Crafting Gremlin: CutiePieSensei on cosplay craft, FiraxWear fashion, and finding power in fandom

Cosplayer and designer CutiePieSensei ( @TheRealCutiepiesensei ) joins Kat to talk armor builds, creative process, and why cosplay is one of the most empowering spaces for women and Black nerds. Jasmine shares how a campus con sparked a decade of making, how she breaks a costume into parts, and the mindset that keeps her work joyful. She opens up about dealing with racism online, choosing humor and boundaries, and why in-person conventions are still the best place to start.We dig into FiraxWear, her pop culture fashion brand, and how she blends concept art with sewing to create stylish pieces that do not feel like basic merch. Jasmine offers clear advice for first timers, how not to bite off more than you can chew, and why you should try cosplay at least once.In this episode:What cosplay is and why cons feel so goodBreaking down a build from reference to materialsHandling negativity without losing your joyRepresentation and the rise of Black women in cosplayHow Fear Aware began and where it is goingPractical starter tips for newbiesWhy dressing as a hero can change how you see yourselfIf you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe, comment, and share with a friend who needs a little nerdy courage. New episodes weekly on Choose the Bear.