Why Wearing A Head Wrap Is Appropriate In ALL Settings

Photo cred: QREV Production

A couple weeks ago I met up with a few close friends for dinner. While enjoying our meal and catching up, one of my friends stated, "I could never go to work in a head wrap." Then my other friend nodded in agreement. I paused in reflection for a moment trying to understand why they feel they can't wear one to work and I can. I work in the corporate world just like they do so what is the difference between them and me? Then it clicked. They FEEL they can't. They THINK it will be viewed as unprofessional. I thought maybe if the significance of this fashion statement were explained, those who have reservations about wearing it in the professional sense would be more confident in doing so.

The head wrap has been apart of African culture for centuries. Over the years it has symbolized spirituality, modesty, prosperity, wealth and social status in African society. In the United States during the era of slavery, though slave masters imposed it on their female slaves as a badge of enslavement, slaves regarded head wraps as a symbol of their true homeland, Africa. A reminder that they do not belong in the land of their captors. It is also functioned as a uniform of rebellion signifying their fight to never forget where they have come from.

Being integrated in society, it is important that we never lose sight of our history. Over time through different psychological strategies, we are being conditioned to simply forget about the plight of our ancestors. They want us to blend in, accept the cards life has dealt us through their hand, and be a good non-threatening black person. Any inkling of black pride or culture association may make them uncomfortable. And because these truths are so deeply rooted, we sometimes say things like, "I could never go to work in a head wrap", though it is apart of our identity.

I take pride in wearing my head wrap and it is a look that is appropriate for any setting. Just because other cultures may not understand the look or the majority in the corporate world are not wearing them, does not mean we have to hide who we are to ease the comfort of our colleagues. Own who you are and where you came from. Acknowledge your history and it's beauty. If we do not make effort to keep some of our culture's traditions alive, our future generations will not have a clear understanding of their identity. So go ahead and wear that wrap!

Food for thought

Not Your Average Model Size: Introducing My Fashion Site! (Insert enthusiastic scream here)

Photo Cred: QREV Production

I did it. I launched ShopGesphania.com. A website I have been envisioning for quite some time but initially did not imagine it to be a reality. I wanted to build myself as a brand. Merging all of my passions into one. Writing, media and fashion. Sharing my style with the world and incorporating my personal experience with each item. The sole model of said website, me. No searching for that 5'7", 100 lbs beauty that most boutiques choose to promote their brand. Just the 5'0" 140 lbs queen that is myself.

My first photo shoot session was quite nerve wrecking. I was filled with emotion as I tried on each outfit analyzing my every inch. I am not model size... not in weight or in height, I thought. Would my face be good enough for my target audience?, I pondered. Do I even look good in these clothes? All my insecurities spilled out and with each snap I became more nervous. My photographer did not share the same sentiment. He showered my posture, look and overall appearance with compliments. At first, I thought, building my confidence with compliments was part of his job to bring the best out of me, but after I took a peak at myself on his camera, I began to see what he did. I began to see my not so average model size is the perfect fit.

I find this whole process interesting because up until 2 years ago, I was that 100 lbs slim beauty (minus the height). I used to complain about being too small for my age and I wanted to join "Team Thick" so badly. For years I compared my body to others and tried to attain what I thought was beautiful. Now that I've reached my goal weight, I have moments when I'm wondering if I'm too big. Definitely an eye opening realization that beauty truly begins with accepting yourself for who you are no matter the size and striving to become the best version of you. Certainly grateful for this self awareness.

With that, I am proud of the woman I am, and the woman I am growing into. I am very excited to share more of myself with you through my passions. Make sure to visit ShopGesphania.com and leave a comment on the Love Wall. I appreciate all the encouragement, love and support!

French Braid? Dutch Braid? No It's Actually an African Braid

Photo Cred: QREV Production
Earrings: Kadokele

"What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun." A bible reference my mother has reminded me of many times growing up. And so far this saying has been proven true time and time again. From fashion trends to hairdo's, society finds new ways to reinvent what's already been done and call it something different to intrigue the masses.

Recently I've noticed, braids have become popular. Not by the Africans that have worn them forever, but more so by the Caucasian population, particularly, white women have fallen in love with the braid. What's interesting is it's celebrities of European decent that have brought attention to the not so new trend. I read a a statement from a white hairstylist stating "The French Braid is all the Rage". I thought to myself, "French braid? Why do they even call it that?" The title of the French, Dutch or any Euro heading for the three strand hairstyle is perplexing to me considering there is nothing European about it at all.

Braids emerged quite some time ago in the northern part of Africa. The earliest evidence of the style is found in the Tassili n'Ajjer mountain range in Algeria. There, rock art depicting women wearing rowed braids dates back almost 6000 years, For those of you who need a visual of exactly where that is:

The reality is braids were made popular by black people. I remember as a child being bombarded with questions from the inquisitive minds of my white classmates as to why my hair was quote, "twisted up like that all the time" because the intricate styling of braids were foreign to their lifestyle during that period. So even at that age, I recognized that braids were a thing of afro-culture. With that being pretty obvious, why is any style of braid given a title anything other than African? 

My take, many things of African culture have been stolen or downplayed to take the light off of the fact that we have contributed a majority of innovations to this world as far as we can document. Concepts, principles, inventions, religion, fashion, style etc have been brought to fruition and pioneered by Africans. Due to a world where we were once of as thought of less than human, any positive contribution that we made was hidden. To title something as French, Dutch, or Euro was easier to accept by white society. 

I know some of you may say the name is not a big deal but the smallest change in our history alters the perception for future generations. It is crucial for our black boys and girls to be fully educated on who they are and the importance of their people's existence and contribution in every aspect.  

Now I have no issue with white people wearing braids. Beautiful things are meant to share. Just make sure next time you hear someone say, "I love your French braid", smile and politely say "Thank you it's actually an African braid. French braids don't exist." A small mental seed can go a long way.