Hello beautiful creatives. Today I officially introduced myself to the community and shared a little piece of my heart through my Carnival journey. From my early days attending fetes, to the moment I created my very first costume, to how this passion grew into the artistry I practice today. We also dove into the history of Carnival, the culture, the purpose, and why this craft is so sacred. Then I revealed what we’ll be building from concept to the road, including a sneak peek at the stunning costume style we’ll be designing together. I also shared which Carnival I’m preparing for and showed a beautiful video of the exact type of masterpiece we’ll be creating in this course. 💫 Our first hands-on tutorial begins in a couple of weeks, and trust me… you’re going to love this process. ✨ PLUS! We are heading to Hollywood Carnival as a band, and you’ll get to watch the entire journey from the inside. If you want to hit the road with us, you’ll have two options: 1️⃣ Build your own costume right here in class 2️⃣ Purchase a costume from one of the talented creators in our community — including me This is just the beginning. Welcome to the future of Mas making. 🎭💎🔥

Family, I’m excited to announce that our new “Careers in Carnival” digital course is officially LIVE and I’ve made this one available to EVERY member, no premium tier required. 💙🌊 This industry has so many hidden opportunities beyond costume design, and I want my whole community to have access to this knowledge. Whether you want to create, produce, manage, glam, perform, build a business, or find your lane behind the scenes — this course will help you discover where you fit and how to start earning in Carnival. Inside you’ll find: ✨ A complete industry overview ✨ Many career categories ✨ Income paths you never knew existed ✨ Worksheets, planners & roadmaps ✨ Real-world steps to launch your Carnival career This is YOUR chance to explore the Carnival world on a deeper level and unlock skills that can take you anywhere. Go dive in. Learn. Take notes. Ask questions. I made this one free because I want EVERYONE to elevate. 🔥 Let’s grow together. Your admin, Miss Mae

Carnival is a MASSIVE industry, and most people only think about “costume designer” or “band leader,” but there are 30+ jobs that make a carnival band run. Here’s the full breakdown, including the smaller roles people forget about (and many of these can be turned into profitable side businesses). 🔥 FULL LIST OF CARNIVAL INDUSTRY JOBS (BAND + EVENT SIDE) 1. Band Leader / Band Owner Oversees everything — theme, sections, finances, operations, partnerships. 2. Section Leader / Section Creative Director Creates each section’s identity, manages models, handles prototype approvals. 3. Costume Designer Develops the sketches, color palettes, and full costume concepts. 4. Technical Costume Maker Does actual construction: wire bras, backpacks, belts, collars, appliqués, gem work, feather work. 5. Production Assistants Help with cutting fabric, gem placement, feathers, packaging, QC. 6. Wire Benders / Wire Artists Specialists who create framework for bras, collars, backpacks, headpieces. 7. Seamstresses / Tailors Cut and sew bodysuits, shorts, men’s pieces, custom fits. 8. Feather Specialists Dye feathers, steam them, match colors, prepare bundles, shape and revive them. 9. Gem / Appliqué Specialists Crystal mapping, gem layouts, luxury finishing artists. 10. Backpack Makers Frame building, harness construction, balance/weight engineering. 11. Mas Model / Photo & Video Talent For launches, content, social media, lookbooks, ads, promos. 12. Creative Director / Visual Director Oversees photoshoots, styling, makeup looks, marketing vibe, aesthetics. 13. Photographers (Mas-specific) Shoot lookbooks, prototypes, carnival day. 14. Videographers / Editors Create launch videos, TikTok promos, hype reels, section features. 15. Makeup Artists / Stylists Handle glam for promo shoots and launch content. 16. Social Media Manager Runs IG, TikTok, Facebook groups, member chats, updates. 17. Website & E-commerce Manager Creates product listings, sizes, inventory, storefront setup.

I’m so glad you’re here! This space is all about learning, leveling up, and creating stunning mas costumes from scratch, whether you’re a beginner, a designer, a band leader, or someone who just loves Carnival culture. Not everyone here is a mas professional. This is a community of newbies. pros, practicing and passionate lovers of all things MAS. This a loving learning space for all. Inside this community, you’ll find: 🔥 Step-by-step guidance on building professional-quality costumes 🔥 Tips, templates, resources, and insider techniques 🔥 Feedback, support, and inspiration from other creators 🔥 Behind-the-scenes gems the public NEVER gets to see 🔥 A safe space to grow your skills and your creativity Feel free to introduce yourself, share your goals, ask questions, or show off your designs. We grow together here. 💫 Welcome to the family— **Let’s create magic for the road!** 🪩✨

So, the questions been asked. What's carnival and where did it begin and why? Here, I answer those questions with a little history lesson 🔥 What Is Carnival? Carnival is one of the most vibrant cultural celebrations in the world — a blend of history, survival, resistance, creativity, and pure joy. It is more than costumes and fetes; it’s a spiritual and cultural expression passed down for generations. 🌍 Where Carnival Started Carnival’s deepest roots come from West African traditions mixed with European colonial influences during the transatlantic slave era. The modern Caribbean Carnival we know today began in Trinidad & Tobago in the (Early 1800s) - French colonizers brought masquerade balls. - Enslaved Africans were banned from participating — so they created their own version outside the estates. - They used drumming, chanting, stick-fighting, storytelling, and masquerade to preserve ancestral identity. - After emancipation in 1838, Carnival exploded into the streets as a symbol of freedom. Other islands soon developed their own forms, including: - 🇧🇧 Barbados Crop Over - 🇯🇲 Jamaica Carnival - 🇧🇱 St. Lucia Carnival - 🇬🇩 Grenada Spice Mas - 🇻🇨 Vincy Mas - 🇹🇹 Trinidad Carnival (the global standard) Carnival later spread into North America and Europe: - 🇺🇸 Miami Carnival - 🇺🇸 Atlanta Carnival - 🇺🇸 Houston Carnival - 🇨🇦 Toronto Caribana - 🇬🇧 Notting Hill Carnival - 🇯🇵 Japan Carnival 🎭 Why Carnival Was Created Carnival was born from: 1. Resistance A way for enslaved Africans to express identity when their cultures were banned. 2. Freedom After emancipation, Carnival became a celebration of liberation. 3. Storytelling Mas bands depict themes about politics, folklore, beauty, ancestry, and fantasy. 4. Community Carnival unites people of all ages, cultures, and countries in one rhythm. 🌈 What Carnival Represents Today Today’s Carnival is a global movement. It represents: - Freedom of expression - Body positivity + confidence - Cultural pride - Unity across countries - Creativity and artistry - Music, dance, and pure joy