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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.
Madam C. J. Walker
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects the journey of a woman who overcame humble beginnings to achieve business success.

Madam C. J. Walker's quote highlights her remarkable ascent from a life of labor in the cotton fields to becoming a successful entrepreneur and pioneer in the beauty industry. Through determination and self-promotion, she illustrates the power of resilience and ambition in transforming one's circumstances and achieving success against the odds.

Themes

SuccessResilienceEntrepreneurshipAmbitionOvercoming Obstacles

In practice

Example use cases

This quote is perfect for a speech about female entrepreneurship at a business conference.

More from Madam C. J. Walker

There is no royal flower strewn path to success. And if there is, I have not found it, for whatever success I have attained has been the result of much hard work and many sleepless nights.
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I am not satisfied in making money for myself. I endeavor to provide employment for hundreds of the women of my race.
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I have made it possible for many colored women to abandon the washtub for a more pleasant and profitable occupation.
Madam C. J. WalkerRead
Don't think that because you have to go down in the wash-tub that you are any less a lady!
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The girls and women of our race must not be afraid to take hold of business endeavor and, by patient industry, close economy, determined effort and close application to business, wring success out of a number of business opportunities that lie at their very doors.
Madam C. J. WalkerRead
As I bent over the washboard and looked at my arms buried in soapsuds, I said to myself, 'What are you going to do when you grow old and your back gets stiff?' This set me to thinking, but with all my thinking I couldn't see how a poor washerwoman was going to better my condition.
Madam C. J. WalkerRead

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Quote by Madam C. J. Walker | QuoteProject