Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracey Lyons-White.
Hi Tracey, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In 2014, My sister visited me after she had just participated in Atlanta carnival. She came in the house barefoot limping a little saying her feet still hurt and that she had the time of her life. She told me it was something I definitely needed to experience and asked me to go with her next year.
In 2015, I was in the midst of a divorce and committed to playing mas for the first time as a means to pull me out of my funk. My sister was right. I had the time of my life, and not even a full hour into the experience, I knew it was something that I had to do again. I had gained a lot of weight that year so I was really insecure. That feeling died the moment I stepped on the road. I was blown away by the infectious positivity of the experience, and fell in love with seeing women of all shapes and sizes confidently in costume having an amazing time. I continued to participate in Atlanta carnival in 2016 and 2017. Since 2017, I extended to Hollywood carnival and have participated in Caribbean carnival in Brooklyn, Raleigh, Miami and even Trinidad.
In 2018, I was talking to a mentor about carnival in her office. I was under a lot of stress and I just talked to her about what the experience had been doing for me over the years. The next thing I knew, I was fielding questions from multiple people that stopped by. Because I am a military professional, the joyous atmosphere of carnival has some dissonance with the overall culture of good order and discipline. I spent a lot of time discussing carnival and explaining a lot of things people didn’t understand about this experience and dispelling some misunderstandings. My mentor encouraged me to create an Instagram platform to function as a frame of reference for people that needed more than a verbal frame of reference.
As I began to have more experiences with other masqueraders, I found myself immersed in many different conversations with people from a wide array of backgrounds and experiences in regard to subjects such as body positivity, colorism, and cultural barriers. In 2019, I launched a mission statement inspired by those discussions in person and though direct messages (DM). I am really proud to state that not only does AWM serve as a sounding board, but that it also serves as a safe space for many people. It is truly an honor. I have had a lot of fun curating engaging content that educates others, instills inspiration and urges productive conversation. I never thought that American Wines Matter (AWM) would be where it is a little over two years later, but here we are!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There are people that are not of Caribbean descent that appreciate carnival and the culture that really want to spread a positive message, but feel shut-out sometimes. I’ve had very few trials, but I would say it was bitter-sweet because although some of those experiences that I had were uncomfortable, it also promoted a lot of growth and awareness at the same time. How I have dealt with this is by continuing to be genuine and press on with my mission anyway. What drives me the most about this platform is that it really doesn’t serve me, but it serves others.
I believe as more time passes, they will be able to discern who is really about supporting the culture and who is in it for personal gain. So, no, it’s not been a smooth road at all, but my positive (and undesirable) experiences have made AWM an excellent resource for people interested in participating in Caribbean carnival but hesitant because of their cultural upbringing, body image, and other barriers. I believe that navigating a culture that is not your own is going to come with some bumps in the road. But if you are willing to be receptive and humble, you are setting yourself to make some significant impacts on others’ lives by bridging cultural gaps.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
There are a lot of carnival influencers out there, but AWM is a little bit different in that it represents a demographic that I did not see supported when the platform was established. This platform calls attention to that masquerader that is not of Caribbean descent. It speaks for women that aren’t built like the carnival models. It speaks for people that might be confused about carnival but are willing to learn more. It speaks for the people that are afraid to play mas but need to encouragement to get out there and enjoy the experience.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Everyone has their fingers crossed for a Carnival 2021 season. If you are remotely interested in the carnival experience, be sure to head over to my website and Instagram. I am highly responsive to all messages and am more than happy to help you on your carnival journey! Maybe I will get to help you pick out your first costume!
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention @tingznice on Instagram and her YouTube channel. I remember watching her videos when I was struggling to learn how to prepare for carnival and her advice is still very relevant. One of my favorite carnival bloggers is @bahamianista on Instagram. @ohgchoice does a great job reflecting the carnival experience from a male perspective. If you visit my Instagram, all of these platforms (and more) are detailed in my “who to follow” highlights.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: http://www.americanwinesmatter.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/awmcarnival
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/americanwinesmatter
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/awmcarnival
- YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/americanwinesmatter
- Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/
americanwinesmatter
Image Credits
Favor Films. http://www.instagram.com/favorfilms
