In the year 2000 the headline read, “Tennessee Bicentennial Arts & Entertainment Festival presents American Negro Playwright Theatre’s ‘A Joyful Noise’ (A Theatrical Concert Depicting the Original Fisk Jubilee Singers with Narration in One Act), written and produced by Barry Scott, Directed by Kimberley LaMarque, Music Producer Sanchez G. Harley, Vocal Music Director Paul T. Kwami…” In the credits, listed as “Costume Assistant” was Bonita Dudley Scott, commissioned to replicate 4 outfits from the life-sized painting of the original Fisk Jubilee Singers.

I began sewing in 1960 under the tutelage of my elmentary school sewing teacher and mentor, Mrs. Myrtle Wimbley in Dallas, Texas (although my very first teacher was my beloved mother, Etta Dudley). After moving with my parents to Nashville in 1962, I expanded my sewing interests to costume and orignal designs for myself and my family and friends. Later, my interests and abilities were broadened to accommodate the many requests I received for specialty garments from the likes of Take 6 and Gail Hamilton Masondo, including fashions for the children of Sherry Kibble and Warner Brothers executive Jim Ed Norman.

In 1983 I started my own business, “Sew Savoir-faire,” which among its wide range of design capabilities, was commissioned to create the wedding gown of Nashville radio personality Laverne Vivio (U-Turn Laverne). I later become a couture for rock ‘n’ roll legend, Little Richard.

Through the years I have continued to perfect my craft by creating fashions from weddings to window treatments, costumes to Christening gowns. I give all honor to God for blessing me with the talent and appreciation for the art of sewing.