7 Lessons I Learned Watching Self-Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C. J. Walker

Like many of you, I was super excited about the film Self-Made which portrayed the life and legacy of Madam C. J. Walker. It  premiered on Netflix March 20th. If you’ve been following my blog since 2010 (when I was known as Miss Nic’s Elegant Edge) you would know that I admire Madam C. J. Walker and her story. She is the first African American Woman to become a millionaire selling a product that she created. What has inspired me the most, is how she helped to pioneer the black beauty industry during a time when black women and their beauty weren’t even important. She created a solution to what was a problem for many women during that time and even today. I practically grew up in a hair salon, I know exactly how important our hair is to our culture. Having been a part of the beauty industry for such a long time as both a hair stylist & makeup artist, her story inspires me in a way that motivates me to just keep going and complete the vision God has given me. 

Six years ago, four years after finishing cosmetology school and receiving my cosmetology license, I decided I wanted to become a makeup artist. It has been a journey of highs and lows, but I was excited while watching the movie because of her reasons behind wanting to even get started with her business. I just couldn’t help it so I took notes. The film simply confirmed simple truths that a few other beauty professionals have shared with me over the years on in passing. Here’s what I learned/what was confirmed for me and my business while watching the film:

Stick to your vision No Matter how hard it gets!

My beauty brand Blushed & Co. LLC. has such a huge vision behind it, I haven’t even begun to share the half. I wrote my business plan years ago, and I honestly believe God gave me the name for my business in 2017. It’s been a learning process with a few growing pains, but I refuse to give up on the vision. Something won’t let me. Even in the midst of what is happening in the world today, I’m still working on my vision.  Madam C.J. Walker had a vision for her business, and no matter how many ups and downs she encountered, she stuck to her vision. This is how she managed to grow from being a wash maid to a millionaire. She never gave up on her vision.

Never take No as the final answer

Rejection, unfortunately, is a small part of business. People are going to say no to your brand, your pitch, and/or services. It can be a hard thing to navigate through, but it’s one of those growing pains I mentioned. You learn from it and then grow from it. Regardless of how many no’s she received, Madam C. J. Walker never let it deter her from getting her brand out there in front of her customers and investors. I loved to see how even though it troubled her, she dusted herself off and kept going. It reminded me of the many times I’ve been told no and I just had to keep going because the vision is greater than the No!  

Legacy is important to keep the vision going

One thing that was important to Madam C. J. Walker is that she built something substantial enough to last for years to come even after she passed away. It was obvious that her biggest motivation was her daughter A’Lelia. I’ve often said that my beauty brand was for my legacy. I am building for my legacy. I’ve learned how important it is to have someone in place (preferably your family) who can take care of your vision after you are gone. I can’t wait to have my little ones running around the makeup studio watching their mama get it done for them! Passing along generational wealth is important to me. 

You’re only as good as your team

The people behind you helping to push your vision forward is important. You have to choose the right people that will get behind your vision to support your business endeavors. Madam C.J. Walker made a point to include her team in her vision. She not only wanted to employ women, but she wanted to empower them for more. She realized that the success of her business came from her also investing in her team.

God will ALWAYS send the funds to fund your vision

Madam C. J. Walker, like many small business owners, have a difficult time securing the proper financial backing to help fund their small businesses. It’s been proven statistically that African American small business owners struggle in this area a lot. Throughout the movie we were able to see her journey attempting to acquire capital and investors using most of the methods we use today. I was inspired by her refusing to take NO as the final answer. 

Madam C.J. Walker was more than a woman with a vision, she had faith. We were able to witness her faith throughout the movie.  What I’ve learned from my own journey, is that faith is required for the entrepreneurship journey. Many may not believe or receive that, but speaking in regard to my own entrepreneurial journey...my faith has helped to carry me on days when I’ve felt like giving up.  I’ve heard testimonies from other people in business who have received the funding necessary or their vision/business through the form of gifts or seed money from unexpected sources. We witnessed this from the women who collected the money for Madam C. J. Walker and her business.  

If you don’t believe in your vision, no one else will!

This is something I’ve heard from many different business owners. I also saw the same thing being portrayed while watching the movie. She didn’t initially get the response she wanted after simply passing out a few flyers to let everyone know she was opening a salon business. She also didn’t give up after no one showed up to the grand opening. I could completely relate to her distress in that moment. I’m aware of how it truly feels to want people to be just as excited as you are about your business, and they aren’t even phased. That didn’t stop her at all. She proceeded to pass out more flyers, she even set up shop as a vendor, she even engaged in what we call today influencer marketing (testing and offering free services, in exchange for review/feedback). What I’ve learned is that you have to be fully invested in your own business before people will catch on to you and your business. You have to believe it first before everyone else starts to believe it. 

Being in Business requires tunnel vision

Madam C. J. Walker had tunnel vision, and that is how she became the first Black Woman to become a Millionaire. Despite the challenges that came about in her personal life, I understood that her tunnel vision focus was for the family. She included them all in every step of the way. Regardless of how some may feel...a God given vision (a Vision that is bigger than yourself), is  for the family. At least, that’s what I believe. In order for your vision to be completed, you have to have tunnel vision. You have to be focused. I believe with her business being such a great feat for a black woman she needed to be determined to see it all the way through. I do believe balance in her personal life would have benefited her wellness all around. Being driven is great, but sometimes we need a break from the driving force to maintain our overall health. 

I know this was lengthy, but I wanted to expound on each one to just make sure my points were clear. I must admit, I actually enjoyed writing this. Moving forward, I may do more posts related to business for entrepreneurs. 

Have you seen Self-Made on Netflix? What were your thoughts? Sound off in the comments!

I’d love to hear your feedback!

-XO Kelly Nicole

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