The intensity of Walker’s early jobs began to cause hair loss, and it was out of this unfortunate circumstance that grew her “secret” formula for a scalp ointment that promoted healthy hair growth. Madame Walker began selling her product door-to-door in the black community. The company became well known, not only for its hair care products, but also for its extensive agent system, in which well-trained black women traveled throughout black neighborhoods across the United States, promoting the products. Madame Walker was widely recognized as a pioneer in black business and philanthropy.