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Paint and Sip : a journey with African art
“Art enables us to find ourselves and loose ourselves at the same time”
Meeanjin held its very first African paint and sip event recently that was organised by Bomoko Women Events. Not only was Diva Headwraps invited to do a headwrap demonstration, but also to participate in the painting class alongside a tribe of queens. These images capture the very essence of this immensely fulfilling afternoon!
Participants were encouraged to choose from a selection of bright acrylic paints and texture pens.
Listening attentively as Anna, our workshop facilitator, instructs us on what to do.
Ellie wearing one of my demi headwrap designs while contemplating her colour palette.
Totally immersed in creating while my daughter spins some rad tunes in the background.
Queens wearing headwraps from my tie-dye and cotton collections.
Anna is a digital artist and the founder of Bomoko Women Events. She was also our workshop facilitator. These are a few of her original digital prints that were on display at the event. Anna can be contacted on IG (see link) for purchases.
Mighty pleased with my effort. What an uplifting afternoon!
Forever a lover of books, I simply had to buy a copy of Chi Mary Kalu’s children’s book called AFRICA DAY which could be purchased at the event. The author also signed my copy.
These two queens look mighty pleased with their achievements.
I hope you enjoyed reading my blog just as much as I enjoyed my first African paint and sip event.
Introducing : Zillah Douglas
“Do not try to save the whole world
or do anything grandiose.
Instead, create a clearing
in the dense forest
of your life
and wait there patiently,
until the song
that is your life
falls into your own cupped hands
and you recognize and greet it.
Only then will you know
how to give yourself to this world
so worth of rescue.”
Featured headwrap - Kiara
Like so very many small businesses, the pandemic did have a major impact on networking which plays an integral part in my marketing. As a result, I was compelled to cancel my headwrap workshops until further notice. I was ecstatic when just recently WOW Australia invited me to run a workshop for their staff.
I was super excited to finally get out there and to be given the opportunity to show my sisters how to feel empowered by wearing a Diva Headwraps crown! The energy in the room was palpable as we worked our way through the various headwrap styles. I felt alive again to be amongst women who were self-assured, unpretentious and so enthusiastic to participate in my workshop.
Zillah was one of those attendees.
Her exuberance was obvious as was her eagerness to learn. She never became flustered and approached the styling techniques with a calm demeanor. I felt comfortable enough to approach Zillah afterward and to invite her to join one of my photoshoots.
Featured headwrap - Nia
As is usual with new brand ambassadors, I asked Zillah to give us the lowdown on how she navigates life. Here’s what she had to say in answer to my questions.
THREE things about myself: I am named after my Great Grandmother Zillah. Recently I visited the birth place of her Mother Penerope ‘Rotuma Island’. It was my first time on the island. Whilst there I learned how to prepare ‘Taroro’ a traditional dish of fermented coconut. I love to cook.
Who do you admire the most: My Grandmother Flora for her generosity, kindness, thoughtfulness, authenticity and fun loving, wicked sense of humour.
Favourite colour: All the colours of the ocean.
Favourite book: There are so many it’s hard to choose… but one I recently read and loved is “The Mountains Sing” by Nguyen Phan Que Mai.
Favourite movie: Dances with Wolves.
Featured headwrap - Mandisa
What would I tell my younger self: Rest is your super power. Embrace ‘doing nothing’.. these moments of pause are when our most crucial and precious work of healing, growth and restoration can truly take place.
What do you do to relax: Go to the water - ocean, river, creek, lake. When I’m in Honiara I’ll often sit under the Tavola tree on the Breakwater with my dogs Tui, Lola and Saroo. Nothing beats the ocean breeze, sunshine and sound of the ocean.
Favourite place/s to relax in Brisbane: I love walking along the Brisbane river and one of my favourite routes is along the Riverwalk, through the City Botanic Gardens. I also enjoy being at New Farm Park.
Where do I see myself in 5 years: I see myself creating a beautiful book filled with my favourite, island inspired recipes. I’m still in the islands - moving from place to place - teaching Yoga, cooking yummy food and enjoying time with my family and friends.
When I wear a head wrap I feel confident and creative. I also feel a deep sense of gratitude for you Charmaine and all that you do for women. I am blessed to be surrounded and supported by so many amazing women who have helped me feel grounded during the storms and inspired to live my best life.
Soon after the photoshoot I received this message from Zillah. “Thank you for inviting me to come on board and be a part of the magic of Diva Headwraps. Grateful for your warm, uplifting energy that made me feel so welcome despite never having done a photoshoot before. What an experience! Here’s to life and the many sweet moments it brings. The photoshoot was definitely one of those moments.”
In South Africa we say “Ubuntu” which means “I am, because you are.”