In the early 1900s, Sarah Breedlove begins making and selling her own hair products for black women but faces competition from Addie, her jealous former mentor.

Sarah's dream of opening a factory hinges on securing the support of local Black businessmen--and an endorsement from the famous Booker T. Washington.

Sarah's ambitious plans for expanding her empire take her to New York--and lead to betrayals personal and professional that threaten all she's built.

The combined blows of a health scare, worker issues and a tragedy that hits close to home push Sarah to take decisive action about her life and legacy.