Wife, Mother of 4, Grandmother of 3.
Full-time Employed for major Insurance carrier in the U.S.
Loves to travel, read and spending time with family and friends
How and when did you first start playing mas? *
I first played mas in Brooklyn's West Indian Day Parade as a young woman. Although I always wanted to play as a child my mother was against it even though she never missed NY carnival.
What carnival experience has been your favourite (and most proud) to date? *
I don't have a favorite as they all have a different vibe. I enjoy each carnival experience as it is an event that I share with my family. Since most of us live in different cities, we travel just to get that time to spend with each other doing what we enjoy the most
What are some of your must-have carnival essentials?
Must have essentials - comfortable shoes. If your feet hurt it will throw off your whole experience. I find that boots and sneakers make my feet hot and they ache more so I shop for comfortable sandals that allow my feet to breathe.
Describe your perfect mas experience:
Great company = great vibes. I have experience costume issues, lack of good service on the road, sub-par music, but the company that I am with always find a way to make good out of a situation.
What would you like to tell people about mas, that they may not know?
It's a time to "free-up" as we say. Leave all of the stress of what is going on in your life and take time to unwind.
Would you change anything about playing mas in your city?
I don't play mas anymore in Brooklyn as a lot has changed since the 90's. I rather travel to other cities and countries to experience their flavor of playing mas.
If you could play mas with one soca artist, who would it be, and why?
I don't know if there is one person I could name, as I remember when the artists used to perform on the trucks and be right in the band with you. Those days were best.
Do you think there is currently an unspoken age or size limit on playing mas?
I think the perception is that you should fit a certain demographic to play mas. We as a society perpetuate that perception and it thereby becomes the norm. Unfortunately, we allow this to continue with whom we financially support. Social media enhances this perception and we think this is truly what is on the road. However, as a masquerader for many years, the actual people that I have seen playing mas comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors and that makes me happy.
Do you have a message of encouragement for the #everyBODYplayahmas network? *
Do what makes you happy and does not hurt anyone else. You only have yourself to answer for. Don't allow the insecurities of others to dictate your life. As Machel Montano states - "play a mas and live yuh life"
Tell us about your journey to becoming a confident woman:
I became a mother at the age of 17 and had to learn very quickly that I was now the voice for someone who had none; my son. Has life been easy? not at all. However, I know that I cannot give up as I have others who are depending on me to guide them. There are days when I am not the happiest, feel my best, but as they say fake it till you make it. I smile and look for the small things in life that I can be grateful for. I pray, I say sorry and ask for forgiveness, I say thank you and appreciate that in spite of all that may be going wrong I am able to awake a next day to still carry on.
Do you have any mentors/role models who have inspired you along the way?
I don't know if there are specific people that I can name, but I look at people that put out positive messages. Those that lift others up instead of tearing them down. I do believe that constructive criticism can be given, but you should be doing that from a place of help and not degrade another person.
How do you think movements like #everyBODYplayahmas assist masqueraders?
I think this movement is a great way to display, celebrate and appreciate all body types. I have seen some beautiful women displayed on this page and it makes me feel so proud that we are being showcased in a positive way.
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