Netflix’s limited series “Self-made: Inspired by the life of Madam C.J. Walker,” premiered on March 20. It is based on the true story of Madam C.J. Walker, born with the name Sarah Breedlove. 

Breedlove was the first woman to become a self-made millionaire. She grew up in difficult times losing her parents at a young age, being orphaned by the age of seven. She was the first one of her siblings to be born into freedom. 

She faced hardships in her adult life. She was in an abusive marriage and lost her hair. She found Annie Malone who helped her with a hair growth solution. 

Breedlove used what she learned from Malone and created her own hair solution, “Madam C.J. Walkers Wonderful Hair Grower,” and started up her own company. 

Netflix did a great job in displaying Madam C.J. Walkers, Ocvtavia Spencer, rise to fame from the day she met Addie Munroe, Carmen Ejogo. Though it is not stated, it is safe to say that Munroe is based on Malone. 

Though not every detail in Netflix’s “Self-made, ” is 100% accurate, it does fill in lots of blank spots that are unknown. 

The one thing that really drags down the show is the cut scenes to where Spencer is portrayed as a boxer. These scenes are absolutely awkward and cringey 

It’s made to symbolize the battle between Breedlove and Munroe, showing there falls in certain parts of the story. 

Something that Netflix failed to do was showing who Breedlove really was. It mentions small parts of her struggle and quickly moves on to her high points in life. 

A message of perseverance was trying to be sent out, but it did not portray that as well because it showed her rise too quickly. It did not seem as she needed to persevere at times. 

 The show made Munroe seem like a villain. Malone was also a strong independent black woman who was rising up as well. She did help others during this time as well as Madam Walker did. Just because she wanted her business to boom as well does not make her a complete villain. 

This was more of an entertainment show than an informative one, putting story after story focusing on the drama rather than telling Breedlove’s story. 

Though the show should have been an informative piece, it is still a four stars for telling the story and giving it that interest that draws viewers.