Thousands of Black Women in America have childhood memories of sitting in the kitchen next to the stove, often in tears. Our Grandmothers towering over us with a hot comb in hand, their voices stern and firm. I remember Grandma's words like it was yesterday, "Girl, sit still before I burn you!!"

These were not words of threats or abuse, these were the words of a serious and loving Grandmother that wanted to get the job done, right! My Grandma's mission was simple, to make sure my hair was nice and straight for church service on Sunday. The hot "straighten comb" did the job every time! Well, ladies we have America's first black woman millionaire to thank for that...Madam CJ Walker!!!

Let's not only celebrate Madam Walker for becoming the first "Oprah" of her day, but let's also celebrate her for building a fortune in an industry we all love...Direct Sales.

Madam C.J. Walker is one of the earliest pioneers of the direct sales industry. In 1905 she developed her own hair care products and started her own company—the Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company. Madam CJ Walker's company manufactured and distributed all her products. Madam Walker realized early on that her prospective customers would most likely buy products if they could experience them first.  Madam Walker spent 18 months between 1906 and 1908 traveling door-to-door demonstrating and selling her products. Recognizing that she could duplicate her own successful sales in other women, Walker encouraged other Black women to leave their dead end jobs as poorly paid dishwashers, cleaning women and maids to become Walker Agents and earn commissions selling various hair care preparations directly to customers. Capitalizing on the power of direct selling, Walker spent years traveling throughout the south selling her products and training her independent sales consultants, all proudly known as Walker Agents. By 1910 she had a growing team of Walker Agents that sold and demonstrated  the products to black women across America.  Madam Walker often set up meetings and "party plan" gatherings at black churches and other black public venues.

After many years of building her business and training hundreds of Walker Independent Consultants, Madam Walker became America's first black millionaire business woman . Finally, on August 19, 2006, the Direct Sales Association recognized Madam CJ Walker as a true pioneer in our industry. Madam Walker was awarded the Distinguished Service Award at the Our Own Image Convention in Ohio.