Annie Minerva Turnbo was born in Metropolis, Illinois, to Robert and Isabella Turnbo, who were formerly enslaved. She was the tenth of eleven children. Her early life was marked by hard work and a strong family connection, which instilled in her the values of perseverance and community that would define her later success.

While attending high school in Peoria, Illinois, Annie Turnbo developed a keen interest in chemistry and hair care. Experimenting with different formulas, she began creating her own hair products tailored specifically for African-American women. This marked the beginning of her journey toward creating a revolutionary product line.