Skip to Main Content
HBS Home
  • About
  • Academic Programs
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Research
  • Baker Library
  • Giving
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Initiatives
  • News
  • Recruit
  • Map / Directions
Faculty & Research
  • Faculty
  • Research
  • Featured Topics
  • Academic Units
  • …→
  • Harvard Business School→
  • Faculty & Research→
Publications
Publications
  • February 2021 (Revised July 2022)
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

Sarah Breedlove: Changing the World

By: Robert Simons and Max Saffer
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:16
ShareBar

Abstract

This case describes the rise of Sarah Breedlove, who later called herself Madam C.J. Walker, from the cotton fields of Louisiana to the head of a successful, nationwide beauty company providing opportunity and hair care products to Black women. The case describes how Breedlove started her business, recruited sales agents, and built a strong customer base across the United States. Students will learn how Sarah Breedlove navigated life’s choices to leave a lasting impact on the world.

Keywords

Brands; African-american Entrepreneurs; Entrepreneurship; Values and Beliefs; Personal Characteristics; Success; Work-Life Balance; Business Startups; Brands and Branding; Marketing; Personal Development and Career; Beauty and Cosmetics Industry; United States

Citation

Simons, Robert, and Max Saffer. "Sarah Breedlove: Changing the World." Harvard Business School Case 121-060, February 2021. (Revised July 2022.)
  • Educators
  • Purchase

About The Author

Robert Simons

Accounting and Management
→More Publications

Related Work

    • February 2021 (Revised July 2022)
    • Faculty Research

    Sarah Breedlove: Changing the World

    By: Robert Simons and Max Saffer
    • February 2023
    • Faculty Research

    Sarah Breedlove: Changing the World

    By: Robert Simons and Shirley Sun
Related Work
  • Sarah Breedlove: Changing the World By: Robert Simons and Max Saffer
  • Sarah Breedlove: Changing the World By: Robert Simons and Shirley Sun
ǁ
Campus Map
Harvard Business School
Soldiers Field
Boston, MA 02163
→Map & Directions
→More Contact Information
  • Make a Gift
  • Site Map
  • Jobs
  • Harvard University
  • Trademarks
  • Policies
  • Accessibility
  • Digital Accessibility
Copyright © President & Fellows of Harvard College