Joe Dudley Sr. (1937–2024), Black haircare pioneer
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2 min readJoe Dudley Sr. was an entrepreneur who founded Dudley Products, Inc., a prominent Black haircare brand.
- Died: February 8, 2024 (Who else died on February 8?)
- Details of death: Died at his home in Kernersville, North Carolina, at the age of 86.
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Joe Dudley Sr.’s legacy
Dudley was a self-made man who worked his way up from a poor rural upbringing. His entry into the business world came when he was in college at North Carolina A&T State University. Inspired by successful entrepreneur Samuel B. Fuller (1905–1988), Dudley began selling Fuller Products door to door while he was still in college. He ultimately opened a Fuller distributorship alongside his wife, Eunice, who had also been in Fuller sales when they met. In 1967, the couple took a leap and founded their own company, Dudley Products, Inc., in Greensboro, North Carolina. Among their popular early products were Dudley’s Q+ Pink Deodorant Soap and Dudley’s Cocoa Butter Soap.
As the company grew over the years, so did its range of products, and it became a popular beauty and haircare brand in the Black community. Dudley branched out, establishing Dudley Cosmetology University and the Dudley Beauty School System. As many other early Black haircare companies were bought by large multinational corporations, Dudley Products retained its family ownership – Dudley’s daughter now runs the company. In Chris Rock’s 2009 documentary “Good Hair,” Rock paid a visit to the Dudley Products factory during a segment on hair relaxer.
In addition to running his business, Dudley wrote the motivational book “Walking by Faith: I Am, I Can, & I Will.” He was honored with a Point of Light Award during President George H.W. Bush’s (1924–2018) administration.
Notable quote
“I'm having fun watching young people say, ‘If Joe Dudley can do it, I can do it better.’ That's what excites me.” —from a 2003 interview for Fortune Small Business
Tributes to Joe Dudley Sr.
Full obituary: News & Record
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