of African American students.
- The Poro College also served as a hub for business gatherings, hosting meetings of the National Negro Business League, which aimed to foster economic advancement and entrepreneurship among African Americans.
- Malone's success in the business world demonstrates the importance of finance in achieving personal and financial growth, a critical aspect of entrepreneurship that continues to be relevant today.
- Malone's legacy extends beyond the realm of business, as she used her wealth to support institutions like Black orphanages and Howard University, emphasizing the role of education in culture, history, and overall development.
- The history of Annie Malone and her trailblazing achievements in science, entrepreneurship, education, and women's health serves as an inspiration for future generations, highlighting the potential for innovation and success regardless of one's background or circumstances.
