Abstract:

With regard to the economic and sociological contexts of the U.S. business history, it is possible to say that entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs are supported. On the other hand, the occurrence of the US Civil War, the opening of the front of the freedom of the black citizens, the possibility of freedom of the individual without being employed as a slave in the economic life, are important breakthroughs in the country’s history. However, black women have often been blocked from participating in business as well as from participating in entrepreneurial activities due to both race and gender discrimination. However, it is also possible to meet some female entrepreneurs with atypical characteristics. Mrs. CJ Walker is one of them. Walker, who was entrepreneurial between 1905-1919, was named the first African-born female millionaire in the United States and presented a successful entrepreneurial profile that has characteristics such as managing, charitable, political activist. The aim of this study is to discuss the career development of a female entrepreneur who worked in the 20th century in various topics, taking into account the socio-economic contexts. The entrepreneurial career of Mrs. CJ Walker, an important historical figure using the quality research method, was studied with the Entrepreneurial Career Model of W. Gibb Dyer Jr. and a secondary data-based analysis was carried out through a variety of biographical books, historical analysis books and articles. The outcomes are the pioneers that influence the career choice of an atypical female entrepreneur, the experience of socialization that enables the person to adapt to the roles related to entrepreneurship, the roles related to entrepreneurship (career orientation), personal, family and occupational problems arising during the career development, conflicts and doubts and the successes/ failures in these fields. There are also elements that are not in the study model.

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