Madam C.J. Walker, a forerunner African American businesswoman and philanthropist, rose from the clutches of poverty to establish herself as a top figure in the early 1900’s beauty industry.
Her journey is proof to how strong resilience and self-belief can be. Madam Walker’s quotes sums up her relentless spirit and useful wisdom, which reflects her doctrine on success, empowerment, and why it is important to create opportunities not only for yourself, but also for others.
To this day, her words never stops to inspire generations, stressing on the importance of hard work, creation, and community support.
Top 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.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I got my start by giving myself a start.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I had to make my own living and my own opportunity. But I made it!” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I am not satisfied in making money for myself. I endeavor to provide employment for hundreds of women of my race.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“Perseverance is my motto.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“There is no royal flower-strewn path to success. And if there is, I have not found it. For if I have accomplished anything in life, it is because I have been willing to work hard.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I have built my own factory on my own ground.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I am not ashamed of my past. I am proud of the work I have done and the progress I have made.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“If I have accomplished anything in life, it is because I have been willing to work hard.” – Madam C.J. Walker
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Madam C.J. Walker Quotes on Perseverance
“Perseverance is my motto. Without it, there is no chance of success.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“Keep in mind that many have had a hard time and have had to work at odd jobs until they could find the right opportunity.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“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.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I have always tried to push onward and have never looked at past misfortunes.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I have built my own factory on my own ground. My perseverance has paid off.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“No matter what comes, I will persevere until I succeed.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“Perseverance is to success as iron is to steel.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“The road to success is not easy, but hard work and perseverance can conquer all.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“Success is not to be measured so much by the position that one has reached in life, as by the obstacles which one has overcome while trying to succeed.” – Madam C.J. Walker
Inspirational 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.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I got my start by giving myself a start.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“Perseverance is my motto.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I had to make my own living and my own opportunity. But I made it!” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I am not satisfied in making money for myself. I endeavor to provide employment for hundreds of the women of my race.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I have always tried to push onward and have never looked at past misfortunes.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“If I have accomplished anything in life, it is because I have been willing to work hard.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I am not ashamed of my past. I am proud of the work I have done and the progress I have made.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“No matter what comes, I will persevere until I succeed.” – Madam C.J. Walker
Madam C.J. Walker Quotes on Success
“There is no royal flower-strewn path to success. And if there is, I have not found it. For if I have accomplished anything in life, it is because I have been willing to work hard.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I have built my own factory on my own ground. My perseverance has paid off.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I want others to look at us and see that we care not just about ourselves but about others.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“Success is not to be measured so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which one has overcome while trying to succeed.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I am not merely satisfied in making money for myself. I am eager to create better conditions in the industry for other women.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“My success is measured by the happiness and wellbeing of my employees.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I had to make my own living and my own opportunity, but I made it!” – Madam C.J. Walker
“Make sure that you have your own ideas and work hard to see them come to fruition.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“Keep in mind that many have had a hard time and have had to work at odd jobs until they could find the right opportunity.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“The road to success is not easy, but hard work and perseverance can conquer all.” – Madam C.J. Walker
Motivational Madam C.J. Walker Quotes
“Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I got my start by giving myself a start.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“Perseverance is my motto.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I had to make my own living and my own opportunity. But I made it!” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I am not satisfied in making money for myself. I endeavor to provide employment for hundreds of the women of my race.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I have always tried to push onward and have never looked at past misfortunes.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“If I have accomplished anything in life, it is because I have been willing to work hard.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I am not ashamed of my past. I am proud of the work I have done and the progress I have made.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“No matter what comes, I will persevere until I succeed.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“If you want to succeed, put your mind to it, work diligently, and you will not fail.” – Madam C.J. Walker
Madam C.J. Walker Quotes on Empowerment
“I am not satisfied in making money for myself. I endeavor to provide employment for hundreds of the women of my race.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I want every girl to know that her voice can change the world.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“Don’t wait around for other people to be happy for you. Any happiness you get you’ve got to make yourself.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“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!” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I have built my own factory on my own ground.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I want others to look at us and see that we care not just about ourselves but about others.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I am not ashamed of my past. I am proud of the work I have done and the progress I have made.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“My success is measured by the happiness and wellbeing of my employees.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“Let us not merely satisfy our ambition to make money, but let our ambition be to make money and use it for the good of our kind.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“We must work together to uplift ourselves.” – Madam C.J. Walker
Madam C.J. Walker Quotes on Self-Belief
“I got my start by giving myself a start.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I had to prove to myself that I was going to be somebody.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“Perseverance is my motto.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I had to make my own living and my own opportunity, but I made it!” – Madam C.J. Walker
“No matter what comes, I will persevere until I succeed.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“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.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“Believe in yourself and your own strength.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“Do not sit back and take what comes. Go after what you want.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I have faced many defeats in life, but I have never let them defeat me.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“There is no royal flower-strewn path to success. And if there is, I have not found it. For if I have accomplished anything in life, it is because I have been willing to work hard.” – Madam C.J. Walker
Madam C.J. Walker Quotes on Innovation
“I am not satisfied in making money for myself. I endeavor to provide employment for hundreds of women of my race.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I am building a factory and a research laboratory on my property in Indianapolis, so that I may further develop my products and provide jobs for women.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I got my start by giving myself a start. I had to make my own living and my own opportunity. But I made it!” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I had to make my own living and my own opportunity, but I made it!” – Madam C.J. Walker
“There is no royal flower-strewn path to success. And if there is, I have not found it. For if I have accomplished anything in life, it is because I have been willing to work hard.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I am a woman who came from the cotton fields. I was promoted to the washtub. Then I was promoted to the cook kitchen, and from there I promoted myself into the business of manufacturing hair goods.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I have always believed in the power of self-determination and the importance of creating opportunities where none exist.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I believe that it is our duty to uplift ourselves and those around us through innovation and hard work.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“Innovation is the key to creating a better future for ourselves and our communities.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I am constantly looking for new ways to improve my products and to help others achieve their dreams.” – Madam C.J. Walker
Madam C.J. Walker Quotes on Overcoming Adversity
“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.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“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.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“There is no royal flower-strewn path to success. And if there is, I have not found it. For if I have accomplished anything in life, it is because I have been willing to work hard.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I had to prove to myself that I was going to be somebody.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“If I have accomplished anything in life, it is because I have been willing to work hard.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I am not ashamed of my past. I am proud of the work I have done and the progress I have made.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I am not satisfied in making money for myself. I endeavor to provide employment for hundreds of women of my race.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“Perseverance is my motto.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I got my start by giving myself a start.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I am a woman who came from the cotton fields. I was promoted to the washtub. Then I was promoted to the cook kitchen, and from there I promoted myself into the business of manufacturing hair goods.” – Madam C.J. Walker
Reflective Madam C.J. Walker Quotes
“I am a woman who came from the cotton fields. I was promoted to the washtub. Then I was promoted to the cook kitchen, and from there I promoted myself into the business of manufacturing hair goods.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I had to make my own living and my own opportunity, but I made it!” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I am not ashamed of my past. I am proud of the work I have done and the progress I have made.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“Looking back, I am satisfied that I have spent my life striving to create more light and truth.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“Perseverance is my motto. It has long carried me through times of bleakness and despair.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I want others to look at us and see that we care not just about ourselves but about others.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“My philosophy is to turn disadvantages into opportunities and prosperity.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“Innovation is the key to creating a better future for ourselves and our communities.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I got my start by giving myself a start. I have built my life from the ground up.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“Every girl ought to realize that it is upon her own initiative that her success depends.” – Madam C.J. Walker
Madam C.J. Walker Quotes on Community
“I am not satisfied in making money for myself. I endeavor to provide employment for hundreds of the women of my race.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I want every girl to know that her voice can change the world, starting with her own community.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“We should have a spirit of cooperation and unity among us, striving to uplift each other.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“Let us not merely satisfy our ambition to make money, but let our ambition be to make money and use it for the good of our kind.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“My success depends on my ability to work and to achieve in cooperation with others.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I have built my own factory on my own ground. My intention is to create a space where we can grow together.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“It is through our collective efforts that we can achieve extraordinary things.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I am eager to see the day when the community I have helped build can stand as a testament to our shared efforts and dreams.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“We must work together to uplift ourselves.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I have always believed in the power of community to foster change and progress.” – Madam C.J. Walker
Historical Perspective on 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.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I got my start by giving myself a start.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“My rise from the cotton fields of the South to becoming a businesswoman challenges the narrative of what is possible for black women in America.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“Looking back on my life, I see what I have done as a trail for other black women to follow.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“As I look back, I see that every milestone in my career was a result of overcoming what seemed like insurmountable obstacles.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“I had to make my own living and my own opportunity. But I made it! This is the legacy I leave for future generations.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“My life is proof that, with perseverance and a dream, a woman of humble beginnings can change the world.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“My story is a testament to the power of self-belief and the determination to succeed, despite societal barriers.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“The trials I faced and the success I achieved have left a blueprint for others to follow.” – Madam C.J. Walker
“Every product I created, every job I provided, was a step toward lifting my race.” – Madam C.J. Walker
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Final Thoughts
Madam C.J. Walker’s quotes have more to offer than historical insight; they provide ageless advice that will resonate with you if seeking to overcome obstacles and be successful.
Her life’s work and her words capture the effect of determination, the importance of self-made opportunities, and the significance of uplifting others along the way.
As you contemplate on her legacy through these quotes, you are reminded of the lasting power of vision and the potential that you have to effect significant change. Let Madam Walker’s words inspire you to go after your dreams with the same bravery and perseverance she demonstrated throughout her incredible time on earth.