Sexy, funny, saucy, beautiful and charming. That’s what I found about Karen Lawrence, Fantasy lady for Winter 2002.
We met at a party and had fun chatting. I was especially delighted to hear that she participated in the Carabana Parade and
Carnival this summer. I love Carabana!!!! This annual event is as fun, colorful and entertaining as Mardi Gras. Karen was
dressed in a beautiful costume for the best costume competition and had danced her heart out to entertain more than 100,000
people watching the parade. Without further adieu, here’s the delightful Miss Winter to sweep you off your feet.
Birthday: September 7th
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 125lbs
Shoe: size 9
Dress: size 3
Favorite color: Blue & White
Favorite food/drinks Martini's & any kind of Asian food! LOVE IT!
Doreen: “Karen, tell us about the exciting Carabana Parade and Carnival, the costume and the things you had to do
to prepare for the parade and on the actual day itself.”
Karen: “Caribana/Carnival is a part of my heritage, something I have enjoyed ever since I was a child growing up in
South America. Playing "Mass" or Masquerading as it is also known signifies a time of rejoicing after a fruitful harvest and
goes way back in African culture. It also signifies a time of fertility and open sexuality! The band I played mass with this year
represents the mythical "Atlantis - The Lost Horizon" a time when the gods were in charge. My costume was aptly named
"Nectar of the Gods!" Preparing for the parade is a ritual in itself, there are several events leading up to the parade and on
the day of, we are judged on several different levels - the costume, presentation and dance being the main categories. Our
band won this year and remains the undisputed champions. I am already making plans to compete again next year. It is my
passion, nothing compares to the freedom and abondon one feels as the music pulsates through your body and takes you
to a place of complete ecstacy.”
Doreen: “That was certainly fun and glamorous. Have you participated in any beauty pageant?”
Karen: “No, I have never been in a beauty pagent, would love to. It would be a great experience and probably open
doors for me.”
Doreen: “You had modelled for some years. When did you start modelling? Tell us about some of your favorite
modelling assignments.”
Karen: “Modelling kind of fell into my lap back in 1995. I had a friend who is a photographer and he pushed me into
it by doing some head shots and encouraging me to go for it. I guess he believed in me even before I knew I had the
potential. My favourite assigment would have to be a Print Ad I did for Air Miles, it was a cold fall day and we had to
pretend we were on a beach in the Caribbean. To say the least, we were cold, but as our crew swept the sand to make
it look like a Caribbean beach, one of them spotted something bobbing in the water. We all stopped the shoot and focused
on this strange looking ball that was coming right at us. As it got closer, we suddenly realized that it was a coconut which we
took as a positive omen and we continued the shoot in high spirits. It was still freezing but that coconut certainly inspired the
feel of sunshine in all of us that day.”
Doreen: “I have seen that ad. Do you do any acting or singing on stage or TV?”
Karen: “I have been featured in several Films & TV series.”
Doreen: “What are your hobbies?”
Karen: “I enjoy reading, writing, traveling and dancing.”
Doreen: “You have a beautiful complexion. What are your beauty secrets?”
Karen: “At the risk of sounding conceited, I would have to say that I have been blessed with naturally beautiful skin and
my regiment is quite simple. I simply wash with African black soap which is an all natural soap and then apply a moisturizer
or African Shea butter over my entire body. I wear very little make-up, powder, lipstick and mascara are my main beauty
items.”
Doreen: “What would you recommend women who want to look good but didn't know where to begin, e.g. make-up,
dressing, shoes?”
Karen: “Beauty comes from within, so I would suggest they start working on how they feel about themselves as a
person first. Once you're alright with who you are, your eyes take on a natural shine/sparkle and everything else glows
which then makes you appealing even if you aren't wearing make-up or expensive clothing.”
Doreen: “I agree, liking yourself and being confident are very important. Who is your favorite role-model? And why?”
Karen: “ I would have to say Oprah Winfrey, she is someone who beat the odds and has used her accomplishments to
help better the lives of people who are less fortunate. A real humanitarian with lots of spirit, charm, integrity and charisma.”
Doreen: “I like Oprah too. She is indeed a good role model to look up to. Do you like reading? Who are your favorite
authors and books.”
Karen: “My favourite book is "To Kill a Mocking Bird" by Harper Lee. Some of my favourite authors are, but not
limited to, Maya Angelou, Gloria R. Naylor, Toni Morrison & Milan Kundera.”
Doreen: “If given a chance to be in a reality TV show, which one would you choose or not participate at all?”
Karen: “I would definitely participate in The Fear Factor or Survivor. I love the thrill of a challenge.”
Doreen: “Are you single? Who is your ideal man, describe the characteristics that appeal to you?”
Karen: “Yes I am single, have been for two and a half years. My ideal man is first and foremost aware of who he is,
and what he wants out of life. Sincere, honest, possesses a great sense of humour, adventurous, supportive, loves to travel,
enjoys the arts and established in his career.”
Doreen: “Describe your most romantic date you ever had.”
Karen: “The most romantic date I ever had completely took my breath away. I arrived for dinner at my date’s place
and he asked me to wait outside for a few minutes. I was a bit surprised by his request but waited uneasily. Eventually he
opened the door and invited me in, when I stepped through the door, the entire hallway was covered in red rose petals
and formed a pathway to living room. He had also lit candles on both sides of the path which also led into the living room
area which also had tons of candles burning in every available spot. It was so magnificent that I was left completely speechless.
I could hardly eat dinner which was quite delicious because I was so overwhelmed.”
Doreen: “Wow, that’s so amazing and romantic! He certainly made you feel desirable and a Queen. Since there are
so many TV reality show that feature dating, what do you think about women who go on these reality show seeking husbands
and potential companions? Do you think it’s a positive method or demeaning to us women?”
Karen: “Personally I would never do anything like that. I believe that it is demeaning to women and they appear
desperate.”
Doreen: “What is your favorite holiday destination? And why.”
Karen: “I LOVE the Caribbean! Any island, pick one and I will go to it. Sun, sand, and beautiful beaches. There is
nothing like a nice long stroll along the beaches of the Caribbean, listening to the rhythmic sounds of island music and
watching the sun sink into the sea on the horizon. Simply wonderful.”
Doreen: “Karen, it’s been a delight talking to you. I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and
a fantastic new year.”
* Special thanks to photographer Mark William for the wonderful pictures.
