Rum Punch had the pleasure of finally scheduling some time to talk to the super busy Natasha Marshall.
With 2018 being her break out year in the Mas industry, along with her still maintaining a regular 9-5 we consider Natasha the modern day Super Mas Woman. As she proudly wears a big rhinestoned "S" on her feathered cape, Natasha is ready to take the world by storm and we are ready to go along the ride with her.
Who is Natasha Marshall?
Natasha Marshall is a simple down to earth full of life yet a little crazy girl born in Jamaica raised in Brooklyn that always had dreams of designing. My passion for designing goes as far back as I can remember, my mom can tell you as a little girl there was no magazine that was safe when it came to my grandmothers or my mom’s house I was always cutting out women and making paper dolls changing up their cloths painting their faces etc.
When did you start designing?
I started to design over 20yrs ago when I worked for one of the top designing companies in N.Y. I also made jewelry, clutches, hand painting on jeans oil painting you name it I did it, I always wanted to look different so I would buy cheap cloths and rip them up and attached things just for my liking, I LOVE DESIGNING. I sleep, eat, drink design, my head is always going.
What is your motivation?
I wouldn’t say one particular thing motivates me, I see art in everything everyday life. you would be surprise just by looking deep enough into a piece of trash on the street can give you color that can turn into a masterpiece.
2018 was a Major year for you, What was the most exciting moment?
Hhhmmm my most exciting moment was the moment right before I won the Tribe Design Challenge I wanted to cry, faint, scream, hide all at the same time. This was a dream of mine, I use to watch all these big bands every year in my living room saying “God please one day” I would get goose bumps just sitting there watching those models come out on the stage with these beautiful costumes and beg the man above just to experience that moment once in my life. DREAMS DO COME TRUE.
What was your biggest challenge during the Tribe Challenge?
My biggest challenge was not being there during the taping of the episodes, I really wanted to be there but it was very difficult especially when you have a 9-5.
How has your life changed since becoming the winner of Tribe's design challenge?
Uummm my life has changed a lot my DM/messenger is on over load lol till this day I haven’t said thank you to everyone that sent messages, I like to respond to everyone they took the time to say something nice, some of them complete strangers. I think sending a blast message is so impersonal sometimes, I appreciate everyone so if it takes till next year I will respond. The support I have received especially after the win have been amazing I have received a lot of love. The thing that is the funniest to me though is when people stop you on the street or at a party to congratulate you, I’m always amazed when someone recognizes me, you think it’s the fro? lol
What are your thoughts on the Mas/Costume Design World today?
I think Mas/Costumes worldwide is an amazing thing and one year I just want to touch every country lol maybe after I clone myself. Seriously though I think this business is so important it kind of brings everyone together, it’s all love.
What changes do you think could be made in the Mas/Design World?
I want to see more pretty mas, a lot of people go by less is more, that’s not designing anybody can do that. I would love to see more designing. more trim, more stones, more feathers. I hate to see just a string covering your hooha and 2 circles covering your areola that’s NOT a design sorry.
If you could go back in time and give advice to your younger self what 3 pieces of advice would you give?
1. Don’t stress what people say and think they are going to do it anyway good or bad.
2. Be you, your true you, not what this one wants you to be or that one wants you to be, be you.
3. Go after your dreams and never ever let anyone tell you that you can’t.
If your life was a funny sitcom, What would you name it and who will be the main characters?
You know the comedies that have multiple characters played by the same person? That’s what it would be and it would be called “Natasha & Her 8 Others” main characters Natasha Artsy , Natasha Crazy, Natasha Happy, Natasha Sad, Natasha Paranoid, Natasha Fainter, Natasha Uplifter, & last but not lease Natasha Scaredy Cat because I am scared of anything and everything that moves too fast lol. ssshhhh wait what's that? gone with the smoke behind you. lol.
Have you had a moment when you just wanted to give up on designing?
NEVER
On your down time what do you like to do?
Sketch and create more designs. I have lots of designs just in my house laying around, my design for Xodus/Jamaica 2019 was laying in my house for 1 ½ years and that was done on a down time lol.
What's on your travel bucket list?
Dubai, New Zealand
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In the next 5 years I should have designed for everywhere that they have carnival lol.
What can we look forward to from you in 2019?
In 2019 I will have my designs in 4 Islands and in Atlanta starting with, Trinidad (Tribe) Jamaica (Exodus) Bermuda (CodeRed) & Barbados (Krave) I will also have 2 sections in Atlanta for Atlanta Carnival in May with Sesame Atlanta. I have a few more tricks up my sleeves but cannot say just yet.
Random Questions
Drumstick or Wing? Wings
Johnny or Circo? Johnny
Fete or Road? Road
Trim or Loose Stones? 50/50
Panty or Thongs? Thongs
Stockings or None? Stocking
Netflix or Hulu? Netflix
Frontline or Backline? Front all the way
Coke or Pepsi? Coke
Christmas or Carnival? Carnival
Bus or Subway? Subway
KFC or Royal Castle? Royal Castle
Chicken or Beef? Chicken
Flats or Heels? Heels
Fancy date or Fun Date? Fun Date
