WE DID IT EVERYONE!

This post is dedicated to all of you amazing people that have donated to my fundraising initiatives for the Weekend to End Women’s Cancers. I am touched by the overwhelming support from everyone: relatives, former co-workers, Carnival Spice crew, friends from high school & University, Carnival Siblings, clients, and even people that I don’t know! It has been a beautiful process.

With that said I am excited to announce that I have reached my personal goal of $1250 and so have all my teammates’ a.k.a “The Bosom Buddies”. We will officially be completing a 32km walk THIS Saturday with thousands of other awesome women! My next individual fundraising mark is $2000 and this will determine if I am eligible to walk on the Sunday.

I would also like to shout out all of the awesome women who came out Thursday night for the “Bosom Buddies Dance-Fitness Fundraiser” in benefit of the Princess Margaret Cancer Center. The one-hour workshop was held in downtown Toronto at The Citadel dance studio... boy did we have a time!

#SWEATYSELFIE

Sister, Mom, & Me

Hooray!!

Women of all ages and ethnicities came out to donate, sweat and dance up a storm. Everyone was also quite excited to receive some of my "Carnival Spice" (HA!). 

Video Clips:

 

 

If the video isn't visible, click the link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImzDIWcka-E
 

 

If the video isn't visible, click the link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hp7cpgJRGKc


 

Additional Clips:

(1) http://instagram.com/p/sSK5gru7MK/

- Di energy was high!

(2) http://instagram.com/p/sSbVIZrsXL/

- As you can see from the clip above, my 20 month year old nephew Matteo made for a great assistant; he enjoys any opportunity to dance.

The Weekend To End Cancer is in 5 Days which is more than enough time to make an even bigger impact! If you haven`t had an opportunity to donate please click HERE !! Whether small or big, your contribution is GREATLY appreciated.

I will be dedicating my participation in the walk to 3 amazing women:

(1)             Carolyn Van

 

This young woman is a true inspiration. We met in the dance world through the performance and training group Army of Sass. At the age of 28 Carolyn was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer this past March. She has used her strength in social media to document and share her journey through fighting young adult cancer. PLEASE PLEASE visit her blog…. It is truly powerful -> http://cvkickingcancersass.com

(2)            ``Sistah Angie``

I have known this lady since I was a little girl.  Every time I see her it is so refreshing! She is so loving, positive, plus she makes THE BEST lasagna I have EVER eaten… and trust me, I have eaten A LOT of lasagna in my life time. As she battles the Big C, I ask that you all keep her in your prayers. She is a true fighter and will be this thing.

(3)            Kay Blair

Kay has been a community activist for years and has achieved a plethora of accolades for her contributions. Although I have never met this woman, her work has made a great impact on the development of my career and I truly appreciate her. Kay, my sister and I thank you for your efforts and we all know you will get through this!

XO to you all <3

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Twitter: @SimplyShakera
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Email: info@simplyshakera.com

Respect De Mas

Photo By: Sid Naidu Photography

 

 

I just want to touch base with everyone post Toronto Carnival 2014. How was your overall experience??? I did not participate in too much of the social stuff because Carnival Spice was pretty booked up (AMEN!). So please share; I would love your feedback. 

Which band did you play with? Did you have a great costume pick-up experience at your mas camp? Besides your costume what items were in your costume bag? 

What Fetes/Parties did you attend? Which were the most fun?

Did anyone check out Jab Jab Jouvert?

How was your road experience??? 

This question is a biggy! It is clear the road had several issues this year; mainly in the logistical and security department. Issues so serious that many folks are speaking up to ensure many of these mistakes are not made next year.

If I were to rate my experience on the road this year I would say 6/10. For factors out of my band’s control I didn’t get food or water, I lost a majority of my friends for two hours, and I didn’t make it to the end of the lakeshore. Womp Womp. I did however like the look and feel of the costume I put together, I got to see so many wonderful people, and I got see beautiful mas in the sun.

 

A primary issue this year was the HUGE presence of people not in costume on the Lakeshore!! Ughhh you people stress me out. I know the soca is contagious and I know the fences may be hard to see through, BUT if you are spectator then you need to spectate on the sidelines! You can hear the music from the sidelines as well! ...but when you decide to take it upon yourself to hop the fences & sneak through barricades to get to the Lakeshore, you are ruining the parade and identifying yourself as a STORMER! 2014 Toronto Carnival Stormers caused costumes (which are not cheap) to get ruined, a back log of the music trucks, music to stop being played on the road, interruptions on the stage where costume competitions take place (causing some bands not to be judged)... I could go on...

 

I truly hope that the Toronto’s Festival Management Committee sorts out and fixes many of the issues that continually occur in the parade. My tip to them is to speak with masqueraders to determine solutions – they are your best assets. PLUS masqueraders are the ones who carry out the parade so you have to ensure that they are happy. Caribbean Carnival in Toronto has the elements to be even bigger and better than it is. Before it can grow we as the Caribbean community need to educate masqueraders and attendees on the history of mas or the parade will dwindle into being JUST a street party with a couple people covered in feathers. WE CANNOT LET THIS HAPPEN.

Now Have A Great Day.

 

 

Stay Connected With Me Via:

 

Twitter: @SimplyShakera

Instagram:  @SimplyShakera
YouTube: Simply Shakera
Email: info@simplyshakera.com

Keep Calm It’s Carnival Weekend

Hello Lovelies,

I wanted to take a moment and wish you all a happy, blessed, and prosperous August! It’s the last month of “summer” so make it count.

I also would like to wish you a safe, energized, E.P.I.C., colorful, blissful Caribana weekend full of flags in di air, laughter, glitter, feathers, Johnny walka, loved ones, soca, sunshine and PLENTY vibes.

You can find me jumpin and waving with my Jamaican flag in the band Saldenah Mas as they present “The River of Mirrors”. It will be quite interesting because the band has sold over 4000 costumes! Not sure where all those people will fit but it shall be interesting to see.

The costume section I will be wearing is “Cristales”. Costume designer Rodney Minguel describes the section as follows: “Carnival is color and color is mas and legend has it that there is a river so beautiful; it's known as the river than ran away from paradise. Cano Cristales or the Liquid Rainbow is a unique biological wonder and is famous as the river of five colors. Together, this explosion of natural colors represents the vibrance, splendor and uniqueness of all carnivals.”

What I look forward to the most this Toronto Carnival weekend is jumping down the lakeshore with two close friends of mine. These two will be playing mas for the first time! Are you a first timer? Carnival Virgin? Mas Rookie? 

Here Are Some Tips For You:

-          Insoles will be your best friend – Wear them in your shoes!

-          Bring your OWN water bottle. They heat will getcha if you’re not prepared. I have learned that the hard way. Stay hydrated!

-          Take lots of pictures

-          Have fun! 

  

  

KNOW THESE SONGS or you may feel left out, lol

 

-          Too Real – Kerwin Du Bois

-          Doh Tell Me Dat – Flipo

-          Epic – Machel Montano

-          Truck On The Road – Bunji Garlin

-          Skinny Banton - Saltfish (Soak it Good)

Last but not least, watch the video below.
My Carnival Spice ladies and I will bring di vibes!

If the video isn't visible, click the link here: http://youtu.be/4ljPe-rbfFk

H’alright Time Fi Mash Up Di Placeeeeeeeeeeeee!

 

Some Carnival related work I did in the past - Check it:

Written

My “Carnival Spice Up Your Life Article” written for Eligible Magazine

http://www.eligiblemagazine.com/2013/10/05/carnival-spice-up-your-life/

Photo

My Toronto Sun “Carnival Sunshine Girl” Photoshoot

http://www.torontosun.com/sunshine-girl/2013/08/01/shakera

Video

Interviewing the Queen of Bacchanal Destra Garcia

http://youtu.be/WF1Cj3ec-mM

Stay Connected With Me Via:


Twitter: @SimplyShakera
Instagram:  @SimplyShakera
YouTube: Simply Shakera
Email: info@simplyshakera.com

Spotlight: Destra Garcia

Di Carnival Edition

One of the most special parts of the Simply Shakera journey is the awesome people I have met along the way. This spotlight edition highlights the Queen of Bacchanal, DESTRA GARCIA who I had the pleasure of meeting last year. Destra is one of the top soca artists in the world and we were glad to have her here in Toronto to celebrate carnival with us.

During her busy schedule, we had a moment to chat about a bunch of different things: work, food, fans, and even her love life – ha! It was fun. She even gave me tips on what to do when I visited Trinidad; ironically we ended playing mas in the same section with Yuma Vibe.

Destra will be back in the city to celebrate carnival with us once again and we are ready for her to “mash up di stage” … feters, masqueraders, carnivalians – I hope you’re ready!

Here's the interview ya'll:

"Interview: Destra Garcia Visits Toronto, Canada"

If the video isn't visible, click the link here: http://youtu.be/WF1Cj3ec-mM

Stay Connected With Me Via:


Twitter: @SimplyShakera
Instagram:  @SimplyShakera
YouTube: Simply Shakera
Email: info@simplyshakera.com

Meet the Bosom Buddies

On September 6th and September 7th 2014 my teammates and I will walk in support of the many individuals and families affected by cancer. With today being the 2-month mark I thought it would be great to give a shout out to the Bosom Buddies:

Team Bosom Buddies Are:

Team Captain & Aunty: Audrey Isaacs

Sister & Partner in Crime: Siobhan Bent

Cousin & Fellow Capricorn: Melissa Isaacs

Family Friend: Dawnette Elvie

Church Sister: Janet Champagne
Myself: Shakera Martin

THE WALK

The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers is an awesome fundraising campaign hosted by Shoppers Drug Mart. It consists of a 2-day, 60-kilometre or 1-day 32-kilometre walk through the neighbourhoods of downtown Toronto. Each walker is expected to raise a total of $2000 that will benefit Princess Margaret Cancer Centre – a leader in the fight against all women's cancers.

WHY SHAKERA WHY?

I’ve said it once and I will say it again, “I Am Shakera Martin & I Want to End Cancer”.  One of my biggest pet peeves with Cancer is that it strikes at any time in the lives of any one. NO ONE IS SAFE. I have witnessed way to many families left broken because of this disease. My decision and commitment to complete this journey (fundraising & walk) is based on love for my fellow sisters, mothers, grandmas, daughters, nieces, and friends everywhere. 

 

Throwback photo with my sister & mom <3

PUT IN WORK

I truly did not realize how far 60km was until I began training (ha!).  I have been using my friend Google maps to find locations that are 60km away from my home. This is such a horrible exercise! It only built up my anxiety. Then I tried to determine how many kilometers I (unknowingly) walked during Day One and Day Two of Trinidad Carnival – but half the time in Trinidad I wasn’t sure where I was (lol) – so that exercise did not help either. How far is 60km ya’ll? Someone give me an idea  :p

What I do know is how much $2000 dollars is… and how challenging it can be to make that amount of money in allotted time.  The Bosom Buddies have some fundraising events coming up in the next few weeks – for dates and event details visit CLICK HERE

Carnival Spice & Everything Nice will be hosting dance fitness workshops in August as well to raise funds so PLEASE stay tuned!

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

      (1)   PRAY: For the safety of the walkers, organizers, and volunteers apart of The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers … but more importantly pray for the families that have been affected by cancer – they need your prayer and love the most. <3

     (2)  Please DONATE to this journey as it’s yours, too. Whatever you can will be appreciated if it’s coming from your heart. 

      Click HERE To Donate Online:

Or

We can also meet me in the GTA if you are more comfortable with using cash!

Thank you to those who have donated thus far 

- Love you lots!

Stay Connected Via:


Twitter: @SimplyShakera
Instagram:  @SimplyShakera
YouTube: Simply Shakera
Email: info@simplyshakera.com