Annie Turnbo Malone

Annie Turnbo Malone was orphaned as a child and raised by an older sister, developing an early fascination with chemistry despite being unable to complete high school due to illness. She began experimenting with hair care formulas designed specifically for Black women's hair, at a time when the commercial hair care industry offered almost nothing suited to their needs.

In 1902, Malone moved her growing business to St Louis, Missouri, where she developed and trademarked the Poro brand of hair care products. She built an extensive sales network of trained agents across the country, creating employment and entrepreneurial opportunity for thousands of Black women during an era of extremely limited economic options.

In 1918, Malone founded Poro College in St Louis, a combined manufacturing facility, training school and community centre that taught business skills, cosmetology and personal development to Black women, becoming both an economic engine and a cultural institution for the city's Black community.

At the height of her success, Malone's business empire made her one of the first Black female millionaires in American history, and she became known for extensive philanthropy, funding institutions including an orphanage that would later be named in her honour. She also employed and mentored a young Sarah Breedlove — who would go on to even greater fame as Madam C.J. Walker — early in Breedlove's career.