Barbie honors America’s first female self-made millionaire Madam C.J. Walker

Mattel is honoring America’s first female self-made millionaire Madam C.J. Walker as the latest Barbie doll in its “Inspiring Women” collection.

About Madam C.J. Walker

Born in 1867, Madam C.J. Walker was a Black entrepreneur and activist who would eventually become the nation’s first self-made female millionaire, as documented by Guinness World Records.

Most known for creating a successful line of hair care and makeup products specifically for Black women, Walker’s perseverance led her to open doors for the next generation of women entering business.

“As a pioneer in entrepreneurship, philanthropy​, and activism, creating the blueprint for the self-made American businesswoman and innovators of the twentieth century, Madam C.J. Walker is an embodiment of our Barbie Inspiring Women series,” says Lisa McKnight, executive vice president and global head of Barbie and dolls for Mattel. “We’re honored to welcome her into this group of trailblazing women and introduce more kids to her journey of becoming one of the nation’s first widely-successful female founders.”

The Madam C.J. Walker doll

Photo Credit: Mattel

The doll is dressed in Walker’s favorite colors, including shades of lavender, purple and turquoise. It holds a miniature replica of her original Wonderful Hair Grower product.

Mattel worked directly with A’Lelia Bundles, the great-great-granddaughter and official biographer of Walker, to create an authentic representation based on rare family photos and stories about Walker.

“Inspiring Women” collection

The Inspiring Women’s Collection pays homage to women “who took risks and challenged the status quo” in their lifetimes, setting new precedents for generations of girls, according to Mattel.

Walker will join an impressive list that includes Rosa Parks, Susan B. Anthony, Maya Angelou and more.