Born in 1869, Annie Turnbo Malone experimented with hair-care formulas and invented new products, which she sold door-to-door to other Black women. She moved the business, named Poro, from Illinois to Missouri two years before the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, where many new customers discovered Poro products. The company grew dramatically, creating lucrative jobs for Black women. Malone became wealthy and gave generously to help people in need within Black communities. Madam C. J. Walker, whose hair-care career followed a similar trajectory, began as a Poro agent.

The biographical narrative is very readable and concise while bringing in enough information to help readers understand its historical context. Vintage photos appear throughout the book. A strong choice for the First but Forgotten series (4 titles), which introduces historical figures worth knowing.