Theresa Bennett-Wilkes

“I have a philosophy: I want for my sisters and brothers [and] people in general, what I want for myself. I want good for them and I want good for me.”
-Eunice Dudley

Those who know Mrs. Eunice Dudley often remark on her untiring devotion to serving others. She believes in giving, sharing, and helping and she does it quietly—with no fanfare. Mrs. Dudley explained: “When I was seven years old, my father instilled in me the importance of giving. I still make my decisions on giving based on my early teachings. I believe that it is better to give than to receive. When you’re tired of giving, you’re tired of receiving.”

Mrs. Dudley practices this philosophy in all aspects of her life, especially at the office. “For the past nineteen years we’ve had a sales campaign at Dudley Products called ‘The First Lady’s Birthday.’ It’s held in January and February, because my birthday is February 11th. We celebrate my birthday the entire month of February, and all the winners are treated to a very delicious breakfast at Dudley Manor, and I do the cooking. I just love doing that one. It’s my way of giving back to all the Dudley staff and sales representatives for their hard work.”

Eunice Dudley is the chief financial officer of Dudley Products, Inc., a multimillion-dollar hair care and cosmetics company headquartered in Kernersville, NC, and director of Dudley Cosmetology University, also located in Kernersville.

“I try to be a role model for my students by teaching them to have strength and courage. I encourage them to develop leadership skills so they can be the entrepreneurs they want to be,” she explained.

Mrs. Dudley’s interest in the success of her students goes beyond merely being the university’s director. There are thirty pupils at the Kernersville campus and she knows each one personally. She mentors, nurtures and offers counsel. “Her greatest interest is in the field of cosmetology,” explained Carol Craver, the Kernersville campus business manager, “and she wants her students to excel.”

Joe Dudley, Jr., vice president of marketing, Dudley Products, emphasized his mother’s role as a mentor for a special company program aimed at teenagers called “Dudley fellows and Dudley ladies.” Joe elaborated, “We provide them with examples of successful people to give them a vision of what they can become. My mother provides the same level of contact and encouragement to our students at our schools all across the nation. She lets people know that Dudley Products is concerned about and committed to the community.”

Ms. Dudley with winners of the annual Educational & Motivational Symposium, an event that Dudley Products produces. Continuing education classes for cosmetologists at this event where students receive credits required for maintaining their cosmetology license. The eventg is a formal banquet, introduction of new products, motivational speeches, trade booths and on-stage cosmetologist competitions.

Mrs. Dudley’s employees think highly of her. For more than 30 years, she has cultivated meaningful relationships with staff members who speak of her with respect and affection.

Becky Smith, a recent Dudley retiree, said, “She has taught me a lot. She’s an encouragement to everybody. She encourages you to do different jobs. I’ve enjoyed working with her, for her, and I feel like she’s been not only an employer, but a friend.”

Carol Craver added, “I’m a high-energy level individual and I would say of my 35 years [of] work experience, she is the best boss/manager I’ve ever had, because our energy levels are about even-steven. It’s not often that you have a manager that works as hard as you.”

“She’s definitely a mentor to me,” said Valerie Coffey, director of the Charlotte beauty college (Coffey has been an employee since June 1989). “She’s a woman of great stature and I definitely view her as a role model for all of America. She’s an unstoppable woman who adds value to life.”

“I’ve known Mrs. Dudley since 1971,” said Betty Clawson, director of the Dudley Beauty College in Chicago. “She’s my boss, friend, confidante, and my advisor. She’s definitely a role model for businesswomen everywhere. She’s been an angel in my life for a long, long time.”

Mrs. Dudley describes herself as always busy. “I’m always busy in terms of work, civic duties and responsibilities. And of course I’m busy with family—I have two grandchildren. And hopefully I’m interesting. I say that because some people are just uninteresting. Hopefully people who deal with me find me interesting,” she stated with a knowing smile.

This versatile businesswoman and philanthropist identified religion, music and travel as the three influences that have shaped the person she is today. On religion, she noted, “My father was a Baptist preacher and the treasurer of Selma University. He instilled in me at a young age the presence of a higher power that he wanted me to get acquainted with. I think that has given me a foundation and a grounding that I’ve used throughout my life. I’ve learned to be a giver of my time, talent and money.”

Mrs. Dudley has a passion for music, and developed a love for it at a very early age. “I started to play the piano when I was seven. Then I took up the bell lyre when I was 12. When I was 13, I learned to blow the trombone, and I played that for four years in the R.B. Hudson High School Band. I was in the high school choir and I was in the Talladega College Choir. Even today I just love all kinds of music.”

Traveling has been a strong influence on Mrs. Dudley as well. “I enjoy traveling, whether it’s inside or outside of the US. I like traveling for business and pleasure.” She explained how it has opened her eyes to the hardships that others in the world go through every day: “I attended the Women’s Conference in Beijing in 1995. It was really something to learn about women from other cultures and how they are treated. We don’t understand and appreciate the freedom we have in our country. We don’t understand, or appreciate common conveniences like toilets, toilet tissue, Kleenex, and wash cloths.”

“She’s forthright, professional, demanding, and loving. The usual terms, dedicated, hardworking, all those apply,” said Joe, Jr. “What is distinctive is her willingness to persevere in the middle of difficulties, large or small, with purpose and a creative mind and spirit. She can definitely find solutions for any problem.”

Mrs. Eunice Dudley: entrepreneur, community activist, philanthropist, friend, mentor, and confidante...[a role model for us all.]

To learn more about Dr. Dudley and her company click here.