... helping ladies on ‘backline budget’ fulfil frontline fantasies
Fayola K J Fraser
“Backpack etiquette” has become an important ingredient in Carnival culture and conversation over the past few years, with many expressing frustration at the abundance of large, oversized backpacks which are often hazardous if not carefully wielded by the masquerader.
Some people even purchase expensive backpacks, only to ditch them on Carnival Tuesday by lunchtime so as not to prevent them from “freeing up themselves” for those last few hours on the road.
Thus, the Carnival conundrum–to purchase these backpacks in the name of glamour and glory only to throw them at the roadside, or remain without the extra embellishment which can often feel very plain. Enter the Backpack Babes, with their remedy to this often-faced dilemma.
Emerging in 2023, the Carnival concept of Backpack Babes offered the best of both worlds for people who love the beauty of the full carnival costume and all-out fun on the road.
Farrah Ahamad and Epiphany Foster are two Carnival lovers and Carnival veterans who had the idea to furnish masqueraders with an opportunity to have the best of both worlds after a casual conversation.
Foster suggested creating a backpack rental service for masqueraders who didn’t want to purchase a backpack, offering them professional photography services as a bonus.
Both women, with experience in business and event management, decided to delve into the idea of creating a glamour-driven experience for masqueraders.
In developing the idea, the pair had many meetings to brainstorm the Backpack Babes experience, “mainly looking at the concept from the point of view of the masquerader.” Following consultations with trusted industry veterans, they felt confident that they could fill an existing gap, not competing with any heavy hitters in the space, but “combining resources and skill sets to make the Carnival experience better for everyone.”
During its incubation phase, with the knowledge that Carnival is a “saturated, big player, heavily scrutinised and a low-margin industry,” the two battled with the concept, fighting through the disbelief of others and challenges. It was their surety in the potential of the product that kept them going, the excitement of picturing the success of the concept and the “satisfaction of the smiles on people’s faces as they put gorgeous backpacks on their backs and get their pictures taken.” Especially for foreigners, first-timers and newcomers to T&T, the backpack experience is a must, and the photography allows them to create precious memories to last a lifetime.
In their first year, Backpack Babes partnered with Carnival Glam Hub, a long-standing staple in the Carnival community that provides make-up and hair services for women at the Hilton. “We felt that this was the perfect partner for us, capturing masqueraders where they felt their most beautiful and excited, giving them the opportunity to take professional pictures with the backpacks.”
Before masqueraders even stepped foot on the road, they took out photos with backpacks, preserving memories before they could immerse themselves in the full exuberance of Carnival.
The challenge of learning entrepreneurship in the Carnival industry was not lost on the pair as they admitted that building a brand from scratch with minimal start-up resourcing was no easy feat. However, they relied on their intuition and advice of trusted friends in the industry and stayed focused, equipped with lengthy to-do lists to realise a successful first year.
What’s next for this power pair? “We see Backpack Babes executions in Carnival all across the world so that masqueraders universally can get the most out of their experience.”
They want to continue to improve the experience for patrons by introducing a 3D photo box so that pictures can look even more enhanced and the background will be more elaborate, creating even more vivid, evocative and eye-catching photos.
Foster and Ahamad are reenvisioning the Carnival experience and providing services to ladies on a “backline budget” to feel and fulfil their frontline fantasies.
The Backpack Babes experience will be at the Trinidad Hilton this year, alongside Carnival Glam Hub. You can join in Babeland via the link on Instagram page, @backpackbabestt