When the loss of an individual sends ripples throughout not only their immediate family but an entire industry, it demonstrates just how much they have given of themselves and shared with so many others throughout their lives. This is the impact that the sudden passing of Wariboko Granville, known as ‘Wari’, had on so many within the Hair, Fashion & Modelling Industries. Her untimely departure has left an indelible mark on us all.
Wari was born in London on April 17th, 1970. Her formative years were spent in her family’s native country, Nigeria, in the town of Abonnema, from ages 2 to 7. She returned to the UK, speaking her native languages of Kalabari and Igbo, and had to learn English while being educated in London. After graduating, she embarked on her studies in Professional Hairdressing, which led to one of her first positions as a Hair Stylist at Reale Salon in Chelsea. In later years, Wari worked at Hype Coiffure and supported Max Barber Shop in Fulham.
Wari’s joy was her children. She gave birth to her daughter Cheryl and her son Brandon, whom she always spoke about with such love and pride. A true mother in every sense of the word, their bond was evident, and she supported them both in their endeavours and life journeys in the best way she could.
Wari’s calling into the Fashion & Modelling Industry led her to receive training and certification from the Laurie Small Modelling Academy, where she also modelled. She then joined the Ray Knight Agency, which resulted in her being an extra in a James Bond movie, on “The Bill,” for the Spice Girls, and for “The Wedding Date.” Her striking features and innate discipline meant that she was in demand, leading to her modelling at the Ideal Home Exhibition, the Ski Show, and for fashion brand Tata Naka. Over the years, she was also an extra in “Grange Hill” and did promotional work at events for Red Bull.
Through her success as a model, Wari noticed a void in the support and availability of properly trained models of African, Caribbean, and Mixed descent for brands seeking models. She acquired a passion to correct this issue and set up her Model Agency, Wari L.A.C.E. Models, scouting, grooming, chaperoning, mentoring, and supplying models for fashion shows, hair shows, photo shoots and events, including the longstanding Afro Hair & Beauty Show, and her own events, starting with the London Africa Culture Event. She collaborated with designers, hair product companies like Design Essentials, Luster’s, Mielle, and Camille Rose, salons like Hype Coiffure, and magazines like Black Beauty & Hair Magazine, setting the standards and raising the bar for her models.
In more recent years, Wari partnered with Joan Okorodudu, founder of Isis Models, the largest Model Agency across the Continent of Africa, to produce the Africa Fashion Collective event in London, an annual spectacular showcasing designers from the UK & Africa, and the top models from Isis Models who have graced magazine covers and walked for numerous Haute Couture designers Internationally. This collaboration led to Wari also working in Kenya to coach, mentor, and chaperone the models competing for the title of Africa’s Next Supermodel, an event founded by Joan of Isis Models.
It was always a pleasure for companies to work with Wari, as she gave 100% of her efforts, time, knowledge of the industry, and advice in a way that was unique to her. She always went above and beyond to ensure that all aspects of any show, photo shoot, event, and clients’ needs were covered effectively and efficiently. Nothing was too much for Wari to do as long as it added to the success of whatever she worked on, and she ensured that her models always followed suit too. She led by example and did not disappoint.
Wari touched so many lives, and her family was so proud of her achievements. She always encouraged others in a selfless way, and in her short life of 54 years, she impacted so many lives, including her children and all the models she gave an opportunity to for them to shine, grow, and improve their lives.
Wari will be laid to rest on March 7th, and we all pay tribute to this extraordinary lady who shall never be forgotten. Her legacy will be carried on by her children, her models, her associates, and friends. Rest in eternal and sweet peace, dear Wari. Gone but never forgotten.
Compiled by: Sharon Thompson
Photographs by: Nick Gregan
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