So I Modeled For Knix at the Confidence Tour

So I Modeled For Knix

Event Recap of The Knix Confidence Tour (Toronto)

November 3rd, 2022 will be a night I will never forget!

As an ambassador for Knix, I was invited to apply for their model casting. All I knew about the casting was the following: “We're choosing 80 people (and their BFFs, of course!) to join us IRL in Toronto and LA for a once-in-a-lifetime event that involves hitting the catwalk for a celebration of self-acceptance, love, and empowerment.”

The night that unfolded was magical. The room was filled with beautiful women of all shapes, sizes, and colours! Plus we all were decked out in lingerie. The Knix team took such good care of us with a hair and make up station, food and live dj! Shout out to: @djmetime! Glad I finally met my birthday twin. @thebirdspapaya - such a full circle moment because her content introduced me to Knix years ago! Within the event we experienced a 360 Photo Booth, had our portrait captured by @briony and were challenged to walk the runway in front of everyone. I am proud to have taken up space with my melanated curves and curls while the sounds of soca filled up the room as I hit the catwalk. See Video Here*

Photos By: Briony Douglas

Vulnerability

We had the time of our lives at the Knix Confidence Tour - but I must admit, a huge part of me was terrified. People assume that because I’m from the Caribbean Carnival scene, it must’ve been easy to strut around in my underwear. The environment was different - for some reason wearing lingerie added another layer of vulnerability that I needed to move through. But nonetheless, I did it! Grateful to have had the opportunity to celebrate my body in such a way… the body that has kept me alive and resilient through so much adversity. I hope me sharing this experience encourages someone else to love on their body just a little bit more - and I mean all of it. Every scar, jiggle, dimple and stretch mark!

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Let’s talk outfit:

I wore the oh so soft “Revolution Bra”, “Leakproof High Waisted panty” and the “Waffle Robe”. Use my new code: SIMPLYSHAKERA_KNIXLOVE when shopping for a percentage off.

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HUGE THANK YOU TO KNIX TEAM FOR TAKING SUCH GOOD CARE OF US!

Can’t wait to see where the Confidence Tour heads next!

Caribana Without The Parade

Caribana Without The Parade

Toronto Carnival 2020 Recap

Happy Toronto Carnival Weekend Everyone!

Wow - for the first time in YEARS we had no parade because of lockdown restrictions due to COVID-19. When this decision was announced in March I did not know how to feel. Disbelief was the most prevalent emotion.

Here’s the thing, Caribana without the parade is my pretty much my life. The work I do with Carnival Spice calls for me to be immersed in Caribbean Carnival 365 days a year so I did not think the cancellation would effect me greatly as it did. Kudos to all the promoters who offered alternatives to fill the void… I saw a Zoombana, Quaranbana and festival organizers even hosted a Virtual Road. I know this sounds terrible, but I chose to take a nice long nap on August 1st. I was completely overwhelmed with emotions and could not bring myself to do anything else. I did have a glass of wine and played some Voice to sooth my soul (add the song ”By Any Means” to your playlist). Although logistically, the parade itself can use a LOT of work, those who self identify as Caribbean or those who annually play mas feel a massive sense of pride in anticipation of this weekend. From revelling in the streets... to getting your hair/nails/lashes done and seeing your completed look carnival morning... to running into celebrities/friends/coworkers/exes etc on the road… to hearing YOUR SONG for the first time behind a big truck and going OFF… my song would have been anything on the “Yuh Bad” or “Caution” Riddim! The level of excitement is unmatched; arguably comparable to your wedding day or christmas morning…sigh..

To be clear though, the anticipation for Caribana weekend goes far beyond the fetes, costume pick up and walmart selling Caribbean based products at the front of the store. IT’S A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE, FREEDOM, UNITY, BLACKNESS, TOGETHERNESS, SOCA, FAMILY, FRIENDS, BODY-POSITIVITY, DANCEHALL, MAS, CHUTNEY, WELLNESS, LOVE, THE CARIBBEAN.

We Can’t Get Enough.

Even if you don’t play mas, it’s a weekend to just be proud and cultivate joy.  Most have celebrated this period from the were toddlers and hope to pass the traditions on to their children. 

Caribbean heritage and history is also deeply connected to the participation in Caribana weekend. The parade was gifted to Canada from Trinidad in 1967 and has grown to be one of the largest festivals in North America. The date of the festival also coincides with the the emancipation of enslaved people from Africa.

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Since I cannot share photos of myself taking a nap. Here are 5 Toronto Carnival Experiences I would like to highlight:

1995

Little Miss Shakera, always dancing… even at this age. My mom’s workplace at the time was a sponsor for the “Kiddies Carnival” (now called Junior Carnival) that took place in Little Jamaica on Eglinton West. The good ole days!

We were offered costumes the morning of but my mom had already picked out my outfit that’s why it does not match the costume! LOLOL… I remember this day like it was yesterday. I danced my little heart out.

Watch the pose; you could tell I meant business… was even featured on CITY PULSE… go figure.

2007

This was my first time playing mas as an adult. "Jamaicans don’t play mas” - or so I thought. During university, I met a trini dawlin, named Akeisha, who put me in a costume for the school’s talent show. I was SO shy that I wore the costume with black yoga pants. She then challenged me to play mas in Caribana that year- THE REST IS HISTORY.

I had no idea what I was doing but I still came hard. Matching shoes and bags; The shoes gave crazy blisters because the spray paint made them hard. The fabric on the bag was meant to be sprayed so the paint transferred on my skin! Lol. And are you seeing this eye make up? I believe this eye shadow that I had no idea how to apply cost about $40 and I used it once! The costume was made well though. I still have it and it is in perfect condition. The bra was 3x too big because I was scared of spillage. At the time I was a B cup, lol - the nerve!

2011

Back in these days when you modelled for a Toronto mas band, you could select any costume from the presentation to wear on the road. However, the costume I picked was the one I modelled since I fell in love with it the moment I put it on. It literally set the tone for the rest of this carnival season. This was my favourite Caribana to date. For the road, I even remember the song my section crossed the stage too: “ADVANTAGE” by Machel Montano. The stage was EPIC! Lost my rag, an eyelash and broke my purse. So glad I dismantled my headpiece and transformed it into a backpack for parade day. Everything was perfect and we were on the road for hours. I loved theme of the band too - we were different sea creatures. My section were the mermaids.

What solidified this magical experience happened the following morning. I woke up to the news that my photo was on the cover of the Toronto Star newspaper… and not just any photo... The photographer captured the euphoria I felt - crossing the judging stage!

2012

This pink costume was one of my faves to wear but I did not get many photos in it. I also paired it with nude fishnets before it was a trend in Toronto. Unfortunately this was not a good carnival year for me. I am sharing so you will take caution in the future. Scorching hot temperatures mixed with our band not having enough food and water led to me having extreme hit exhaustion. My symptoms were so bad that I had to leave the route early. Friends, although you have paid for food with your costume, do not rely on your band to feed you. Always have a hearty meal before you leave home. The day can be very unpredicatable and your safety is most important. Set yourself up for success. Ensure you are on top of hydration and vitamins leading up to the parade (and afterward of course.)

2016

This year was super fun. I worked a lot of promo events for the costume and did a lot of press with Carnival Spice. Plus, I had about 30 people from the #SpiceFam playing mas with me. Most were playing for the first time (something I cherish greatly). We were in different sections but arranged for everyone to be in the same band. It was also a year that I wore a wire bra for the first time. The ultimate highlight was two fold - one was performing for Kes the band and two was thiefin’ a wine on Kees on the road (member that Michelle???? Woyyyyy)

BONUS

Some 2020 Highlights:

As I was preparing to publish this blog I found out that Carnival Spice is trending #1 on TIK TOK via the #Caribana hashtag.

Pretty cool

You can also check out an interview I did with Kiss 92.5, Breakfast Television and the Toronto Festival Committee.

Breakfast Television: Moving in the Morning

https://youtu.be/Go7ZpURAiLE

Toronto Carnival Festival Committee

https://youtu.be/l53DvpbDaqw

Kiss 925 Interview

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDMWVwwnd-q/

Today I Rise - Event Recap

today i rise

Event Recap

Photo by: @jodianne.beckford

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Throughout my entire life, I know the feeling too well of being the "only one" in the room. From attending a predominantly Italian elementary school to attending auditions at the start of my dance career where castings alarmingly read “all ethnicities welcome too”. There was never anyone who looked like me in these spaces. 

Eventually I said F*** it, let me create my own spaces… and have been doing so for almost a decade. The Carnival Spice community in particular has truly become a gift for many. It allows for beautiful humans of all shapes, sizes, and colors to come together and cultivate joy.

To be honest though creating these spaces, hosting events, sticking to your mission is A LOT of work chile… So you can only imagine how happy I was to be invited to "today i rise”.

today i rise - a Black History Month event that celebrates the resiliency and power of the Black Woman.

It truly was.

The event was hosted inside the 889 community. Upon arrival we were greeted at the door with smiles and guided us to the event space. I looked around and the first things I noticed were:

• I didn’t see anyone familiar. I loved that! 

• everyone was smiling - good vibes already!

• everyone in the room was melanated - yoooo!!! my peopleeeee!!! whats good?! This made me giddy… and PROUD.

There were four parts to the event (a) Fitting (b) Yoga & Meditation (3) A fire side chat. (4) Refreshments. 

Nike gifted us with a head to toe look, purse, and yoga mat.

Photo by: @jodianne.beckford

…and catch this - my outfit was PINK!!! How did they know my colour?? The fit of the outfit was great too, especially for my body type.  I literally was floating around the room on a cloud.

The day just flowed. There was so much attention to detail. I couldn’t stop smiling. We laughed, we cried, we laughed some more, we listened… we hyped each other up!! All the women in the room were doing some amazing things in the city. It was an honour to hear their stories. I learned that many of the women were also wellness leaders in different facets, from yoga, to fitness, to meditation and more.

One of my favourite things was the question jar - this tool is excellent for people like me who low key are terrified of small talk. 

"We are seen. We are heard. We are celebrated"

- Rebeckah - Wellness Advocate, founder of @iriseyoga, & dope ass human! KNOW HER!

Photo by: @jodianne.beckford

During the yoga practice led by Rebeckah, there was such a sense of peace, strength, and vulnerability in the room. 
This moment was was so impactful. It was like I could see my reflection everytime I opened my eyes through the beautiful people around me.

“Everyone has the right to be well”

-Nicole Cardova - Entrepreneur, Speaker, Wellness Advocate

Photos by: @jodianne.beckford #shotbybeckford

Once the yoga practice was complete, we exchanged some more! @nicoleacardova what a powerful human. She travelled all the way from states shared her story with us. We left feeling uplifted and empowered.

These spaces are so important to me. I salute all the leaders out there taking charging and ensuring these moments happen as much as possible. THEY ARE NECESSARY; not only for us but for the generations to come. I will remain hopeful and continue doing my part in ensuring that these “moments” last forever.

#untillweallwin

Thank you Rebecka, Nicole, the Nike team, literally everyone involved for pouring into us - I KNOW it took a village to put this event together. Congratulations.

Photo by: @jodianne.beckford

We Rise Brunch Recap

We Rise Brunch

Recap

“Don’t be a lady, be a legend”

… the empowering words that attendees were welcomed to as they entered the inaugural We Rise Brunch (WBR).

What brought me to the WBR:

Instinct!

I don’t get out much (lol) but when I saw who was organizing this event I was very intrigued. A few years back I had the pleasure of working with Leigh Events Co. for a Carnival Spice wedding performance. That experience left a positive impression so I anticipated that the WBR would be dynamic.

The We Rise Brunch exceeded my expectations.

As an entrepreneur what charged me up the most was the branding! Guys, the WBR Logo color scheme, and sophistication could be found every everywhere.

EVERYWHERE.

From the The walls, the social media, the napkins, the desserts, chile even the bathroom! I lived for this. I appreciated this. It really made me reflect on how I display my business and personal brand… What impressions am I leaving on my clients and audience? What details could I add to my work to make an even greater impact? …ya, my mind went all the way there.

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There were three facets to the We Rise Brunch; a panel, a brunch, and an aftaaa pawty! Each was in a separate room decorated beautifully. There was an intention for every detail and great vibe throughout. Here’s a short review of the different elements!

The Panel

@kelawalker my spirit animal!!!!! I am glad to have been introduced to you and your greatness.

@wondagurl congratulations on all your success and reminding folks that “age aint nuttin’ but a number”

@samanthaclarke my beautiful friend oh how I love thee! I already know how phenomenal you are so it was great seeing you in another element and crushing it too!

@janetjacksonhairstylist story resonated with me the most. Her passion for hair and desire to uplift other black hairstylists reminded me so much of my love for dance and building my team of performing artists. It was great to hear ways in which she rose above adversity to make her mark on the hair industry in Canada and beyond. Oh, and thank you for dancing your way into the room during your entrance! Too Lit!!

@karencivil what a pleasure to have you bring your knowledge and energy to us Toronto ladies. Many of the experiences you shared had strategies that could be applied to all areas of our life. SO TIMELY AND OH SO NECESSARY! Thank You!

Some of my fave takeaways:

“Be mindful of your character and your reputation will take care of itself” - Kela Walker

“Never step over a dollar to pick up a nickel” - Karen Civil

• Introduce yourself using your first AND last name! Small note, yet so profound!

Brunch

Dear WBR team, the introverts and solo attendees greatly appreciated the assigned seating!!!!!!!! lol

Our meal was a WELL SEASONED four course Caribbean meal. Here we had live entertainment and learned more about the future of the WBR.

The event attracted a great audience as well. I was reminded of this even more by the women sitting at my table. Shout out to the ladies I sat beside. To my left was Rockstar Mom & Entrepreneur @robinawalling and to my right celeb make up artist @afia_beauty.

Afta Pawty

The Lounge was super fun! It had an array exhibitors & activations, live DJ and a big ole dance floor.

Everyone had high spirits and looked lovely. I also appreciated that most followed the Green and Pink dress code.

We were surprised with gifts throughout the day too. Here are some of the goodies I brought home.

In the photo you can spot my most favourite gift: My portrait! @caricature.dani sketched it in like 5 minutes! I went and got it lamented yesterday - I’m in love!

Additional goodies not pictured: A fresh rose from @thepetalpop, dairy & gluten free cookies (from Cake & Co I believe), and a kente head wrap I purchased from @siranis_fashion. There were many more activations that I didn’t get a chance to get to in time.

Small detail I also loved was that a majority of the vendors were black owned businesses.

Treasa!!!!! Consider this blog post a testimonial for your work! Happy to have witnessed your vision come to life! And a huge shout out to your team for all their warm smiles, willingness to help, and hyping me up on the dance floor - nothing went unnoticed.

Congratulations to all involved & best wishes on the launch of the We Rise Experience.