Meet Dr. Carlana Ramlochansingh | Band Owner, Creative Designer, Operations Manager & Scientist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Carlana Ramlochansingh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Carlana, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
When people ask me where I’m from, my answer isn’t just a place—it’s an explosion of culture. I was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago (TnT), a vibrant country known for its rich cultural heritage and striking landscapes. Growing up in such a dynamic environment instilled a deep respect for the diversity in food, culture, religions, and personalities. Every year, festivals such as Carnival, Divali, Eid-ul-Fitr, Hosay, and Phagwah are celebrated in TnT. These showcase our multiculturalism and highlight our community spirit, nurturing my sense of belonging and pride in my heritage.
Birthplace of Passion
Considered the birthplace of Carnival, TnT comes alive in the days before Ash Wednesday as we enjoy calypso/soca competitions, dance parties, and costume shows, culminating in the largest street festival on the Monday and Tuesday. This festival showcases the most elaborate costumes and infectious music. Just imagine a large costume party that move down the street with music, food, and drinks all moving along with you. My earliest memories are of standing at the roadside, wide-eyed, watching masqueraders dance down the streets in their sparkling outfits.
A Creative Spark Ignited
Fascination soon turned into interest in the artistry. I was about 9 years old when my father helped me create my first costume—a ‘Poui’ tree made of a tree branch with kite-paper flowers and a garbage bag painted to look like tree bark. It was a hit. By the time I was a teenager, I was already sketching designs for a three-section band called ‘Rainforest on Fire.’ It included an emerald green section of the rainforest in full bloom, a bright red and orange section showing the fire at its height, and a dark black and grey option displaying the destruction. I could only hope that one day I would be a part of this magnificent tradition.
The Journey to Abundance Carnival
After years of designing costumes for various bands, I felt a need to create something that embraced my creative process and respected the values that I cherish. Thus, Abundance Carnival was born. The name itself reflects the spirit of the festival—an overflow of creativity, culture, and celebration.
Starting my own band was no small feat. It required not only creative vision but also a deep understanding of the logistics and management that go into organizing a Carnival band. I made sure to partner with key personnel for execution. And my invaluable experience over the years instilled in me resilience and resourcefulness, from sourcing materials to collaborating with artisans. Every step of this journey has been a labor of passion.
My journey from the roadside of Trinidad and Tobago to founding Abundance Carnival has been one of respect, dedication, and a deep connection to my roots. It’s a testament to how our upbringing and heritage shape who we are and inspire us to create and share our culture with the world. I am grateful for every moment that has led me here and excited for the future of Abundance Carnival, where tradition meets innovation in a beautiful dance of creativity.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Life has a curious way of weaving together our passions and experiences, creating a unique tapestry that defines who we are. For me, this journey began with a deep-seated love for science and a passionate calling for designing carnival costumes. As a trained research scientist with a Master’s in Epidemiology and a PhD in Pharmacology, I embarked on an academic odyssey that took me to some of the world’s most exciting cities.
My studies led me to the bustling heart of Washington, DC, where I delved into the complexities of pharmacological studies. A memorable science trip whisked me away to the serene Chiemsee islands and the artistic richness of Salzburg, Austria. Ultimately, I settled in Munich, Germany, contributing to exciting research at their prestigious university. Each destination enriched my understanding of the world, both scientifically and culturally.
However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought unforeseen challenges. While visiting my home country of Trinidad and Tobago, I faced a pivotal decision. The choice to stay in Trinidad became a turning point, opening doors to new opportunities. I joined a dynamic team of financiers as an operations specialist, eventually finding my niche in C15 Studios Limited a cash flow solutions company that customizes in financing for the creative sector—an area that resonated deeply with my love for the arts.
Throughout this journey, my costume design career remained a constant source of joy and creativity. Designing carnival costumes has always been more than a hobby; it’s an integral part of my identity. There’s an indescribable thrill in seeing my creations come to life, dancing down the streets during carnival. This passion fuels my productivity and drives me to actualize my visions.
Success, however, is never without sacrifice. Life often demands tough choices and stepping out of one’s comfort zone. My journey has taught me to embrace change, to be dynamic and resilient. It’s not an easy path, especially when facing deceit and obstruction from those closest to you. But perseverance, hard work, and unwavering belief in oneself ultimately lead to triumph. Two lessons stand out from my experiences: “I am not entitled to anything; I must work for it, but once earned, it is mine,” and “Be respectful and humble with everyone; each person holds importance to someone.”
As a founder and Chief Executive Officer of Abundance Carnival, my mission is to share this passion with the world. Abundance Carnival is more than an event; it’s an immersive experience that celebrates Caribbean heritage through stunning costumes, infectious music, and vibrant artistry. We prioritize using local service providers and materials, fostering strong community bonds. Our goal is to nurture a sense of togetherness, inclusiveness, and empowerment, ensuring that every participant feels valued, celebrated, and connected.
Through Abundance Carnival, we aim to spread joy, culture, and creativity, embracing the spirit of abundance and intense passion. This journey has been a testament to the power of following one’s heart, adapting to change, and tirelessly pursuing one’s dreams.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation
A quiet breakfast at the Hyatt with a view overlooking the ocean, then visit the National Museum and Art Gallery exploring Trinidad’s history and art. Lunch at Veni Mange to enjoy traditional Creole cuisine. Then a walk down the famous Ariapita Avenue, fondly known as ‘D Avenue’. Ending the day at Chaud for a fine dining experience with a mix of Caribbean flavors, savoring a tamarind martini.

Day 2: Exploring Port of Spain

A leisurely breakfast at Town Restaurant which has Chinese cuisine with a local twist. A visit to the Queen’s Park Savannah once known as the largest roundabout in the world. Take a stroll through the largest open space in the capital, Port of Spain. Lunch at Jenny’s on the Boulevard that has a fusion of Asian and local dishes, a taste of spiced beef with chadobeni sauce will delight tastebuds. Then a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens and the local zoo. Dinner at Buzo Osteria Italiana which has Italian cuisine with a Caribbean twist.

Day 3: Nature and Adventure

A quick breakfast at Rituals Coffee House for great coffee and pastries. Then a trip to Maracas Bay Beach. A dip in the salty beach waters then lunch at Uncle Sam’s for our famous bake and shark, a culinary delight that features crispy breaded fish snuggled into a savory bread-like ‘bake’ with a variety of toppings like pineapple, lettuce, onions, tomatoes and sauces like chadobeni, tamarind, garlic and spicy pepper. Then maybe a visit to Las Cuevas Beach, a quieter, beautiful beach nearby. Dinner at Kapok hotel’s Kava Lounge for unique pizzas.

Day 4: Cultural Immersion Morning

A standing breakfast at Sauce doubles for our famous doubles eaten on the sidewalk. Then a visit to the Magnificent Seven which are our historic colonial buildings including Ambard’s House / Roomor, Archbishop’s Palace, Hayes Court, Killarney (Stollmeyer’s Castle), Mille Fleurs, Queen’s Royal College and Whitehall (Rosenweg). Lunch at Aioli for Modern European cuisine with a Caribbean touch. Shopping near Independence Square to find unique local goods ,and of course, souvenirs. Dinner at Meena house for a taste of East Indian cuisine with a hint of Trinidad flair and a mixologist that can pair drinks with food impeccably.

Day 5: Day Trip to Tobago

Early Flight to Tobago from Piarco International Airport to Crown Point in Tobago. Breakfast at Kariwak Village, then a visit to Store Bay beach, take a tour out to the Nylon Pool and No-Man’s Island. Lunch at Shade’s Bar and Grill for fresh seafood and local dishes. Relax on the beach or take in the shopping at the small artisan huts. Dinner at Seahorse Inn for fine dining by the sea. Return to Trinidad on an evening flight back.

Day 6: Adventure and Nightlife

Breakfast at Blue Star Diner which gives a classic diner experience. Hike to Avocat Waterfall to enjoy the stunning views of local foliage. Lunch at Asa Wright Nature Centre and then explore the beautiful nature reserve. Dinner at Amara Restaurant for amazing Middle eastern food, followed by drinks on Ariapita Avenue.

Day 7: Relaxation and Farewell

Breakfast at Adam’s Bakery, relax with good coffee and savory or sweet breakfast. A visit to Caroni Bird Sanctuary with a boat tour to see the Scarlet Ibis and other wildlife. Lunch at The Lopinot Complex serving traditional dishes in a historic setting. Farewell dinner at One Woodbrook place with many options for different atmospheres.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Carol O’Brady Ramlochansingh, an extraordinary mother, who has facilitated and supported every dream. Otis Baldwin, Chief Operations Officer, ensures the seamless execution of Abundance Carnival’s operations, optimizing performance to deliver exceptional results and create unforgettable experiences. Lissa Brutus, Chief Financial Officer, has the ability to manage our complicated finances boosting the revenue/ expenditure ratio allowing us to curate that special Abundance Carnival experience. Shanelle Vasquez, Marketing and Logistics Coordinator, specializing in Event Marketing and Talent Management has connected us with some of the best talent in the field. Marc Serrette, an incredibly supportive partner who always encourages me to pursue my passions

Website: https://abundancecarnival.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abundancecarnival/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-carlana-ramlochansingh-32b36aa6

Image Credits
Damian Luk Pat, Carlana Ramlochansingh, Russell Pope