In an industry that thrives on creativity, vibrance, and energy, one woman is leading the charge with a rare blend of passion, innovation, and intuitive leadership. Kandi King, the dynamic force behind ‘Karnival by Kandi‘ concierge services, has carved out her space in the regional carnival industry, not only as a businesswoman, but also as a role model for women seeking to lead with purpose. Having launched her carnival concierge service in 2012, she has steadily built and continued to innovate in an empire centred on enhancing the carnival experience, particularly for women.
From being a former director of Xaymaca International to her ingenious line of V-Kut and P-Kut stockings under ‘StocKing by Kandi’—designed to suit every skin tone and, quite importantly, allow women the freedom to move comfortably without costume woes—to the conceptualisation of the Kooler Babe fete and Babe Brunch, she has demonstrated that women’s natural nurturing abilities and sharp problem-solving skills can drive both innovation and empowerment.
Her latest accolade? The newly appointed Head of Marketing at Xodus Carnival.
For King, this is not just another role—it’s an opportunity to further channel her entrepreneurial spirit and deep-rooted passion for carnival into creating even more extraordinary experiences for masqueraders. Reflecting on her new position, she expressed immense gratitude in an Instagram post:
“Over the years, I’ve had no greater privilege than serving our incredible masqueraders in various capacities, and I’m thrilled to continue that journey.”
Innovating Karnival, One Solution at a Time
What makes her journey so remarkable is her ability to tap into the needs of her audience, especially women. Her products are not just practical innovations; they’re solutions that speak to a deep understanding of the challenges women face in the carnival scene. Little wonder her carnival stocKings have become carnival essentials—designed with the female body in mind, they offer the perfect balance of functionality and elegance, allowing women to ‘chip down di road’ 1without compromising comfort or style. As a mother and fierce advocate for women’s empowerment, King’s functional ventures like ‘Knipsies’ (flesh-toned nipple covers to be worn under wire bras) and ‘StocKing by Kandi’ designs demonstrate how a woman’s intuition can revolutionise an industry.
Her approach is simple yet profound: find the pain points and create solutions. Whether it’s creating stocKings that blend seamlessly with a costume or hosting women-focused events like Kooler Babe and Babe Brunch, her focus remains on enhancing the experience of women—both on and off the road.
Krafting New Paths for Xodus
Now at the helm of Xodus Carnival’s marketing, she’s ready to take the brand to new heights, sharing that: “The opportunity to lead marketing at Xodus Carnival excites me because it allows me to merge my deep passion for carnival with the ability to innovate and push boundaries.” She brings a wealth of experience to Xodus, drawing from her decade-long involvement in the carnival industry, as well as her personal experiences playing mas to hone her understanding of what resonates with carnival-goers. King’s creative campaigns, which promise to blend storytelling with immersive experiences, are designed to captivate and engage a broader audience, including those outside of Jamaica. In this new role, she’s not just focused on growth, but on building a deeper connection with the Xodus community, and she’s very clear about her mission:
“To build on that magic and connection, growing even stronger for karnival seasons to come.”
The Kween Is Just Getting Started
Kandi King’s vision for carnival isn’t just about costumes and parties—it’s about community, culture, and continuity. Under her leadership, Xodus Carnival will not only celebrate Jamaican culture and the legacy of carnivval throughout the region, but also focus on making a meaningful impact. She’s made it clear that sustainability is a priority, with plans to use eco-friendly materials and promote responsible consumption. In true “girl boss” fashion, her focus on local talent and the Jamaican economy further highlights her commitment to empowering those around her, ensuring that carnival not only showcases beauty but also supports the community at its core.
As she steps into this new chapter, the carnival world watches eagerly to see how she will continue to innovate. Her approach to leadership—grounded in empathy, creativity, and a deep understanding of her audience—shows how women’s natural problem-solving abilities and nurturing instincts are not only valuable, but essential in today’s dynamic, fast-paced world. As such, Xodus Carnival promises to deliver an unforgettable season that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of its audience with her at the helm. And for Kandi King, this is just the beginning.
Sources:
5 minutes with Xodus Carnival’s Head of Marketing Kandi King. Jamaica Observer, 8, September, 2024.
Kandi King new head of marketing at Xodus Carnival. The Gleaner, 4, September, 2024.
- This refers to the shuffling movement of revellers / carnival masqueraders as they make their way along the carnival routes. It’s a combination of dancing, walking and ‘wining’ (gyrating). ↩︎