Madam C.J. Walker, the first female self-made millionaire, is being honored with her own Barbie doll.
It’s part of the Barbie Inspiring Women Series, which “pays tribute to incredible heroines of their time; courageous women who took risks, changed rules, and paved the way for generations of girls to dream bigger than ever before.”
“Their design team graciously welcomed me throughout all steps of the process – from hair development to packaging – to capture and celebrate the legacy of this trailblazing Black businesswoman. I can’t wait for a new generation to be inspired by her story and to tell their own stories through a role model who came before them,” A’Lelia Bundles, Great-Great Granddaughter and Official Biographer of Madam C.J. Walker, said in a news release.
C.J. Walker created a line of hair care products and built a factory, hair and manicure salon and second training school in Indianapolis.
The Madam C.J. Walker Barbie is holding a miniature replica of her original Wonderful Hair Grower product.
“Madam C.J. Walker’s unflinching determination and pioneering spirit not only helped revolutionize the hair care industry of the time, but broke boundaries and opened doors for the next generation of women entering business and entrepreneurship,” Mattel, Barbie’s parent company, wrote in a news release.
Walker remains an integral part of Indianapolis history — though she left Indianapolis in 1916 for New York. The Walker Theatre opened in 1927 and allowed Black patrons in who were not allowed in the same theaters as white people or who were relegated to the balcony. When it opened, the Walker Building contained other businesses, including a beauty salon and school, a restaurant and a ballroom, among others.
Today, the Theatre remains in its location at 617 Indiana Ave. and is listed as a National Historic Landmark.
The Madam C.J. Walker doll dons a stylish turquoise and purple dress and comes with a “Madam C.J. Walker’s Wonderful Hair Grower” accessory.
The doll was released Wednesday and was already sold out at Target and Mattel on Thursday. It is still available online through Walmart and Amazon.
Other women who have been part of the Barbie series include Helen Keller, Amelia Earhart, Rosa Parks and Dr. Jane Goodall.