Wanakee Pugh (professionally known as Wanakee) is a current Christian minister, artist and former fashion model. A part-time actress and singer, she is most notable for her extremely long hair.
Wanakee LeGardy (born August, 1955) was born in New Jersey, but reared in Lansing,Michigan. Initially aspiring to be a fashion designer, she studied Fashion Design at Brooks College in Long Beach, California. After graduation, she entered the fashion industry first as an illustrator, then as a fashion model.
Beginning in the late 70s, Wanakee started modeling, first for department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Macys. Shortly afterwards, she graced the covers of many fashion magazines, and became a top fashion model, gracing fashion runways, appearing in print ads, etc. Showcasing that she is more than just a beautiful face, Wanakee went on to enter television, gaining a guest role on The Cosby Show (during the 1989-1990) season and signing a recording contract with Blue Note Records. Although an album was released, did suffered from low sales and she was quietly dropped from her contract.
Wanakee LeGardy (born August, 1955) was born in New Jersey, but reared in Lansing,Michigan. Initially aspiring to be a fashion designer, she studied Fashion Design at Brooks College in Long Beach, California. After graduation, she entered the fashion industry first as an illustrator, then as a fashion model.
Beginning in the late 70s, Wanakee started modeling, first for department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Macys. Shortly afterwards, she graced the covers of many fashion magazines, and became a top fashion model, gracing fashion runways, appearing in print ads, etc. Showcasing that she is more than just a beautiful face, Wanakee went on to enter television, gaining a guest role on The Cosby Show (during the 1989-1990) season and signing a recording contract with Blue Note Records. Although an album was released, did suffered from low sales and she was quietly dropped from her contract.
By 1990, Wanakee was at the height of career, with many looking to her to be the next Beverly Johnson. However, the harsh styling and lack of suitable products to care for her hair left her frustrated. Wanakee was born with the typical afro-textured hair. Such hair is prone to dryness and easily damaged. Frustrated by her inability to grow her hair much beyond her collarbone, she cut her hair nearly bald. She then developed, with the assistance of a cosmetologist, chemist and dermatologist the hair oil that would become the base of her future business. Although she never planned to sell her oil, her personal success along with that of her friends and colleagues caused her to try and market the oil to the masses. Wanakee also attributes 'protective styling' and gentle managing of the hair as the basis for the success of growing great length in her hair.
In late 2001, Wanakee decided to sell her company and retire from the entertainment business completely. One of her last modeling assignments was for the jewelry section of Service Merchandise. Currently she makes a living as an artist and as a Christian minister and motivational speaker. She resides in Milwaukee, WI.
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