With a bit more free time this year, I’ve gotten back into head wraps – except for one thing – I don’t remember how I used to tie them. LOL I even bought the “pre-wrapped” bonnets that you can just put on and make minor adjustments. But it just didn’t feel authentic.
I’ve been following Eunice Busby, owner of Sew Fo’ Real for several months now, and I’m just in awe of her creations! The prints are unique, the colors are vibrant, and the way she styles them has inspired me to get back into this beauty/self-care trend that I enjoyed years ago.
Eunice and I chatted recently about her passion for head wraps, the meaning of them, and how she turned her passion into a viable business.
Owner, Sew Fo’ Real
How’d you get into head wraps, and how’d you become so good at it? Why do you wear them?
I was born and raised in California, and I’m married with four kids. I’ve always loved crafting, but really never had the time or energy. While I started wearing wraps/crowns soon after starting my business to help promote the beautiful fabric, it was also a quick way to put together a great look. My two youngest children started attending school, which gave me more time to invest in head wraps. I became good at this business over time, and still have much to learn.
How has the pandemic affected your business?
The pandemic has helped my business tremendously! I had a bunch of fabric at my fingertips and was able to sell a bunch of it when other big companies where shutting down and overwhelmed from the demand. I was able to make a bunch of masks fast and send them out. With issues in our country around race and civil rights, there’s also a spotlight on black-owned business that caused people to seek us out.
Besides being convenient and gorgeous to look at, what’s the history/significance of head wraps?
Head wraps in the U.S. date back to slavery. We wore them to cover our hair. In places like New Orleans, it helped distinguish enslaved women from those who were free. In Africa, the way the wrap is worn indicates a woman’s marital status, and can be a sign of respect for family or religion.
With the recent regulations and passing of laws about whether or not natural hair and head wraps are permitted in a professional environment? What is your take on head wraps in the workplace?
I love wraps and wear them everywhere! I would definitely wear mine to work if I had a traditional job.
What types of fabrics do you use for your head wraps?
I use 100% African print cotton. I also make wraps with satin lining, but here in California it makes the wraps too hot for me. You can wrap your head in all kinds of materials, like velvet, knit, silk, or satin. The sky is the limit!
What other products can be purchased from Sew Fo’ Real?
Here at Sew Fo’ Real you can purchase fabric, aprons, wine sleeves, sleep bonnets , skirts, Dashiki’s, kufi hats, mask, baby blankets, bibs, bonnet wraps and much, much more!
Have you ever wanted to tighten up your head wrapping game? Eunice will show us the latest styles and techniques on August 30 at a hands-on virtual head wrapping class! A portion of proceeds will benefit No More Secrets, an organization that provides much-needed feminine hygiene products to girls and young women.