Wrap Star Ann-Marie Davy
” When first started wrapping, I noticed my broad nose, my front teeth gap, my larger forehead and full lips in great definition and did my make up to accentuate those unique features-finally embracing me”. ~Janine Whitehead
Self-proclaimed Army-brat, Janine Whitehead, our WrapStar feature has lived in six States and two countries! She is fairly new to the art of head wrapping; only wrapping for the past two years but she is no amateur. Her alluring photos tell the story of a WrapStar who is not afraid to try something new and vibrant. She couples the colors of spring and summer with corporate attire to create combinations that sprouts the seeds or curiosity and wonder in her
co-workers. So much so, that they of stop in just to see the wrap of the day! Yes, Janine inspires those around her to want to observe and learn more about her head wrapping creations. But that is not the only area of her life where she is able to move the masses. Janine is also the creator of a Facebook group called “Phenomenal Sistas” which features discussions about dating, career, marriage, recipes, children, in-laws, and anything that moves a woman. Surprisingly enough, Janine is also a mother of three young adults and she says “I love my motherly duties!”
Janine prides herself on being an individual and wraps serve as the punctuation marks of that pride. One of my reasons for choosing Janine is the radiant glow and the obvious joy that seems to arise from her being each time I see a photo of Janine in a wrap. She says; “sometimes I feel over indulged in the fashion world somewhat losing myself to fit in with a trend; but when I started wrapping, I felt like an individual. I stepped out of my box and presented myself as I wanted to be seen. Not for my hairstyle for the week, but for my natural beauty. When first started wrapping, I noticed my broad nose, my front teeth gap, my larger forehead and full lips in great definition and did my make up to accentuate those unique features-finally embracing me”.
Wow, what in interesting, poignant statement! But I pried even more, sensing that there was something else she hasn’t said and wanting to know more about Janine’s reasons and wraps. What did I learn? Well, she says; “I wrap my head to balance myself; I feel my thoughts are protected from the input of others.” Janine loves those colorful, high wraps; the ones people typically call the Badu, Crown, or Nefertiti Wrap. She says; “my daughter calls them my cocoon wrap…full of all my thoughts.” Janine laughs and goes on to disclose that she is also a very analytical person.
I asked Janine what inspires her styles of head wrapping. To which she responded: “I have spent hours looking at pictures of people in head wraps; drawing inspiration from them and I also try to duplicate some of those styles. Furthermore, I gain inspiration after listening to reasons others wrap.”
As you have probably deduced based on the photos, Janine does not wear a specific type of clothing with her wraps. Instead, preferring to let her head wraps to compliment her everyday clothing; be it a pair of jeans or work attire. She declares her adaptability by saying: “I am very versatile with the garments I will wear and I am always looking for new ideas to create a wrap.”
As always, these features are not complete without an exploration into the challenges our feature has had to deal with. Janine has had her own share of challenges in the two years she has worn wraps; here she tells the story:
Well, there are two that I would like to share. The first involves work; when I started wrapping at work, I was called into the office by management and asked “why the change?” I told them it was based on a spiritual foundation I was establishing. At first, it seemed like it would be a problem and I wasn’t sure how I would proceed but I knew I wanted to wrap. I sought counsel from other members of Headwraps & WrapStars and continued to wrap my hair. Eventually, and to my surprise, my manager would seek me out to see my “wrap of the day.”
Secondly, when I was single and went on dates, men asked me about my wrap. I told them my spiritual reasons and then I expressed that I am a Queen. I told them, ‘I am a queen and should be treated as one…maybe this crown is to remind.’” She laughs. So I had to ask; what did the men say when you told them that? To which she said: “I remember one very handsome, chocolate King responding by saying “I can respect that but those men who don’t treat you like one is not ready for one.’ That man is now my King.” She smiles. But I was still had more question and Janine graciously shared her answered:
Ann-Marie: Have some men embraced your wrap and others turn away from it?
Janine: “Some men have look at my wrap as a way to get attention. 
Since I have been in Missouri (3yrs) I have only seen 3 women who have been wrapped. Other men express their admiration in my ability to be unique. A few have asked what I am hiding under it. She laughs and continues: I have found the biggest shock to men is when they found out that I have a 5 inch Afro underneath.”
I thank Janine Whitehead for allowing me to pry and ask follow-up question after follow-up question. (Smiles). Please join me as we congratulate to Janine Whitehead; CaribDirect, SandalSole’, and “Headwraps & WrapStars “ feature of the week!
