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Masquerader Monday - 17.12.18 | Nicole













Brief biography (profession, hobbies, passions, etc.): *
26 year old Youtuber Grad Student living in NYC. I'm currently getting my degree in Public Policy and Administration in hopes to become an Inspector General and Investigator. When I am not in my books I work for WCS located in The Bronx Zoo. My hobbies include swimming, dancing, and chasing carnival dreams.
How and when did you first start playing mas? *
I first started playing mas in 2013. I was exposed to it from a young age in Jamaica when my aunt participated. My first experience was not a pleasant one but the next year I found a new mas camp to participate in and it was love ever since. From there I tried out to model and did my first photoshoot for Miami Carnival 2017.
What carnival experience has been your favourite (and most proud) to date? *
My favorite carnival experience has to be New York 2017. I had such a great time with my friends and I felt amazing in my costume. J'ouvert was a blast and that energy was felt all the way through labor day parade.
What are some of your must-have carnival essentials?
Carnivalista stockings. So happy they have Diamond Curvy options now. My portable charge, arm wristband to hold my phone and/or vlogging camera, and a water bottle. Wucking and Chipping down the road can make you dehydrated pretty quickly so it's important to have water on you at all times.
Describe your perfect mas experience:
83-degree weather with a frontline costume made and tailored for my body, a big butterfly feathered backpack with rhinestones that sparkle like gold when it hits the sun. Great food, great music, and great weather.
What would you like to tell people about mas, that they may not know?
No carnival experience is the same as being apart of the carnival experience. Jumping in and enjoying is one thing, but when you have a costume, get to feel apart of the team, that is the most fun. Once you get bit you will never look back.
If you could play mas with one soca artist, who would it be, and why?
Alison Hinds she is amazing & Skinny Fabulous because his energy is EVERYTHING!
Do you think there is currently an unspoken age or size limit on playing mas?


Yes
Curvy and Plus Size women in mas are only appreciated behind the scenes. You have these models in curvy options but yet don't look like the average curvy woman. Just because someone has wide hips, big butt, and a small waist does not make them Curvy or Plus Size in any sense. We need to appreciate the curvy women just as much as we appreciate others. It takes more than a 1 section in an entire band to say we cater to curvy/plus size women. Every section should make an effort to find curvy/p,plus size women to showcase the costume so that everyone feels welcome
Do you have a message of encouragement for the #everyBODYplayahmas network? *
Keep doing what makes you happy. No matter what anyone says mas is for you and will always be such. Break the stigma of mas and show people that mas is for every size, shape, and body.
Tell us about your journey to becoming a confident woman:
It's been a long journey and it's ongoing. I'm first learning to love myself the way God and The Universe made me. Other opinions don't matter because they don't make me who I am and people who love me will love me no matter what. This will be a never-ending journey and I'm happy to stay on this ride lol
How do you think movements like #everyBODYplayahmas assist masqueraders?
By showing them that with a little confidence and a lot of money you can enjoy the carnival by being apart of the mas family.
IG: @__Magia.Negra Youtube: youtube.com/theblackgrad
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Location: Miami, FL, USA

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