Famous women who changed the world have been making moves for ages.
March is Women’s History Month. Throughout history, women have played pivotal roles in shaping our world.
In this blog post, we will explore the stories of six remarkable women who didn’t let societal norms stop them from becoming full-on bosses.
From inventors to entrepreneurs, these women have not only changed the world but also help and inspire future generations.
#1 Madam C.J. Walker (1867-1919): Famous Women Who Changed the World
Madam C.J. Walker became one of the wealthiest self-made women in America.
She started her own line of hair care products for African American women, specializing in treatments for hair loss and scalp issues.
Born Sarah Breedlove to formerly enslaved parents, Madam Walker faced poverty and discrimination from an early age.
Madam Walker built a beauty empire. She is number #1 on our Famous Women Who Changed the World list because she paid her success forward. Walker hired thousands of women as sales agents. Walker didn’t just work hard for success for herself, she empowered other women to achieve financial independence.
She used her wealth to support charitable causes and fight for civil rights. Some of her philanthropic efforts include covering tuition for African-American students and donating to local, regional, national, and international organizations that were typically founded by or focused on serving African Americans.
Madam Walker was a true boss because she uplifted others.
#2 Rebecca Lukens (1794-1854): Famous Women Who Changed the World
Rebecca Lukens was one of the famous women who changed the world as one of the first female industrialists in the United States. Lukens was the only woman to run and own an iron mill during the 1800s.
Lukens was born into a Quaker family in Pennsylvania. When she was 31-years-old, and pregnant with her sixth child, Lukens’ husband Charles Lukens died of illness.
It was kind of a big deal when Rebecca Lukens took over the iron business after his death. A woman in her position would have been expected to play the role of homemaker.
Her mother reportedly wasn’t even supportive.
The mill was practically bankrupt when she took over. Bossgirl that she was, she revived it and made it profitable. Get it!
By 1844, Lukens’ net worth was $60,000. That’s like $2 million today.
Under her leadership, Lukens Iron and Steel Company became one of the largest producers of iron in the nation.
#3 Lydia E. Pinkham (1819-1883):
Lydia E. Pinkham was a trailblazing entrepreneur and advocate for women’s health in the 19th century. After experiencing her own health struggles, Lydia began concocting herbal remedies to alleviate women’s ailments, including menstrual cramps and menopause symptoms.
She turned her kitchen into a laboratory and started selling her remedies door-to-door.
Despite facing skepticism from male physicians and the medical establishment, Lydia’s products gained popularity among women seeking alternative treatments. Her most famous creation, Lydia Pinkham’s Vegetable Compound, became a household name and helped countless women find relief.
Lydia’s success not only revolutionized the health and wellness industry but also empowered women to take control of their own bodies and health.
#5 Lilian Vernon (1927-2015):
Lilian Vernon was a German-born American entrepreneur who founded one of the world’s leading catalog and online retail companies. Emigrating to the United States after World War II, Lilian Vernon started her business with just $2,000 in savings and a passion for entrepreneurship.
She began by selling personalized handbags and leather goods through mail-order catalogs, eventually expanding into a wide range of products, from household items to gifts and accessories.
Lilian’s business acumen and determination propelled her company to success. She became a trailblazer in the world of direct marketing, demonstrating that women could excel in traditionally male-dominated industries.
#6 Muriel Siebert (1928-2013):
Muriel Siebert was the first woman to own a seat on the New York Stock Exchange.
A true Wall Street boss, in 1967, she founded her own brokerage firm, Muriel Siebert & Co. Muriel advocated for gender equality in the financial industry. She mentored other women aspiring to succeed in finance.
Her pioneering efforts paved the way for future generations of women to pursue careers in banking and investing, challenging stereotypes and glass ceilings along the way.
#7 Estée Lauder (1906-2004):
You’ve probably used or at minimum seen an Estée Lauder product.
Famous women who changed the world love to look and feel their best.
Estée Lauder revolutionized the beauty and cosmetics industry. Born Josephine Esther Mentzer in Queens, New York, Estée Lauder learned about skincare and cosmetics from her chemist uncle. She began selling her own homemade beauty products to friends and family.
She grew her business into a global beauty empire, with iconic brands like Estée Lauder, Clinique, and MAC Cosmetics.
Always business savvy and innovative, she pioneered the concept of the free gift with purchase. Her advertising campaigns established her brand as synonymous with luxury and glamour.
Estée’s entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and relentless pursuit of excellence made her a role model for women in business worldwide.
What Now?
The stories of these remarkable women serve as a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and resilience in the face of adversity. Trailblazing women defied societal expectations and changed the world through their ingenuity and determination.
Their legacies continue to inspire and empower women to break barriers, pursue their passions, and make their mark on history.
As we celebrate their achievements, let us also honor the countless unsung heroines whose contributions have shaped our world and paved the way for future generations of women to succeed.