Caribbean Woman-Owned Business Spotlight: Q&A with Lauren Senkbeil, Founder & CEO of Azul Mas Carnival

Caribbean Carnival has long been a celebration of culture, creativity, freedom, and self-expression. Behind every unforgettable Carnival experience are the entrepreneurs, designers, and visionaries who help bring the season to life. Among them is Lauren Senkbeil, the Jamaican American founder and CEO of Azul Mas Carnival, a luxury accessories brand inspired by the vibrant energy of the Caribbean and designed for today's modern masquerader.

Drawing inspiration from her Jamaican heritage and experiences living in Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda, Lauren created Azul Mas to bridge fashion, travel, and Caribbean identity. Her mission extends far beyond creating beautiful accessories. Through her brand, she hopes to celebrate Caribbean culture, empower women, and build meaningful connections across the global Caribbean diaspora.

Balancing the demanding life of a full-time medical student while growing a luxury lifestyle brand, Lauren is redefining what it means to pursue multiple passions with purpose. In this exclusive Caribbean EMagazine Q&A, she shares the story behind Azul Mas, the lessons she's learned as an entrepreneur, her vision for the future, and why Caribbean culture remains at the heart of everything she creates.

Q&A with Lauren Senkbeil, Founder & CEO of Azul Mas Carnival

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your journey. Who is Lauren Senkbeil outside of Azul Mas?

I am a Jamaican American entrepreneur, medical student, and creative who has always been passionate about building community, celebrating culture, and creating meaningful experiences. I was born and raised in Naperville, Illinois, and my journey has taken me across the world, including living in Mexico, Barbados, and now Antigua and Barbuda. Each place has shaped who I am, expanded my understanding of culture, and deepened my appreciation for the Caribbean.

Before launching Azul Mas, I spent over a decade living in Los Angeles, where I worked behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. I was involved in celebrity events, award shows, and promotional campaigns, which gave me firsthand experience in branding, storytelling, marketing, and creating experiences that leave a lasting impression. That chapter of my life taught me how powerful a strong brand identity can be and how important it is to connect with people through authentic stories.

My passion for service and community also led me into healthcare. Before medical school, I worked in public health and clinical research as a Research Coordinator, where I helped support a vaccine trial during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Being part of that work during such a critical moment in history strengthened my commitment to medicine and to improving healthcare outcomes, especially for communities that have been historically underrepresented.

Today, I am a medical student, entrepreneur, and community leader. I am the CEO and President of four organizations across healthcare, entrepreneurship, and community impact. I am also the creator of National Black Men Physicians Day, an initiative created to celebrate Black men in medicine and highlight the importance of representation in healthcare.

Azul Mas is my newest venture and a reflection of my love for Caribbean culture, fashion, travel, and storytelling. It brings together so many parts of my journey, from my Jamaican roots and experiences throughout the Caribbean to my background in entertainment, branding, and entrepreneurship. At the heart of everything I do is a desire to empower people, celebrate culture, and create something that allows others to feel seen and connected.

2. As a Jamaican American who has lived throughout the Caribbean, how have those experiences influenced who you are today?

My connection to the Caribbean has always been a major part of who I am. As a Jamaican American, I grew up visiting Jamaica throughout my childhood and teenage years, spending time with family, experiencing the culture, and building a connection to the island that has stayed with me. Jamaica has always felt like a part of my identity, and I hope to return soon. One of my dreams is that Azul Mas will continue to grow and create opportunities that bring me back to Jamaica and allow me to reconnect with a place that has shaped so much of who I am.

Living in different parts of the Caribbean, including Barbados and now Antigua and Barbuda, has given me a deeper appreciation for the uniqueness of each island. Every country has its own traditions, fashion, music, food, and way of celebrating life, but there is also a shared Caribbean spirit that connects us all. These experiences have influenced how I see culture, community, and the importance of preserving and celebrating our identity.

My time living in the Caribbean also inspired the creation of Azul Mas. I personally experienced the challenges of trying to find quality accessories and specific items to complete a Carnival or vacation look. Sometimes it meant traveling to multiple parts of the island, visiting different stores, and taking taxis around just to find all the pieces needed for one outfit. While I love exploring local businesses, I also realized how difficult it could be to find elevated, high-quality accessories in one place.

As someone who was already used to the convenience of online shopping, I saw an opportunity to create that same experience for people in the Caribbean and those traveling to the region. Azul Mas was created to make it easier for customers to access luxury Caribbean-inspired accessories without the stress of searching all over an island. I wanted to create a brand that combines convenience, quality, and culture while helping people feel confident and prepared for Carnival, travel, and island experiences.

3. What inspired you to launch Azul Mas, and what gap did you see in the Carnival market?

Azul Mas was created from a combination of personal experience, necessity, and my desire to celebrate Caribbean culture. As a medical student, my schedule is incredibly demanding, and finding traditional work that fits around medical training can be challenging. I wanted to build something that would allow me to create an additional source of income while still dedicating myself to my studies. I was also preparing for the next phase of my medical program in the United States and looking for ways to help cover the costs of exams, travel, and essential expenses.

The inspiration for Azul Mas really began during my first Crop Over experience in Barbados. I was completely unprepared. Growing up in the United States, I had seen Carnival online and admired the beautiful costumes, music, and celebrations, but I did not fully understand how to prepare for the experience. I had no idea what items were essential, what accessories I needed, or how to put together a complete Carnival look. I remember getting ready for Crop Over and realizing that I did not have nipple covers for my costume. Thankfully, someone in the taxi I was riding in to the event saved the day and helped me out. That moment stayed with me because it made me realize how many people experience Carnival for the first time and may not know what they need until they are already on the way.

Living in the Caribbean also allowed me to understand Carnival on a much deeper level. Before moving here, I mostly saw Carnival through the lens of costumes, music, and celebration. I did not fully understand the history, cultural significance, and unique traditions behind the different island celebrations. Being immersed in the Caribbean gave me the opportunity to learn that Carnival is so much more than a party. It is a celebration of freedom, resilience, creativity, identity, and community.

Through my own experiences, I also noticed a gap in the market when it came to finding quality Carnival and travel accessories. I found that it could be difficult to find specific items or elevated pieces in one place. Sometimes completing one outfit meant visiting multiple stores across an island, traveling to different areas, and taking taxis just to find everything you needed.

Azul Mas was created to make that process easier. I wanted to create a luxury Caribbean accessories brand that provides the essentials people need while also celebrating the culture and creativity behind Carnival. My goal is to help both locals and visitors feel confident, prepared, and connected to the experience from the moment they begin planning their celebration.

The Story Behind Azul Mas

4. The name "Azul Mas" is unique. What inspired the name, and what does it represent to you?

The name Azul Mas has several meanings that are deeply personal to me. "Azul" means blue in Spanish, and blue has always been my favorite color. It represents so much of what I love: the ocean, freedom, confidence, and the connection between the Caribbean islands. Many people know me as "the girl with the blue hair," so the color blue has become a part of my personal identity and how people recognize me.

My love for the color also comes from my experiences living in Mexico and my appreciation for Latin culture. I have always been inspired by the vibrant colors, creativity, fashion, art, and passion found throughout Latin cultures. That influence, combined with my Jamaican heritage and my experiences throughout the Caribbean, helped shape the identity behind Azul Mas.

"Mas" represents masquerade and the tradition of playing Mas, which is at the heart of Caribbean Carnival. I loved the idea that the name itself could have a double meaning. Azul Mas represents the beauty and creativity of Carnival, but it also represents the experience of stepping into something bigger, expressing yourself, and embracing the freedom and confidence that comes with playing Mas.

Azul Mas is a reflection of my journey and all the cultures that have influenced me. It brings together my Caribbean roots, my love for color and fashion, my connection to Latin culture, and my passion for creating experiences that allow people to celebrate themselves. It is more than just a name; it represents culture, confidence, creativity, and the joy of Carnival.

5. Carnival is much more than costumes and parties. What does playing Mas personally mean to you?

Playing Mas personally represents freedom, confidence, joy, and connection. My first true Carnival experience was Crop Over in Barbados, and I had an incredible time immersing myself in the music, culture, and energy of the celebration. It was a completely different experience from simply watching Carnival online because I was able to feel the sense of community and excitement that makes Carnival so special.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to participate in Antigua’s upcoming Carnival because my medical school studies and finals are taking priority right now. I know I will have major FOMO watching from the sidelines, especially because Carnival is such a huge part of the culture and community here. But I am also incredibly excited knowing that our Azul Mas models and ambassadors will be out there representing the brand and rocking their gear.

One of the most rewarding parts of creating Azul Mas has been seeing women in Antigua embrace the products and make them part of their Carnival experience. Even though I cannot be outside celebrating this year, it makes me so happy knowing that pieces I created are being worn by women in the community and that they are representing the brand. To me, that is what playing Mas is about: self-expression, connection, and sharing joy with others.

6. How does Azul Mas reflect the spirit and diversity of Caribbean culture?

Every design is inspired by the bold colors, confidence, and energy of the Caribbean. Whether someone is playing Mas in Antigua, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad, or beyond, I want them to feel represented. Azul Mas celebrates the diversity of the Caribbean while creating accessories that unite us through a shared love of Carnival.

Building the Brand

7. What has been the biggest challenge you've faced while building a luxury Caribbean accessories brand?

One of the biggest challenges has been balancing the demands of building a brand with being a full-time medical student. Starting and growing a business requires a significant amount of time, financial investment, and resources, and those are things that can be challenging to manage while also dedicating myself to medical school.

Like many entrepreneurs, funding is a major part of taking a business to the next level. Building a luxury brand requires investment in inventory, marketing, production, events, and creating more opportunities for customers to experience the brand. Right now, having limited time and limited funding has been one of the biggest obstacles in expanding as quickly as I would like.

The biggest challenge, however, has been time. Medical school is my priority, and my studies have to come first. At the same time, I am passionate about Azul Mas and excited about its potential. My goal is to continue building the foundation of the brand, create partnerships, and connect with supporters who believe in the vision. I have already had people reach out expressing interest in supporting and investing in Azul Mas, and I am looking forward to putting something together that allows those partnerships to grow.

My long-term goal is to build Azul Mas into a brand that creates opportunities for others. I would love to eventually hire a team, expand operations, and bring pop-up shops throughout the Caribbean so people can experience the brand in person. I want Azul Mas to become a recognizable Caribbean lifestyle brand that supports local communities, celebrates our culture, and makes Carnival and island fashion more accessible.

8. As a woman entrepreneur, what lessons have you learned that you wish you knew when you first started?

Entrepreneurship has actually always felt very natural to me. Looking back, I realize that building things and finding creative ways to turn ideas into something real has been part of who I am for as long as I can remember. My parents still show me photos of business contracts I wrote with my brothers when I was around nine years old, with my mother signing as the witness. Even as a child, I was always thinking about ways to create something and bring an idea to life.

In elementary school, I was experimenting with business ideas before I even knew that was what I was doing. I remember trying to melt crayons to create candles to sell and using my Easy-Bake Oven to make treats for neighbors. Looking back, I joke that I may have come out of the womb as an entrepreneur.

As I’ve grown older, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that having the idea is only the beginning. Building a successful business requires patience, consistency, resilience, and the willingness to learn along the way. I’ve learned that you have to be comfortable wearing many different hats, especially in the early stages, and that progress often comes from taking small steps every day.

I’ve also learned the importance of trusting your vision. When you create something new, there will always be moments when people do not immediately understand what you see. As an entrepreneur, you have to believe in the value of your idea while remaining open to feedback and growth.

Most importantly, I’ve learned that entrepreneurship is not just about creating a product or making money. It is about solving problems, creating opportunities, and building something that has meaning. For me, Azul Mas represents that same curiosity and creativity I had as a child, but now it is connected to my culture, my experiences, and my desire to create something that impacts others.

9. What makes Azul Mas different from other Carnival accessory brands on the market?

What makes Azul Mas different is that I see it as more than just a Carnival accessory brand. Carnival is the inspiration, but my vision is to create a Caribbean lifestyle brand that represents luxury, travel, confidence, and self-expression.

One of the things I love most about Carnival fashion is the creativity behind it. The feathers, rhinestones, gems, and bold designs are such a beautiful expression of culture and individuality. While some pieces, like feather backpacks, are absolutely stunning for Carnival and special events, they are not necessarily practical for everyday wear. I am interested in exploring how those same elements and ideas can be transformed into fashion pieces and accessories that people can incorporate into their everyday style.

I want to take the energy and artistry of Carnival and bring it into travel, resort wear, festivals, and lifestyle fashion. The goal is to create pieces that make people feel confident and connected to Caribbean culture, whether they are attending Carnival, traveling, or simply adding a statement piece to their look.

Azul Mas is about celebrating the beauty of Caribbean creativity while reimagining how people experience and wear it. This is only the beginning, and I am excited to continue exploring new ideas and expanding the brand in ways that honor the culture while creating something fresh and unique.

The Launch

10. You officially launched Azul Mas in Antigua and Barbuda. Why did you choose Antigua for such an important milestone?

I chose Antigua because it is currently home for me. I have been living here for the past year and a half while completing medical school, and I will continue calling Antigua home until 2027. During my time here, I have built relationships, become part of the community, and created so many memories that have shaped this chapter of my life. Launching Azul Mas here felt natural because Antigua has been such an important part of my personal and entrepreneurial journey.

I also wanted the launch location to reflect the feeling and vision behind the brand. I chose The Hut at Little Jumby because it is my favorite restaurant on the island. Every time I visit, I have always felt warmly welcomed and have experienced amazing service. The atmosphere, attention to detail, and overall experience represent the type of luxury and hospitality that I want Azul Mas to embody.

What made the launch even more special was that my guests took a boat over to a private island to celebrate the launch. That experience captured everything I love about the Caribbean: beauty, connection, and creating unforgettable moments. Being able to introduce Azul Mas in such a unique and beautiful setting made the milestone even more meaningful.

11. What was your favorite moment from the launch event at The Hut at Little Jumby?

I actually had two favorite moments from the launch. The first was seeing the final setup come together. For weeks leading up to the event, my apartment was filled with Amazon deliveries, supplies, accessories, and all the different pieces I was putting together to bring the vision to life. Seeing everything that had been living in my space finally transformed into the finished event setup was such a rewarding moment. It was exciting to see the layout, the decorations, and the overall experience come together exactly as I had imagined.

The second favorite moment was watching the guests arrive and seeing their reactions when they experienced the decorated cabana for the first time. Hearing their comments, seeing their excitement, and receiving their feedback throughout the event meant so much to me. After the launch, the messages I received from the girls were incredibly meaningful. Many shared how much they appreciated the opportunity, the experience, and being included in the beginning of the Azul Mas journey. That feedback was truly motivating and reminded me why creating experiences is such an important part of the brand.

Creating events is something I have done many times throughout my years in Los Angeles, but this was my first time bringing that experience outside of the United States and creating something in the Caribbean. Being able to combine my background in event experiences with my love for Caribbean culture made this launch especially special.

12. How has the Caribbean community responded to the brand since its launch?

The response has been incredibly encouraging and honestly better than I expected. I've received so much support from Carnival lovers, creators, influencers, and entrepreneurs throughout the Caribbean, and it's been exciting to see people connect with the vision behind Azul Mas.

One thing that has really surprised me is how many people have reached out asking where they can buy products for T-shirt Mas and Carnival. I've been getting messages from people wanting to shop, which has been both exciting and bittersweet because I don't currently have inventory on the island. As a small business and a full-time medical student, I had to start with limited inventory and funding.

Even though I haven't been able to fulfill every request, those messages have given me so much confidence in the brand. They showed me that there is genuine interest and demand, and that's incredibly motivating. It has also helped me better understand what customers are looking for and how I can prepare for future Carnival seasons.

For the next Carnival season, my goal is to be much more prepared with greater inventory, stronger partnerships, and hopefully additional funding to help grow the business. Every message asking, "Where can I buy this?" reminds me that people believe in the vision, and that's one of the best forms of encouragement an entrepreneur can receive.

Fashion Meets Culture

13. Your products are designed for Carnival but also for travel and island lifestyle. How do you see Caribbean fashion evolving globally?

Caribbean fashion is becoming recognized for its creativity, craftsmanship, and bold storytelling. We're seeing more designers receive international attention, and I believe Caribbean-inspired luxury will continue to influence global fashion while staying true to its roots.

14. Many people around the world are discovering Caribbean Carnival for the first time. What do you hope they understand about its cultural significance?

I hope they understand that Carnival is rooted in history, resilience, and freedom. It's not simply a party. It's an expression of identity and culture that has evolved over generations. Respecting that history makes the experience even more meaningful.

Women in Business

15. Why is it important to you to represent women in entrepreneurship within the Caribbean creative industry?

Representation matters because you never know who is watching your journey. Throughout my career, whether in healthcare, entertainment, nonprofit leadership, or now entrepreneurship, I've always hoped that by pursuing my goals, I could inspire other women to pursue theirs.

I want women to see that they don't have to fit into one box. You can be a medical student and a business owner. You can be passionate about science and still love fashion and creativity. You can build a career while building a brand that reflects who you are. I hope my journey encourages women to embrace all of their passions instead of feeling like they have to choose just one.

One of the most rewarding parts of building Azul Mas has been hearing from women who tell me that I've motivated them to start something of their own or that they're inspired by seeing someone chase a dream that seems unconventional. Those conversations mean so much to me because if my journey gives even one woman the confidence to take that first step, then I've accomplished something bigger than building a business.

I also believe women are incredibly powerful when we support one another. There is room for all of us to succeed, collaborate, and celebrate each other's wins. My hope is that Azul Mas becomes more than a brand. I want it to be a reminder that women can create opportunities, build businesses, and leave a lasting impact while staying true to themselves.

16. What advice would you give to young Caribbean women who dream of starting their own business?

My biggest piece of advice is to start before you feel ready. There will never be a perfect time, and you'll learn far more by taking action than by waiting until everything is perfect.

I also want women to understand that not everyone will believe in your vision at first. Some people will question your ideas, tell you it won't work, or even try to discourage you from pursuing it. Don't let that stop you. One thing I've learned is that sometimes the very people who doubt your idea are the same ones you'll later see doing something similar themselves. That's why it's so important to stay focused on your own journey instead of seeking validation from others.

Trust your instincts, be willing to learn, and don't be afraid to pivot when necessary. Every successful business starts with someone who was willing to take a chance on an idea that didn't exist before.

Most importantly, don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle. Stay consistent, celebrate the small wins, and remember why you started. Your unique experiences, perspective, and story are what make your business different, and no one can replicate that.

Looking Ahead

17. You mentioned expanding into collaborations with artists and the travel industry. Can you share more about your vision for the future of Azul Mas?

I want Azul Mas to become more than an accessories brand. I envision collaborations with Caribbean artists, Carnival bands, tourism partners, hotels, and travel experiences that showcase the beauty of our region. My goal is to build a lifestyle brand that celebrates Caribbean culture year-round.

18. Where do you hope to see Azul Mas in the next five years?

In five years, I hope Azul Mas will be recognized as a leading Caribbean lifestyle and luxury accessories brand with customers throughout the Caribbean, the United States, and beyond. I want the brand to be present at Carnivals across the region, featured in resort boutiques, and known for celebrating Caribbean culture in a fresh and elevated way.

I also dream of seeing influential Caribbean women wearing Azul Mas. As a proud Jamaican American, it would be incredible to see artists like Spice, Shenseea, and Jada Kingdom wearing the brand. They each represent confidence, individuality, and Caribbean excellence, and seeing them embrace Azul Mas would be a full-circle moment for me.

Beyond celebrity collaborations, I want to expand into pop-up shops throughout the Caribbean, partner with tourism boards, hotels, Carnival bands, and local creatives, and continue introducing new collections inspired by Caribbean fashion and travel. My goal is to create more opportunities for people to experience the brand in person while supporting the creative economy across the region.

More than anything, I hope Azul Mas becomes a brand that people are proud to wear because it celebrates the beauty, creativity, and culture of the Caribbean. This is just the beginning, and I believe the possibilities are endless.

Fast Five

19. Favorite Caribbean island? Jamaica. End of discussion.

20. Favorite Carnival you've attended? Crop Over in Barbados. I was fortunate to be sponsored and hosted there twice, and the experience deepened my love for Caribbean Carnival.

21. One Caribbean artist currently on repeat? Malie Donn right now.

22. One item every traveler should pack for Carnival? Nipple Covers. I am still traumatized. 

23. Finish this sentence: "To me, Caribbean culture is..." To me, Caribbean culture is a feeling. It's the warmth of the people, the rhythm of the music, the flavors of the food, the stories passed down through generations, and the pride each island has in its own unique identity. It's resilient, vibrant, welcoming, and full of life.

Lastly

24. What message would you like to share with women who are thinking about chasing a dream that feels bigger than themselves?

My biggest message is to not let other people's doubts become your limitations. When you decide to chase something bigger than yourself, there will always be people who question you, criticize you, or try to convince you that it cannot be done. Sometimes those people are not discouraging you because they truly believe you cannot succeed; they are discouraging you because they do not have the courage to take that risk themselves.

I have experienced my share of negativity while building my companies, and it has not always been easy. But what keeps me going are the moments that remind me why I started. It is the woman who pulls me aside and asks me how she can start her own business. It is the messages I receive from people telling me that my journey has inspired them. It is being able to speak to young people and show them that they are not limited to traditional paths or what society expects of them.

I want people to see that you can create your own lane. You can be passionate about multiple things. You can build a career, start a business, pursue education, and create a life that reflects who you truly are.

The dream that feels too big might be exactly the dream you are meant to pursue. Keep going, stay focused, and remember that your journey might become the inspiration someone else needs to believe in themselves.

Overall

Lauren Senkbeil's story is a reminder that entrepreneurship is often born from lived experiences, curiosity, and the courage to solve problems in new ways. Through Azul Mas, she is creating more than accessories—she is building a brand rooted in Caribbean pride, cultural appreciation, and the belief that fashion can tell powerful stories.

As Azul Mas continues to expand through future collections, creative collaborations, and partnerships across the region, Lauren remains committed to celebrating the people, places, and traditions that inspired the brand from the very beginning. Her journey demonstrates that Caribbean entrepreneurship is thriving, driven by innovators who are proudly sharing the region's creativity with the world.

At Caribbean EMagazine, we're proud to spotlight founders like Lauren who are helping shape the future of Caribbean business while inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs to dream boldly, embrace their heritage, and create opportunities that extend far beyond the islands.

www.azulmascarnival.com

Instagram: @azulmascarnival

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📸 Photography: @jb_media268

💄 Makeup: @glambyypamm