Annie Minerva Turnbo was born in Metropolis, Illinois, to Robert and Isabella Turnbo, the tenth of eleven children. Her parents were formerly enslaved people who later became farmers.

Annie was orphaned at a young age and was raised by her aunt in Peoria, Illinois. This likely instilled in her a sense of independence and resourcefulness.

While in Peoria, Annie developed an early interest in hair care. She experimented with different hair treatments and began formulating her own recipes, showcasing her nascent entrepreneurial spirit and scientific curiosity. She loved attending her aunt's herbal medicine practices as a child.

Annie attended high school, with a particular focus on chemistry. This formal education provided her with the scientific foundation necessary for developing and refining her hair care products.

Due to illness, Annie had to temporarily withdraw from school. However, her drive to learn and improve her products led her to return and continue her studies, demonstrating her resilience and commitment.