I was born and raised in Detroit, MI. Just like my mother I've always loved dancing and music. I love to travel and challenge myself to visit at least 2 new countries a year. I recently started sewing in hope to create all size inclusive clothing.
How and when did you first start playing mas?
My first time playing mas was actually this past August in Toronto's Caribana Carnival
What carnival experience has been your favourite (and most proud) to date?
My best experience would definitely be my first time playing mas, I've been to carnival 4 times and nothing is better than actually being on di road in your costume!
What are some of your must-have carnival essentials?
Tights, it gives a sleek look and also helps keep everything in place. Glitter, glitter and more glitter.
Describe your perfect mas experience:
My perfect mas experience is good vibes, lots of love and body confidence. And most importantly whining until I lose a few inches off my waist lol
What would you like to tell people about mas, that they may not know?
There is nothing to fear! As soon as you get to the road it is all vibes.
Would you change anything about playing mas in your city?
If I had the power I would stop the stormers or get them to buy a costume.
If you could play mas with one soca artist, who would it be, and why?
Machel Montano
Do you have a message of encouragement for the #everyBODYplayahmas network?
Be bold and be yourself! Your confidence is something that no one can take away from you. Make the naysayers who believe that you are not good enough think twice by breaking down every barrier in your way. You are good enough, beautiful enough, confident and one of a kind.
Tell us about your journey to becoming a confident woman:
This has been a long journey, during my adolescences I didn't think I was beautiful or good enough because of my size. I felt like I had to be in the background, just a spectator and never a mas player. If no one noticed me than I wouldn't have to be worried about negative comments. It wasn't until I realized that I make my own beautiful. There is not a guideline to beauty. There is no perfect size. So I decided to set my own standard of beauty and exuded a confidence that no negative comment or glance could take a way.
Do you have any mentors/role models who have inspired you along the way?
Flawsofcouture on Instagram was one of the first plus size mas players I had seen and gave me the confidence to sign up to play mas. I had been watching her play mas for years and finally decided to take her lead and just do it.
How do you think movements like #everyBODYplayahmas assist masqueraders?
Absolutely, most of the "viral" masqueraders being featured on popular pages usually have the same look and that can be kind of intimidating. everyBODYyplayahmas is a great resource, the movement can give you costume ideas to make it your own. Also when choosing a costume your able to see different costume styles on different body shapes to make it easier when picking a section. I stumbled across everyBODYplayahmas and used the resource available to answer a important question I had before carnival.
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