“The headwrapping workshop allows you to update the Caribbean headwrap of yesteryear, modernize it and make it easy, so do not forget it because it is the cap to the history of the West Indies/Caribbean.” ~Emmanuelle Guye
You are up for a superb treat this week as we do things just a little different! Don’t fret, I promise you will not be disappointed when you learn about her initiatives. Our feature is a remarkable young WrapStar and Headwrap Instructor!
Yes, you read that correctly, she is a head wrap instructor! Isn’t that awesome?! Who is she you ask? Well, she is Ms. PAPAYAA herself, the awe-inspiring, FABULOUS WrapStar Emmanuelle Guye! She is a native of Martinique whose parents are from Senegal. At only 28 years of age, she has worked in France, throughout the West Indies, Belgium, and in Canada providing “Ethnik Showrooms” for young creative minds to present their designs in various fields of art and fashion.
These Showrooms are inclusive of head 
wrapping workshops where Emmanuelle teaches others how to be WrapStars. You know that makes me smile!
Ok, let’s move on to the interview portion so you can know what Emmanuelle has to say about all the wonderful things she is a doing.
Ann-Marie: I first learned about you when a sister posted (in the group) the flier for your workshop in Martinique.
I was totally excited so I have to give a special thanks to the sister who shared that flier, you know who you are. 🙂 Emmanuelle, why did you decide to provide this awesome service?
Emmanuelle: “The idea of offering Headwrapping workshops seemed to be obvious; in fact, many Caribbean women have always worn the headdress called Maré Tét. Unfortunately, this practice is lost; so the goal is to preserve our culture through the practice that Caribbean women are famous for. The headwrapping workshop allows you to update the Caribbean headwrap of yesteryear, modernize it and make it easy so do not forget it because it is the cap to the history of the West Indies/Caribbean.”
Ann-Marie: In my research, I was intrigued when I learned that Martinique is a mix of Creole, African, French and Indian cultures. I am sure that diverse heritage has played a role in the types of headwraps worn in the past. Can you tell me more about the Maré Tét? What does the word mean?
Emmanuelle: The maré tèt is headwrap in Creole. It appeared in Martinique in the 17th century; the period of the slavery in the Antilles when freed female slaves were unable to dress as the white women. The freed women had to distinguish themselves and that is the origin of the Maré Tèt or art to knot (tie) turban with the madras cloth.
Ann-Marie: Very interesting. Tell me, what can someone learn by attending one of your workshops?
Emmanuelle: “People who participate in my Headwrapping workshops learn the history of the wrap, the art of tying the turban; where it comes from; how it has appeared in the West Indies; what it means in Africa and the Antilles including Guadeloupe and Martinique. And of course we have a practice for beginners where they will learn how to position the turban; how to create an attractive wrap from a simple fabric; and original aesthetic.
At the end of the workshop it will be possible to do thousands of things from a fabric.”
Ann-Marie: Do you host workshops in other countries as well?
Emmanuelle: Yes, indeed, I have workshops in Paris, Martinique, Saint Barthélémy and in Canada at the moment.
Ann-Marie: What do you enjoy most about presenting the workshops?
Emmanuelle: I love the entire workshop but I really love to teach the history of the headwrap and the technique to my customers.
Ann-Marie: Do you work with a team of people to provide the training?
Emmanuelle: No, I take care of everything from A to Z, by myself; from communication to enrollment and learning. I do so with pleasure!
I am sure you are still paying close attention; in the next segment we get to learn about the Wrapstar herself.
Ann-Marie: You wrap your own hair as well, how long have you been wearing wraps and why do you wrap your hair?
Emmanuelle: “Since the age of 14 years, I wore the headwrap without knowing that it was so called. I always liked seeing wrapped heads, I find that it emphasizes the face. Thus, today, I still wear the 
headwrap, because I feel good with it on, I find that that suits me well and I wear it without asking questions; it is natural to me.
Ann-Marie: What inspires your styles of head wrapping both for yourself and the workshops?
Emmanuelle: My inspirations come to me from my environment, the people on the street and a large part simply from my imagination.
Ann-Marie: What do you think makes your head wrapping style unique?
Emmanuelle: My head wrap corresponds to my mind, to my spirit. I did not reflect it, it appeared at me :)…..as an evidence…
Ann-Marie: What challenges, if any, have you faced in regard to wrapping your own hair? How do you handle or respond to challenges?
Emmanuelle: The challenge of the workshops is that all clients leave the workshop with an understanding of gestures and movement of wrapping. This is the challenge I give myself; that once home, they are able to lead and tie the turban. I really have no challenge when I wrap my hair. It’s so natural. Having said that, the purpose is that it corresponds to my personality without being extravagant but rather elegant.
Ann-Marie: How do people respond when they learn about your workshops?
Emmanuelle: “Generally, people are surprised learning that there are workshops or studios as I call them for head wrapping. At once, they wish to join because they find it attractive. The question which often returns is ‘what are the origins of this headdress?’ They also ask what my origins are.”
Emmanuelle recently opened a concept Store called “Ethnik” in Martinique located in Fort de France. It primarily displays clothes of young designers, secondary are jewels as well as some classic ready-to-wear clothing and a host of events, workshops, etc.
To connect with Emmanuelle, stop by her awesome page called “PAPAYAA… Be Not Conformed!” on Facebook or her personal page Emmanuelle Soundjata. PAPAYAA is one of my favorite pages; I was eager to share the creator’s story with you. I know you enjoyed this feature so please congratulate her and support her workshops if you can.
Wrap on WrapStars.
(CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO SEE FULL SIZE IMAGES)
One SPECIAL NOTE: CaribDirect has been nominated for a Technology and Communication Award. Please Vote! http://www.caribdirect.com/2012/06/07/caribdirect-nominated-for-ebony-business-and-recognition-award
