I am a certified Project Management Professional with a passion for travelling and especially to different countries for their carnivals.
How and when did you first start playing mas? *
My Dad used to play in a band and I first started playing Mas at Toronto Caribana as a teenager.
What carnival experience has been your favourite (and most proud) to date? *
My favourite carnival experience was St.Lucia but I'm most proud of Toronto Caribana for hosting people from all over the globe and putting on a world class carnival year after year.
What are some of your must-have carnival essentials?
Must have carnival essentials are comfortable shoes, carnival tights, water/sweat proof makeup (including setting spray), waterproof pouch, protein bars, and a travel glue gun with glue sticks.
Describe your perfect mas experience:
Perfect Mas experience would be straightforward and hassle free costume ordering and pickup, organized sections with on the road security, music trucks with the best DJs who bring the most vibes, unlimited drinks & food on the road, cool down and port-o-pottie trucks, and no stormers.
What would you like to tell people about mas, that they may not know?
Pace yourself. People get caught up with the alcohol early. They have to remember to pace themselves in the hot sun, balance alcohol with food and water, and extend their stamina to last for the entire day.
Would you change anything about playing mas in your city?
It would be great to have more events outdoors in open spaces and more all inclusive (food/drink) fetes to get closer to a feel of carnival events in the islands.
If you could play mas with one soca artist, who would it be, and why?
I would love to play with Kes the Band. They are musically talented, have such amazing songs, and a super energetic positive vibe. They really make carnivals more enjoyable.
Do you think there is currently an unspoken age or size limit on playing mas?
Do you have a message of encouragement for the #everyBODYplayahmas network? *
Embrace yourself and enjoy playing mas with your friends and family. When choosing a costume, pick one that elicits your passion and a spark within your carnival heart. If you need to speak to the section leader about any adjustments, do so. Many will make any accommodations to ensure you are happy, comfortable, sexy, and proud that you are rocking their costume!
Tell us about your journey to becoming a confident woman:
My confidence started with acceptance and knowing I am a beautiful, attractive, smart, and successful woman. I embrace my curves and dress to flatter them. I invest in my health; physical, mental, and spiritual. I focus on positivity and resonate that to those around me.
Do you have any mentors/role models who have inspired you along the way?
I have so many mentors/role models, but from a carnival perspective, #everyBODY playahmas founder Nadelle really has inspired me and encouraged me to embrace my shape and size and play mas without hesitation. As a result, I have a more positive and happier self image as part of the carnival community. Her message is far reaching and motivating an entire demographic to live their best lives with confidence and the spirit of carnival in their hearts.
How do you think movements like #everyBODYplayahmas assist masqueraders?
Movements like #everyBODY playahmas is a critical platform for masqueraders to be showcased and feel special. They connect people to one another to show how beautiful and sexy all plus sizes are in carnival costumes. They inspire and encourage people to enjoy their culture, embrace their bodies and live a positive and joyful life.
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