She reached out to companies that produced and sold personal care products, looking for one willing to license or purchase her invention and bring it to market.

She found what seemed to be a willing partner.

A company expressed interest in her invention.

There were discussions.

It appeared that the long years of development might finally produce a commercial product that would reach the market.

And then the company discovered that Mary Kenner was Black.

The deal fell apart.

The company — which has been identified in various accounts but whose behavior was not atypical of the era — was not willing to do business with a Black inventor.