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.""

"I am not ashamed of my past and don't intend to be ashamed of it."

"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."

"Don’t sit down and wait for opportunities to come. Get up and make them."

"I am not satisfied in making money for myself. I endeavor to provide employment for hundreds of the women of my race."

"“It’ pretty hard for the Lord to guide you if you haven’t made up your mind which way to go.”"