When the documentary "Good Hair" premiered in 2009, it took viewers into the salons, barbershops and cosmetic companies that cater to the grooming needs of African-Americans. One of those companies was High Point-based Dudley Beauty Corp., a family-owned company that supplies hair care and beauty products to salons and retailers across the nation.
The company's founders, Joe and Eunice Dudley, along with their daughter and current president of Dudley Beauty, Ursula Dudley Oglesby, will visit the N.C. Museum of History on Saturday for the museum's African-American Cultural Celebration. They'll share secrets to their 40-plus years of success during the talk, "Walking by Faith: Building a Hair Care Empire."
For the Dudleys, one of the major components of their success is staying current.
"Like any business, there are many factors in determining one's success or failure," Oglesby says. "One of the challenges (for us) is keeping up with the changing trends in the hair care industry. It is critical to stay on the pulse of the trends and fads."
Another key is understanding the hair and skin care challenges of their customers, while at the same time helping them celebrate their beauty.
"African-Americans have a long heritage of hair and beauty challenges and successes," says Oglesby. "We have the ability to be completely versatile with our hairstyles. We also have a variety of beautiful complexions."
Though well-established on the African-American beauty scene, being featured in "Good Hair" brought the Dudleys acclaim on a much larger scale, and allowed them to educate new audiences about the care of African-American hair and skin.
"Being in 'Good Hair' was fantastic," Oglesby says. "It reminded people that Dudley is one of the few African-American-owned hair companies left. Additionally, the movie exposed us to a brand-new group of young people who may not have been familiar with us."
The Dudleys will deliver their presentation noon-12:30 p.m. and 1-1:30 p.m. Saturday in the Cardinal Room of the SECU Education Center at the N.C. Museum of History. Admission is free and there will be a variety of other talks, performances and more throughout the day. For more information, call 807-7900 or visit www.ncmuseumof history.org .
Keeping it 'Real'
Party like one of Bravo's "Real Housewives" at Flaunt Boutique during the "Housewives of the Triangle" party 6:30-9 tonight. A trunk show by Uvo Luxury, makers of the "Lisa" bag inspired by "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" cast member Lisa Vanderpump, plus champagne, hors d'oeuvres, and complimentary hair and makeup styling are on the docket for the evening. Flaunt is at 120 N. Main St., Apex. 335-6500, www.flaunt btq.com .
Wedding prep
Brides-to-be can get a little help with the planning process this weekend with two big bridal events.
In Raleigh, the Wedding Show 2012 will be at the convention center Friday and Saturday with more than 200 wedding vendors, from florists to makeup artists. Hours for the show are 4-9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door, good for both days. Get tickets and more info at www.forever bridal.net .
In Chapel Hill, the Carolina Inn's annual bridal fair runs 1-4 p.m. Sunday with more than 70 wedding professionals on hand to meet with brides and answer questions. The inn will serve mimosas and hors d'oeuvres, and brides can also check out the latest in wedding fashion during a runway show presented by Alexia's Bridal Boutique, 1-3 p.m. in the Old Well room. Guests can enter a raffle to win $5,000 in floral design from Fresh Affairs, a $1,500 wedding cake gift certificate from TLC's "The Cake Boss," a Jenny Packham Shukura gown from Tre Bella Bridal Salon, a $300 bridal portrait session from Neil Boyd Photography or a $200 disc jockey discount from Joe Bunn DJ Company. Raffle tickets are $5 and tickets for the fair are $15 or complimentary for any bride getting married at the inn. Tickets are available at www.carolinainnbride.com .
Chop, chop
Stylists at Blo salon in Raleigh (8451 Brier Creek Parkway) will put their shears to work for a good cause again this year during a 24-hour cut-a-thon. From 8 a.m. Sunday to 8 a.m. Monday, Blo stylists will cut hair with all proceeds benefiting SAFEchild, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse. For those not in need of a trim, raffle tickets will be available for $5 each, with proceeds going to the charity. Raffle prizes include free haircuts for a year, golf trips, restaurant gift certificates and more. To reserve your appointment, call 484-8600 or visit www.justblo.com.
