Too Fat for Mas? Not Anymore. We Just Made Carnival Curvier.
Let me tell you something right now: If they ever told you that you were too fat, too this, too that—for Mas or for anything else—they lied.
Because baby, I just turned 40 and finally lived out one of my biggest dreams: playing Mas at Carnival. I joined Illusion Mas in Orlando. And not only did I show up—I showed out. And the only thing “too much” about me… was the amount of JOY I carried that day.
Let’s rewind. I grew up in New York City, watching the bands come down Eastern Parkway from behind the barricades. I’d sneak under just to get a taste of what it felt like to belong. But that feeling was always short-lived. I was told over and over again: “You too fat to play Mas.” The dream felt out of reach, like something reserved for slimmer bodies.
Fast forward to present day—cue the fairy godmother moment. My good sis Kat (@JustKat11 on all platforms) calls me like, “Sis, it’s time.” And just like that, this big-bodied bombshell chose her costume and got her flight.
Now let’s talk Illusion Mas.
From the moment I hit that website, I knew this wasn’t no thrown-together operation. It was seamless—like they knew their audience and respected our time and coins. They had payment plans (yup), customization options, and clear communication. That already impressed me.
But babyyyy… when I touched down in Orlando? The love was IMMACULATE.
Lee, the owner, and the entire Illusion Mas crew welcomed us with open arms—and zero judgment. The vibes? 100 outta 10.
When I say well-oiled machine, I mean it.
From pickup to parade, these people don’t miss.
✅ You pull up, show your ID like a boss.
✅ You and a rep go over every single costume piece—from bra to bead.
✅ They snap a pic of you, your receipt, and your government like is FBI work.
No “I ain’t get dis” arguments. You leave fully accounted for.
The costume?!
💎 Jewels were JEWELING.
🎒 The bag? Multi-purpose, baby.
🍹 Cup fit nice on the fanny pack strap.
🚛 Water and rum flowing like it was Carnival in Port of Spain.
👯♀️ J’ouvert kit ready—paint, powder, pure joy.
Staff? Floated around like Carnival angels making sure you had what you needed. And listen—the food?? Y’all… I was expecting sandwich and sadness. Instead? Grandma arms was in the kitchen cooking like she had something to prove. Real food and POTATO SALAD THAT CHANGED MY LIFE. (I only got one scoop—whoever made dat? DM me.)
The sisterhood was sistering.
I came with Kat and Jackie and floated around with Celina (hey boo 👋🏽), and it was giving pure body-positive community. When I say sisterhood was active? I mean pantyhose sharing, accessory lending, content catching, and vibe protecting. We did NOT move till everybody looked good-good. Missing glitter? We got it. Need fishnets? Hold these. Need content? We turn into full-blown production staff. This was not a pick-and-choose kinda crew. We showed up for everybody, and in turn, everybody showed up for me.
The biggest thing though? I didn’t feel like I had to suck in, cover up, shrink, or apologize for anything. Nobody was side-eyeing me. Nobody mad that I lost and found darn near everything every three seconds. I was seen. I was safe. I was FREE.
Big up to Lee.
Sir, you deserve your flowers NOW. You didn’t crop us out the recap. You didn’t hide us in the back. You showed us front and center—how it should be. As a plus-size patron, I’m used to being seen and deleted. But with Illusion Mas? We weren’t background. We were main character energy.
Photo Credit: Deion Waldon
So let me say this loud enough for every thick girl who ever doubted herself:
PLAY. THE. MAS. Not when you lose weight. Not when you “feel ready.” NOW. Your body ain’t a problem—it’s the damn celebration. If they say you too fat? Tell dem, “Too fat fi who?” Because this body? This body WUKKED, SWEAT, SHINED, and SHELL DOWN ORLANDO.
I did it at 40. In gems, feathers, and full glory. And next year? We outside again.
Final words?
If you’ve never played Mas, start wid Illusion Mas. J’ouvert? YES. Carnival day? YES. Monday Wet n’ Wild? CHILEEEE—YUH JUST HAFFI GO. (I won’t spoil the surprise… just pack extra clothes and come correct.) To every plus-size person still watching from the sidelines: Come thru. The road waiting on YOU.
