I was born in Brooklyn New York 24 years ago and moved to Atlanta when I was 10 . My mother is from North Carolina and my dad is from Trinidad and Tabago . I'm a soca and afrobeat fanatic who loves to dance and sing EVERYWHERE and doesn’t care who is watching. Currently I work in the medical field as my 9-5 but I’m pursuing my dream in opening my store “Curved Essence” catered to providing trendy Affordable plus size clothing for all our lovely shapes .
How and when did you first start playing mas? *
I started playing Mas in 2016 . I’ve always enjoyed watching people chip on the road to soca music adorned in the most beautiful bright colored costumes and feathers . There’s this electric feeling in the air of freedom and joy . No one cares who is watching they are honestly having the time of there lives . So I gathered my closest friends and hit the road , and since then I’ve played almost every year !
What carnival experience has been your favourite (and most proud) to date? *
My favorite carnival experience was my first carnival experience . Not because it was my first time , but it was my American friend's first time . Watching her jump up and wine up to music she’s never heard . The smile and laughter and just pure joy and fun she had was the best expierence I’ve had . Soca just has a way of bringing people from all walks of life together .
What are some of your must-have carnival essentials?
My carnival essentials would have to be a small clutch that can hold your phone , Money , wipes and lipsticks . A rag for all those sweaty moments . And a portable charger . There is nothing worse than being lost and unable to call or text your friends !
Describe your perfect mas experience:
In my opinion, there is no perfect Mas experience. Mas is what you make it .
What would you like to tell people about mas, that they may not know?
Playing Mas is the most liberating feeling . It’s not about the costume or the fetes. It’s a time where we can all forget about all outside pressures and personal struggles and for just a day find solitude and catch a wine on complete strangers while listening to soca and have a time surrounded by like minded people . To me playing mas is freedom .
Would you change anything about playing mas in your city?
I absolutely love Atlanta Dekalb Carnival. I’ve watched our carnival grow within the last few years . The bands are getting bigger and costumes designs are getting better . I do wish that next year they implement a shaded cool down / rest area with fans for all masqueraders cause after getting on bad on the road in this “ HOTLANTA” heat , I just need somewhere to sit and hide from the sun for a while .
If you could play mas with one soca artist, who would it be, and why?
I would love to play mas with the QOB , Destra ! She just completely imbodies what I think carnival is . Plus who wouldn’t want to take a wine on Lucy ?!
Do you think there is currently an unspoken age or size limit on playing mas?
Yes ! Playing pretty mas isn’t easy for a curvy girl . Every year my friends and I can’t wait till band launch season to see what fire each and every band is bringing that year . When the lights go dim and the beautiful Coke bottled shaped woman come out on stage wearing the most beautiful costumes and you realize “ that’s not for you” and you could never wear it because it’s not catered to your size .Your heart breaks and you feel defeated Because you know there’s probably one section that caters to your size and it’s more than likely a one piece . Some designers are starting to design more gorgeous costumes catered to curvy shaped woman but not enough .
Do you have a message of encouragement for the #everyBODYplayahmas network? *
Despite your size or insecurity , go play mas and “back it up on the people man” . This platform is deeper than dressing up in beautiful costumes and dancing on the road . It’s about loving yourself at every stage in life despite other opinions . You belong just like everyone one else . It’s only one you on earth cherish and appreciate her !
Tell us about your journey to becoming a confident woman:
True Confidence is the road less traveled . I use to believe confidence was just making sure my outward appearance was acceptable. Not paying any mind to the fact that , whenever i passed someone my eyes will instantly hit the floor in fear of making eye contact or whenever I walked into a room I would instantly shrink myself because I deemed others more valuable than myself. Confidence honestly wasn’t something I was born with it is something I built . When the world is constantly telling me I’m less than , I had to make myself believe other wise . I started walking with my head held high and shoulder back , making eye contact and smiling to the people passing . I started walking into spaces and commanding attention not from arrogance or because I physically take up more space but because I belong like everyone else . And within this time is where I experienced true self love which bloomed into true self confidence .
Do you have any mentors/role models who have inspired you along the way?
I honestly am my own role model . When I look back through everything I’ve been through And everything I’ve accomplished . I can’t help but smile and feel proud of the woman I am today , I worked hard for her
How do you think movements like #everyBODYplayahmas assist masqueraders?
Movements like this give people that extra boost of confidence. It also showcases like minded people . People who despite their size or peoples opinion . They too are just living their life and doing things that make them happy . And everyBODYplayahmas is a safe place for all of us !
Follow me :
Instagram : _quoiaaaa
Snapchat : qbaby12
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