Washington, Sarah Spencer

1889-1953 · Contribution: 1919

Founded Apex News and Hair Company; beauty product chemistry innovation

Business & Misc. — collage image
Business & Misc.

Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.

Impact on the world

Built a major beauty products empire applying advanced chemistry training to formulate hair and skincare products, becoming one of the wealthiest Black women of her era.

Life & background

A businesswoman and philanthropist, Washington applied chemistry training from Columbia University to develop a line of hair and beauty products, founding the Apex News and Hair Company and building a national beauty products empire.

Sources

  1. Avari Beauty; New Jersey Hall of Fame