Upclose & Personal with Lashonda

When did you first discover your love for head wraps?

 I noticed head wraps in the 1990's, as my generation were becoming adults, expanding our horizons, education, knowledge, and discovering socially conscious hip-hop music. Many of my peers and I became more aware of our blackness and began to embrace our African heritage. I was also beginning to embrace my biracial heritage as an Afro-Latina (Mexican-American). Queen Latifah, India Arie and Lauryn Hill were famous people I remember wearing them.

I remember thinking they were cool and looked incredibly regal, but on other women. I didn't think I could wear them authentically or incorporate them into my style at the time. I don't even know that I HAD a style then! I never wanted to wear a head wrap as a fad or "for fashion's sake," but as part of my personal identity, 

As I matured, I learned that head wraps are traditional attire in many Sub-Saharan African cultures (although called different names) and have traveled to many other parts of the world, especially the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. Head wraps were worn in the antebellum American South, South America, and the Caribbean.

Your personal style is very polished and professional. How do you incorporate head wraps into your daily style?

I used to think having a very polished and professional style was not necessarily compatible or included a head wrap. That view changed in the last 10 years, because I was finally comfortable with myself... my heritage, my style, my body, my image, who I am internally and how I present myself to the world. All I needed was the opportunity to wear one. 

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, opportunity knocked! I HAD to wear a head wrap out of necessity! I hadn't seen my stylist in months and I needed a way to keep my natural curls healthy, and still feel polished, professional, and stylish. The thing keeping me from wearing them was me, and the feeling that because my style is not bohemian or earthy, wearing a head wrap would present as not authentic. However, as with many other things in life, if I believe and feel that wearing a head wrap is authentically me, it's all that matters.

You've gatherered quite a following on Sunflower's & Honey Pot's social media with your beautiful pictures. Women often comment on your beauty and style. What do you like to do in your down time?

Oh my! really? I'm truly flattered by and appreciative of the positive feedback. In my down time, I love to be out and about. LA is such a great town to do everything ! I love to salsa dance, and have a good laugh with girlfriends at a meal, or relax at the spa. Live music performances are always fun too. I love salsa, R&B, rock, jazz, and Big Band music. For extra credit, I also cosplay and to to masquerade balls!

A lot of womean often tell me they want to wear head wraps, but don't have the confidence to actually wear them. What would you tell these women?

I would say to those women, "Start gradually. Build your confidence. Wear your head wrap at home at nights and/or on the weekend. Try different styles to figure out how to do them and which you like/suit you. Then, DO IT. Wear a head wrap out in public."

What's one thing you do everyday that makes you happy?

I listen to music. It truly gives me life! I also grant myself grace and time for relaxion and self care.