Madam C.J. Walker

First female self-made millionaire

Modern influential 75 sayings

Sayings by Madam C.J. Walker

Opposition sharpens focus.

Unknown — Viewing resistance and challenges as a mechanism for improving clarity and determination.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Pressure builds business strength.

Unknown — Embracing pressure as a positive and necessary force for developing robust business capabilities.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Hard paths produce rare leaders.

Unknown — Connecting difficult experiences with the development of exceptional leadership qualities.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Answer doubt with results.

Unknown — A direct, action-oriented response to skepticism and self-doubt.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Self-belief is your first investment.

Unknown — Prioritizing internal confidence as the foundational capital for any endeavor.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Confidence is built by doing, not waiting.

Unknown — Emphasizing active engagement and action as the means to develop self-assurance.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Trust your ability to learn fast.

Unknown — Highlighting adaptability and rapid learning as crucial entrepreneurial skills.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Believe bigger than your beginnings.

Unknown — An inspiring call to transcend humble or difficult origins through ambition.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Lift others as you climb.

Unknown — A principle of collective uplift and social responsibility as one achieves personal success.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Perseverance is my motto.

Unknown — A concise statement of her core philosophy for overcoming challenges.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Love's language is imprecise, fits more like mittens than gloves.

Unknown — An unexpected, poetic, and slightly melancholic observation on the nature of love's expression.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

There is no royal road to success, but through hard work, energy, and perseverance.

1910s — Interview or speech, a common theme in her messaging
Controversial Unverifiable

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!

1913 — Speech to her agents
Controversial Unverifiable

I want to say to every Negro woman present, don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them!

1912 — Speech at the National Negro Business League convention
Controversial Unverifiable

If I have accomplished anything in life it is because I have been willing to work hard.

1910s — Interview or speech
Controversial Unverifiable

I am not merely satisfied in making money for myself, for I am endeavoring to provide employment for hundreds of the women of my race.

1910s — Speech or interview
Controversial Confirmed

The great lesson that I have learned in my life is to stand by myself, to be self-reliant, to be self-sustaining.

1910s — Reflecting on her journey
Controversial Unverifiable

I had to go to work to help my mother support the family. I was a child of the Reconstruction period.

1910s — Interview, describing her early life struggles
Controversial Unverifiable

The only way to build a great business is to have a great product.

1910s — Business philosophy
Controversial Unverifiable

I have built my own factories on my own ground.

1910s — Speech, emphasizing her independence and ownership
Controversial Unverifiable