The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1943-03-06

Nine. Sara Spencer Washington.
founder and president OF the Apex
News and Hair company and the
Apex Beauty colleges, is no stranger
TO the racial group here or in for
e!gn countries. Her life and achieve
ments speak as potential evidence
Of what can be done in a conserva-
tive way by our thrifty women She
is today considered one OF Amer
ica's foremost businesswomen. In
recognition Of her business genius.
Nine. Washington in 1899 was
awarded a medallion at the New
York World fair. This medal was
not only in honor OF her distin-
guished service 10 big business. but
as a recognition for the rapidity in
which she built her company to
become an international figure in
the business world.
She is well known as a business
woman OF the first magnitude, but
better krown for her indetatigable
effort 10 advance her group eco
ncmically.
Nine. Washinston's success was
not gained by taking q side road.
She well knew that Negro business
was weak, snemic. and emaciated,
because other competitive forces
had the capital and power to shu,
Off the, sources Of supply and was
forever being compelled to deal with
unsympa thetic businessmen, whole
salers, and jobbers who were reluc-
tant to extend credit and for OBJ
vious reasons ready to strangle those
who dared to enter the field OF COM
petitive merchandising This fact did
not dim her vision nor her desire
to go forward. In 1920 she started
out on the proverbial shoestring in
one room structure. and alone
has built business which is now
considered one OF the leading
manufacturing concerns in Amer
!ea today. In the beginning. like all
successful people, she worked hard
both day and night in her small es-
adjustment. Carrying on her work
as an operator. teaching her sys-
tenn, and in the evening canvassing
her products from house to house.
Owns largest Chain Beauty Schools
Through the long years OF the de-
preston, exercising her keen bust
ness ability. she gradually built her
business until now she owns the
largest and most up-to-date chain
OF beauty schools in the country.
These schools are modern in every
respect and manned by thorough
~ trained personnel Schools are To-
Gated in Atlantic City. ". j.; New
York City, Brooklyn. Newark. N. J.:
Philadelphia, Baltimore. Washing
ton. Richmond. Chicago and AT.
ANITA. More than $500 students year
~ are trained in the scientific meth
DDS Of beauty culture. according to
the Apex Method Of Instructors.
Students from every section OF the
United States. the West Indies. and
TIRE Caribbean area attend the
schools and then return 10 their
nome 10 open their own businesses
The operation OF the many Apex
enterprises including the large man.
utacturing plant is today giving en-.
Payment 10 more than SIS fine
young men ana women as office
WorkerS--s statesmen managers
pervisorS. teachers, field represen-
iaiiNes- operators laboratory work
ers chemists. investigators and 9th.
ers qualified in specialized fields.
Due TO the large volume OF bust
ness and the many problems that
arse because OF such. Nine. Wash
.ngton realized the need 10 coordi-
nate The various departments in or
der that there would be no over.
tapping ard REPETITION between these
departments.
Al the expense OF several thous-
ands OF dollars department, OF pub
nc relations was established. This
department Is headed by Atty. Earl
w Howard. who has held many no.
siiions in the field OF public rela.
lions. both in private enterprise and
IN the federal government. In sddi-
ton 10 other duties. this depart.
meni is charged with the response.
oill,y OF marketing and the distri.
button Of The many Apex products
which today can DC purchased from
coast 10 coas, in all drug. variety
and department, stores LEADING chain
corporations IN continental United
states. Mexico Canada Guatemala
Nicaragua, Honduras Haiti. Cuba
Puerto Rico. South America and the
Wes, Indies Before the war. con.
siderable merchandise was ex.
ported 20 the continent OF Europe
and the East Indies
The Apex company 'oday is doing
an appreciate export business. al.
.hough the conduct OF The war has
paced many restrictions, m exports.
| These exports maintained . large