Christine Moore Howell facts for kids
Christine Moore Howell (born March 19, 1899 – died December 13, 1972) was a very successful businesswoman. She created her own line of beauty products and founded a company called Christine Cosmetics. She also held an important position as the head of the New Jersey Board of Beauty Culture Control. Christine Howell made history as the first African-American person to graduate from Princeton High School.
Her Early Life and Education
Christine Moore was born in Princeton, New Jersey, on March 19, 1899. Her parents were William Moore Sr. and Adelaide Williams. Both of her parents came from Hillsboro, North Carolina. Christine had three siblings: Bessie, Arthur C., and William Jr.
Her father, William Moore Sr., moved from North Carolina to Princeton. There, he opened a shop where he bought and sold used clothes and furniture. Many university students were his customers. Christine attended Princeton High School. She was the first African-American student ever to graduate from that school.
Building Her Beauty Business
Christine opened her own beauty shop in one of the buildings her father owned. She was very interested in beauty products and even studied chemistry in Paris, France. When she returned home, she used her knowledge to create her own special line of cosmetics and hair care products. This led to her starting Christine Cosmetics.
In 1924, Christine married Dr. Edward Gaylord Howell. He was from Darien, Connecticut.
Leading in New Jersey
In 1935, Harold Giles Hoffman, who was the Governor of New Jersey at the time, appointed Christine Howell to a new group. This group was called the New Jersey Board of Beauty Culture Control. Christine became the chairman, or leader, of this important board. This showed how much she was respected in the beauty industry.
Christine Moore Howell passed away on December 13, 1972. She was buried in Princeton Cemetery.