What city are you based in?

I started cosplaying in Portland, Oregon but I am now based in Orlando, Florida!

Can you tell us about your first cosplay?

The first cosplay I did was Frozen's Elsa in 2015. Though at the time, I didn’t think I was cosplaying. I just thought I looked like Elsa and wanted to get a dress like hers. None of the major cosplay stores had produced a dress that I felt looked good. So I purchased a blue-sequin prom dress with a slit in the skirt, a white mesh leotard for the sleeves, and about nine yards of chiffon. My hair was white at the time, so I used my real hair for her. Elsa is by far the character I have done the most versions and alterations of. Even now, I’m still making tweaks to make the costume the best it can be!

Do you have a cosplay piece that you are most proud of?

I think the cosplay piece I’m most proud of is actually my She-Ra and the Princess of Power Adora cosplay. It was the first cosplay that I 100% thrifted. I spent about $20 on the jacket, shirt, pants, boots, and belts in total, and then I used craft supplies I already owned to alter it. I made the whole cosplay in less than a month because the show premiered right before Holmat. So I was very proud that I not only made this cosplay as quickly as I did but for little cost. It is by far one of my favorite cosplay pieces and I love showing it off every chance I get!

What do you hope to achieve through cosplay?

Cosplay is a wonderfully creative outlet, and in the six years I’ve cosplayed, my artistic talents have increased so much more. I have a goal next year to really hone in on my sewing abilities so I can sew my own cosplays. Overall, I’ve used painting, sewing, wig styling, and designing to build cosplays. One thing I haven’t done much of at all that I’d love to learn is foam crafting! I have so many cosplans that involve armor that I’d enjoy creating myself!

If you could give any piece of advice to new cosplayers, what would it be?

First and foremost, cosplay for you. Do not come into this hobby expecting to gain followers immediately. Cosplay is fun because you are creating and portraying characters that make you happy and mean a lot to you personally. The moment you start worrying about likes and follows, cosplaying starts to feel like a job, which can take the fun out of it really quick. Have fun and the love from others will follow naturally.

Secondly, cosplaying does not have to be expensive. I love going to thrifts stores and finding pieces I can change to fit what I need! I’ve even found actual cosplay items like a My Hero Academia school uniform jacket and a Captain America dancer dress.

What would you say is the hardest part of cosplaying?

The hardest part about cosplaying is how easy it is to compare yourself to others. There will always be someone that you might think is way better than you. But you have to remember that everyone is at different points in their cosplay journey. Use other cosplayers as inspiration, not competition. Reach out to them if you have questions about how something is made, or where they bought a piece, and I promise most will be more than happy to answer! Be proud of what you made and accomplished. I promise when you look back in a few years, it will be so amazing to see the improvements you’ve made.