Dona Woolf-Sekinger

Dona Woolf-Sekinger is a seamstress and the lead of Sew Jamaica Inspirations, which was founded by Sylvia Samms out of the Picturedrome. Dona is a Tredworth resident and has lived in Gloucester for many years, studying dressmaking at the local art college and previously working as an estate manager for the elderly before retiring in 2020. Dona believes that ‘people are far more creative than they ever think they are, and when one's creativity is discovered, once they realise they can do something, they flourish.’ Dona went to the Picturedrome as a girl for pantomimes and concerts, later going with her own children to watch them perform. Dona sews, endlessly. She adores it - when she heard about Sew Jamaica meeting at the Picturedrome, she was quick to get involved. As a result, she came along to other events, remembering Black Cinema Monthly, ‘Sitting watching things that made me think, and I liked that. That's what was good about the picturedrome.’ Sew Jamaica Inspirations continues to run at the Jamaican club (All Nations) with 14 members, recently running a fashion show for their creations.