Wrap Star Ann-Marie Davy
“When my Locks became too long and a bit difficult to hold up on my head for long periods, I had to come to terms with not being able to keep it wrapped as I have been used to..” ~Asha Zulu Mandella
Introducing the woman that needs little introduction, WrapStar and Guinness World Record Holder, Asha Zulu Mandela! She is the first to hold the world record for “longest dreadlocks” measuring 19½ft in 2009. She is also certified by Ripley’s Believe It or Not and has been featured in their book called “Strikingly Real”. Born in Ethiopia, raised in Trinidad and residing in the USA, Asha is a world traveler and is such a well-known public figure I wanted to know one thing she would like people to know about her. Asha said; “I would love for my fans and the world to know that I am humble, kind and truly enjoy giving back to the community by offering my services through charity work and motivational speeches”.
About the group, “Headwraps & WrapStars” Asha said: “This is a brilliant group of which I am proud to be a part of; especially since it focuses on the unique tying skills and head wrapping of many beautiful people, I salute this group for honoring head wraps and Wrapstars.”
Ann-Marie: Asha, thank you for speaking with me today. Tell us, why do you wrap your hair/head?
Asha: I wrap my head mostly when I feel the need to cover my “crown/Locks” for spiritual reasons. However I do enjoy the different styles which give me an alternative to just having my long locks flow.”
Ann-Marie: I have been so eager to ask this question, how does wearing a wrap affect your ability to carry the weight of 19ft of hair? I suppose it is quite heavy? And, how long have you been wearing head wraps ?
Asha: “Overall, I have been wrapping my head/Locks for the past 23yrs. For the first 18yrs of my Locks journey I never ventured outside with my head unwrapped. When my Locks became too long and a bit difficult to hold up on my head for long periods, I had to come to terms with not being able to keep it wrapped as I have been used to. I now try to wrap my head at least twice a week to honor my beliefs and religion and to also enjoy the uniqueness of each wrap”.
Ann-Marie: Your head wrap creations are truly unique, highly adorned, and often consisting of multiple layers. What inspires your styles of head wrapping?
Asha: “My head wrapping inspiration comes from my many head wrapping sista’s who continue to inspire me and make me ever so proud to be a head-wrapping Wrapstar. I also like to use different pieces of jewelry to give it that extra ZING!”
Ann-Marie: (Smiles) Asha, based on your photos, I would say you are a fan of 
the Nefertiti style head wrap. Would you say that is your favorite and if so, why?
Asha: “Yes, the “Nefertiti” look has always been my favorite because it goes great with any dress style I choose and most of all, it compliments my facial features very well….I absolutely love that look!”
When I asked Asha about a preference in clothing style, she explained that her style is influenced 
by and a compilation of African, European, and Asian (Hindu) cultural styles of dressing. She explains that clothing is complimented by any type of head wrap but she really enjoys pairing the Sari with a head wrap. She jokingly says; “I believe my style is especially unique because I have 20ft long Locks and it’s a challenge to get them to hold up.” She laughs and goes on to say; “…so it makes for an unusually high and large “mound” on my head, which in turn allows me to get creative with5-7 yards of fabric.
Ann-Marie: 5-7 yards of fabric plus 20 feet of hair! Wow! Now on to my favorite question, what are some of the challenges regarding wrapping your hair?
Asha: “Challenges? Whew! That’s an understatement!” We both laugh. “As of about 5 years ago it has been a bit awkward at times trying to get my Locks together. So I began wrapping them in a bun like bundle and hope to get them balance on my head; which is the key that is not easily accomplished because my locks act like it has a life and mind of its own” We both laugh as she says this, because I can definitely relate. Though I do not have locks, I think my Afro definitely makes it’s only decisions. We laugh again and she goes on to say: “… once I am able to get it done, which can take about 5-20 minutes, I can proceed to getting creative with my fabric and accessories.”
AnnMarie: Wow! Asha, thank you for allowing me to interview you and share you unique experience with our audience.
Asha: “It was an honor to do this interview, I am MADLY in LOVE with my people and our diverse culture and very passionate about anything that involves us/them. Peace and Blessings….SELAH.”
Asha, has a unique challenge, and that is wrapping 20ft of hair. Can you imagine taking 5-20 minutes to create a bun before wrapping your hair? So WrapStars, next time you have trouble wrapping your hair, think of Asha, smile, and Wrap On WrapStars!
More about Asha:
Asha owns ZULU Earth Solutions a natural hair care product line; “The House of Gacambi” , named after her Kenyan grandmother features African handmade Jewelry from Kenya and her clothing line which she states will be “ready this summer”.
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