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Masquerader Monday - 16.12.2019 | Cherisse

 





Engineer by education and profession. Mom of one miracle baby boy. Soca lover
How and when did you first start playing mas? *
2007 in Barbados. Totally last minute decision. I got what was left and obviously nothing plus was available. I wore a black swimsuit and spanx with the measly B cup bra and accessories. I had fun nonetheless!
What carnival experience has been your favourite (and most proud) to date? *
St. Vincent Carnival. Playing in my parents home country was special.
What are some of your must-have carnival essentials?
Glue gun, an abundance of face jewels, proper footwear.
Describe your perfect mas experience:
Good vibes, good music, meals and drinks from the band, good weather!
What would you like to tell people about mas, that they may not know?
Mas is the love of soca and good vibes. People congregate to have fun and live life. I am at my most confident when I'm in full costume!

Would you change anything about playing mas in your city?
The stormers. I wish the city understood and gave mas the respect it deserves...
If you could play mas with one soca artist, who would it be, and why?
Patrice Roberts. 'Iza big girl now' and Destra 'Lucy'. I love both of them and their music
Do you think there is currently an unspoken age or size limit on playing mas?
Mas is predominantly advertised through launches and social media where its mainly young, slim, fair skin women or muscular men. Some bands in Toronto have made better efforts in recent years to include plus women and darker skinned people. I'd like to see more older persons and plus size men!
Do you have a message of encouragement for the #everyBODYplayahmas network? *
Everytime you put on your costume you are an inspiration to another person who may have thought that they couldn't do it or pull it off.
Tell us about your journey to becoming a confident woman:
It's a process. It's making mistakes and trusting that it was necessary to learn and grow. Confidence is the both physical and emotional. Maintaining and developing it requires you to balance being kind to yourself and pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone!
Do you have any mentors/role models who have inspired you along the way?
My mom
How do you think movements like #everyBODYplayahmas assist masqueraders?
It helps people feel a part of a group and not alone and ostracized. With numbers comes strength which commands respect when people come together with positivity
Please list any contact details you would like added to the post (ex. Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, SnapChat, Pinterest, etc) *
@reesie_3777 (ig)

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