I must admit; I wasn’t much for Barbies when I was child. I was a tomboy and Fisher Price Little People were more my jam—especially the houseboat. (If you know, you know).

But a new Barbie caught my attention.

This year, Mattel’s blockbuster toy line is recognizing Madam C.J. Walker with an Inspiring Women doll. Dressed in a floral printed blouse paired with a full-length turquoise skirt, the Madam C.J. Walker doll grasps a miniature replica of her original Wonderful Hair Grower product. Seriously, chemists and packaging designers, you need to see the detail!

Barbie’s Inspiring Women Series pays tribute to women who took risks, changed rules and paved the way for generations of girls. Those who have been honored with their own dolls include: Dr. Maya Angelou, Helen Keller, Eleanor Roosevelt, Billie Jean King, Ella Fitzgerald, Florence Nightingale, Susan B. Anthony, Amelia Earhart, Katherine Johnson, Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, Sally Ride, Ida B. Wells and Dr. Jane Goodall.

If you are in the beauty business, you must know Madam Walker’s story—and if you don’t, you should. Born Sarah Breedlove in 1867, Walker was the daughter of parents who were formerly enslaved and became sharecroppers. She’s one of the original indies—an “OG” female founder in the beauty business.

Her memory lives on in the beauty industry. Sundial (part of Unilever) touts the Madam by Madam C.J. Walker haircare collection. The brand was made through a collaboration with her great-great granddaughter, A'Lelia Bundles, who was involved throughout the process of creating the Barbie, too.

The Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) honors Walker as well with a scholarship that supports under-represented minority students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in a range of science disciplines. The scholarship, which was created in 2020, is sponsored by Mary Kay. (This year's winners were announced last month.)

“As a pioneer in entrepreneurship, philanthropy and activism, creating the blueprint for the self-made American businesswoman and innovators of the twentieth century, Madam C.J. Walker is an embodiment of our Barbie Inspiring Women series,”  said Lisa McKnight, EVP and global head of Barbie and dolls, at Mattel. “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.”  

The Madam C.J. Walker Inspiring Women doll will be sold at Amazon, Walmart and Target for about $35.

Sure, Mattel has taken some flak over the years related to Barbie and body image issues with girls. But we love that Mattel recognizes the influence and inspiration of Walker’s story and is sharing that with a wider audience.