I am the owner and operator of a natural hair salon that specializes in Sisterlocks, named Krown and Glory. I am a mother of 3 amazing kids. And a carnival addict with no known Caribbean root but I still love to play mas with my plain ol' American self.
How and when did you first start playing mas? *
I started playing mas 3 years ago in 2017. A few of my clients are West Indian and they were educating me on the whole play mas process. As you can imagine, I was nervous but excited all the same. I then joined a local band named Island Oasis and that was the start of my carnival addiction. It was the prettiest, most fun and hardest workout I had ever done. And I just wanted to do it all over again and again.
What carnival experience has been your favourite (and most proud) to date? *
It's hard to say my favorite carnival experience because they were all amazing. But I would have to pick between 2. Bahamas in May 2019 and the more recent Miami Carnival in October 2019. Bahamas was like a marathon, 13 miles of constant whining and I lasted the whole parade. Miami was amazing bc my costume had so much of my favorite colors goldS and pinks that I was just in heaven.
What are some of your must-have carnival essentials?
My carnival must have is Glitter! I put it on my eyes, lips, body. I just love glitter and jewels. Good tights are essential, they help stop the chub rub and keep your legs looking sexy all day. Another must have is Pasties. I do a lot of jumping on the road and no one has time for wardrobe malfunctions. And my final must have is a small fanny pack or crossbody bag to hold your phone, ID and gloss.
Describe your perfect mas experience:
A perfect mas experience is one where the costume fits perfectly with no alterations or adjustments needed. Often as a plus size masquerader we have struggle wit standard size outfits. Another thing that would make perfect experience is music on the road that keeps the vibes high and just makes your soul dance. And having a band that provides good spirits is perfect as well.
What would you like to tell people about mas, that they may not know?
I would like people to know that playing mas is NOT an opportunity for women to be naked in the streets and grinding everywhere. It is a celebration for life. Showcasing our beautiful bodies dripped in jewels and things to demonstrate self love and appreciation no matter how big or small those bodies may be. The grinding is just a direct result of the soca moving your waistline. It's uncontrollable! *smile*
Would you change anything about playing mas in your city?
I wish our carnival parade was a little longer but I still have a great time either way.
If you could play mas with one soca artist, who would it be, and why?
I would play mas with Destra. I feel like her song Lucy was created just for me and captures the very essence of how I felt when I first played mas.
Do you think there is currently an unspoken age or size limit on playing mas?
Whenever I play mas, I see all sizes but typically on the advertisement they only show the smaller body women. I think we need more real size women in the advertisements and social media campaigns.
Do you have a message of encouragement for the #everyBODYplayahmas network? *
You only get one life and this one body. Don't delay playing mas or living your best life just because you don't have the body you desire right now. Love who you are, right where you are and watch others around you accept you for being authentically you. You are enough!
Tell us about your journey to becoming a confident woman:
I was often the tallest and most curvaceous in the room. I was teased as a child for having hazel eyes that would often change colors and for a big part of my childhood I hated them. However, my mother would often tell me how I come from a long line of amazing women with all size, eye colors and body types and our beauty is undeniable. Everyone is unique in their beauty and it's ok to be different. The older I got and the more life experiences I gained, the more I began to value myself.
Do you have any mentors/role models who have inspired you along the way?
My late mother was my greatest role model. She taught me to live life fearlessly and free without judgment.
How do you think movements like #everyBODYplayahmas assist masqueraders?
It is a bold, in your face platform that showcases the beauty of all size women, which are often hidden in mainstream. It allows those who don't know the reality of carnival to witness who really plays mas out in the streets. Its not just the fit, slim chicks. The fluffy gyals are winning!
Instagram: @misskrisj Business: @krownandglory1
Facebook: Krown and Glory
Facebook: Krown and Glory
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