Today we’d like to introduce you to Emi Gibson.
Hi Emi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I initially joined this anime club when it had a different name during my middle school years. At that time, it was managed by the library, which sought a member to take over the club around 2016 or 2017, or else it would face closure. I volunteered to lead the club, and several members assisted me in organizing it and transitioning it into a peer-led group. I officially began my leadership in October 2017, which we now recognize as our founding date. Since then, the club has evolved in numerous ways and has gained significant recognition within the South Metro cosplay community, establishing affiliations with many cosplay conventions across the state.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Certainly, there are always challenges to navigate, but I believe these experiences have ultimately strengthened our ability to adapt and thrive. We have faced numerous obstacles, such as maintaining membership, promoting our group, securing funding, establishing policies as our group became more formal, adjusting the age demographic to align with our target audience based on membership data, and identifying suitable locations that meet our current group needs.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My passion and pastime is cosplay and event planning. This group has given me ample opportunities to explore and get experience in both. For cosplay I specialize in prop and cosplay building mostly out of thrifted and upcycled materials. Especially as someone who is plus sized, it’s hard to cosplay in the standard look so im always looking for new ways to achieve the design in my head. It’s a trial and error process, but I am always proud of what I do and I still try to stay true to character looks while still adding my own flair. For event planning I have had experience not only with this group but with cons inviting me to host panels and event planning that goes with that, it also helped me pursue a job as event security for a venue which has allowed me to see behind the scenes at bigger events and shows. I think what sets me apart from others is when I am determined I will find a way to get to the goal I am heading for, and I don’t always just look at the one set way to achieve it.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memories mostly consisted of performing in talent shows or attending events I love looking forward to special activities and I love creative competitions!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://burnhavenanimeclub.wixsite.com/burnsvilleanimeclub
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burnsvilleanime/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/burnsvilleanime
- Other: https://discord.gg/FHCUu7rBrF
