She spent her early years growing up on the cotton plantation where her parents and older siblings had been enslaved before becoming sharecroppers, the New York Post reported. We’re honored to welcome her into this group of trailblazing women and introduce more kids to her journey of becoming one of the nation’s first widely successful female founders. It's still very special to me that Madam Walker is part of a Barbie series because I know Barbie is international and reaches millions of people," she said.

I wanted to capture Walker in a time in her life where she was selling her Wonderful Hair Grower, at public meetings and private home demonstrations – the true spirit of self-made,” says designer Carlyle Nuera. Her input and knowledge helped in the creation of Walker's vibrant outfit that showcases the entrepreneur's favorite colors — purple and turquoise — as well as the hair and the packaging of the doll which features a historical photo of Walker's Villa Lewaro residence, a gathering place for people during the Harlem Renaissance. This collectible doll wears a full-length skirt and a blouse with beautiful floral print and ruffled details, reflecting her joyful fashion-forward aesthetic. Will fears Meghan and Harry could become 'Royals for hire' prompt King Charles to help fund their lives to avoid them looking elsewhere?Mattel’s] 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,” Bundles said in a statement. Walker was also a washerwoman for many years, Bundles said, signaling that she knew fabric and loved clothes. A Black entrepreneur, philanthropist, and activist, her line of hair and cosmetic products for Black women propelled her to become the first female self-made millionaire in America. J. Walker included in Barbie's Inspiring Women Series means her story will go out across the world in a way it never has before,' Bundles told Yahoo Life. Duster and Bundles posted on Twitter mutual excitement about their legendary elders being together again as Barbie dolls.

Her self-made fortune also enabled her to do incredible philanthropic work, such as aiding in the building fund of the "colored" YMCA in Indianapolis. After testing many homemade remedies, she found a solution which resulted in Madam Walker's Wonderful Hair Grower, a scalp conditioning and healing formula. Julia Roberts' brother Eric Roberts has starred in EIGHT famous music videos from Mariah Carey to The Killers - but have you seen them all?

I watched that process for somebody who went through the same thing I was going through,” Bundles said.

Walker’s great-great granddaughter, A’Lelia Bundles, is hopeful that the doll (with its adorable mini hair products) will introduce the story of the historical figure to an expanded audience. a line of hair care products and cosmetics designed for Black women, and employing thousands of Black women at her company.J. Walker’s status as an entrepreneur, philanthropist and activist has long been a model for aspiring Black business owners. Since many photos from the early 20th century are in black and white, Bundles wanted the Walker doll to have a colorful outfit. The Barbie Inspiring Women Series 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.

Created by Mattel, Barbie is an iconic fashion doll that encourages creativity, storytelling, and endless possibilities. Printed inside the Barbie's box is a recreation of a vintage photo of Walker's New York estate featuring several hundreds of her sales agents. Barbie dolls have been a beloved toy for generations, capturing the hearts and imaginations of children all over the world.J. Walker, Bundles also founded the Madam Walker Family Archives and serves as brand historian for the modern iteration of her ancestor’s products: MADAM by Madam C.