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.

Annie Turnbo began selling her homemade hair products door-to-door in predominantly Black neighborhoods. She experienced immediate success, realizing the unmet need for quality hair care products for Black women. She relocated to Lovejoy, Illinois to officially begin expanding her business.

Recognizing the potential for growth, Annie Turnbo moved her business to St. Louis, Missouri, a larger and more diverse city. Here, she established and began advertising her 'Wonderful Hair Grower', a specialized treatment designed to straighten and style African-American hair without damage. The move proved pivotal, allowing her to reach a wider audience and further refine her products.

Annie Turnbo Malone established Poro College in St. Louis, a cosmetology school and business center. The college not only taught students the art of hair care and styling using her Poro products but also instilled in them business skills and a sense of self-reliance. Poro College became a hub of Black entrepreneurship and empowerment, training thousands of agents who went on to open salons across the country and internationally. It provided education and economic advancement opportunities for African Americans, particularly women, during a time of limited opportunities.

By the late 1910s, Annie Malone had become one of the first African-American women to achieve millionaire status. Driven by a deep commitment to giving back to her community, she became a significant philanthropist, donating generously to Black schools, orphanages, and the YMCA. Her philanthropic efforts reflected her belief in the power of education and opportunity to uplift others.

Malone moved her business operations to Chicago, where she built a new, even more elaborate Poro College. This relocation expanded her reach and influence, further solidifying her position as a leader in the Black business community.

Malone's success was marred by a bitter divorce from her husband and a tax dispute with the federal government. These challenges significantly impacted her fortune and required her to work tirelessly to maintain her business and philanthropic endeavors.

Due to the ongoing legal and financial burdens, Malone was forced to sell the Poro College building in 1951. This marked a significant turning point in her career, though she continued to work in the beauty industry.

Annie Minerva Turnbo Malone passed away in Chicago, Illinois. Though she faced hardships later in life, she left behind an indelible legacy as a pioneering entrepreneur, inventor, and philanthropist. Her Poro system and business model paved the way for countless Black entrepreneurs and beauty professionals, and her commitment to social progress continues to inspire generations.