Women and Inventions
But, Quiet as kept, Madame C.J. Walker had a mentor and teacher who has remained obscure and lost in history for most of us…. Until now! Annie Minerva Turnbo Pope Malone(August 9, 1869 – May 10, 1957) Annie Malone was born in Metropolis, Illinois. From her humble beginnings as an orphan raised by her sister, Annie Malone became one of America’s first $elf-made Millionairess. 
Many of us have learned about the great inventor, businesswoman and pioneer, Madame C.J. Walker. We were taught many wonderful and honorable things about her and she has earned much respect for her contributions to business, science and vocational opportunities, as well as, her economic and cultural contributions to her community and the legacy of her ancestors. 
She began developing safer and more effective hair care methods and treatments for black women in the 1890’s. By the turn of the century, she had developed a network of “Poro Agents” who went door-to-door marketing hair care and beauty supplies she had created.
In 1917, Annie Malone founded the first Poro College in St. Louis, Missouri. By the 1920’s she had built a financial empire valued at over $15 million dollars. This included dozens of Poro Colleges where she empowered people with training in the business of black cosmetology, manufacturing, and public etiquette. At her zenith, she had established over 100 beauty salons & supply stores nationwide, built manufacturing and distribution centers, and employed more than 10,000 door-to-door agents world wide.
Madame C.J. Walker was one of those “Poro agents” who went on to build on Ms. Annie’s shoulders.
A beauty industry pioneer, Annie Malone, the social activist and philanthropist,
donated vast amounts of wealth to social and educational institutions. Among the most noted was her $25,000.00 donation to Howard University. At that time, it was the largest gift ever donated to a historically black institution.
Never forgetting her past, in 1922 Annie Malone made her first $10,000.00 contribution to the St. Louis Colored Orphans' Home, where she served as president from 1919 to 1943. In 1946, it was renamed the Annie Malone Children’s Home in honor of her.
Modern Day Women Innovators
of "Hott Scizzors" A multiple Award-Winning Professional Hair Care Product. | This proud mother and grandmother from Memphis,TN is the inventor of a great new device, "Hott Scizzors!" Designed to cut and seal up to 52 synthetic hair braids in 3 minutes! This very popular invention has revolutionized the quality of the Art of Hair Weaving. For More information on ordering Visit: www.hottscizzors.com |
Hott Scizzors | BRAID SINGEING CLAMP Patented: Jan 19, 1999 U.S. Patent #5,861,607 |
