Cosplay

The skills Nora learns from cosplaying like prosthetics, 3D printing, digital effects, wig making, and tailoring come in handy more often than you may think. Cosplay brought her first short film to life through the costumes and props she built. Through cosplay, Nora helps run her family's small business, 3 Girl Creations, and travels to conventions around the country with it. Nora has styled wigs for her high school shows, was featured in a magazine wearing her handmade mermaid tails, and designed tails for her community theater's production of "The Little Mermaid." The most rewarding part of cosplay is when she can use it to help others.

Turn vulnerability into strength and failures into opportunities. Being human is to be different, being different is to be unique, and being unique is to be beautiful. Cosplay increases Nora's creativity while molding her into a more mindful person. She uses her platform of over fifty thousand followers to promote diversity and encourage people to challenge their fears, step out of their comfort zone, and try new things. Collaboration and connection with others empowers Nora as an artist.

Through cosplay, Nora gains confidence, increases authenticity, and finds value in everything by intersecting artistic and critical thinking. Lacking funds for costumes challenges her to make her own, turning a difficult situation to her advantage. Adapting to new situations despite challenging circumstances is an aspect of cosplaying she tilizes often.

Nora loves being in the water, so much so that she helped her mother’s small business make mermaid tails and teach young children how to swim in them! She has a big love of the ocean and works in ocean conservation. She is working towards her scuba diving certification to eventually be able to swim with her favorite animals.

Nora has the ability to transform and shapeshift because of cosplay. Using her creativity, she builds props and costumes from old and worn items which enables her to see the value in everything. She hopes to inspire others to try new things and embrace uniqueness.

In terms of visual arts and design, Nora has used her costume and prop-making skills help out with her family's side business 3 Girl Creationz. This includes henna tattoos, hair tinsel & wraps, hair & eyelash extensions, airbrush tattoos & face paint, makeup, and custom mermaid tailoring for local theaters and conventions across America.

A few years ago, my grandmother underwent cancer treatment resulting in the loss of her hair. It was difficult watching her battle this illness, but at the same time, her courage and positivity led to my devotion for wig-making and costuming. Instead of sadness, she approached her challenge by making wigs a fun part of her life. Watching her turn adversity into victory showed me that I could accomplish anything. She is now cancer free and I, like her, have the ability to transform. When my grandmother “rang the bell,” symbolizing her last treatment, she gave me her wigs so I could continue cosplaying. As my grandmother handed me her wigs, she was letting go of her past struggles, and I was reaching for my new beginning. I see my grandmother as I gaze upon my wig shelf. I see her struggle, our bond, and her love for me. She is healthy and I found a community allowing me to be myself and learn from others.

I teach those who are new to cosplay to use it as a way to embrace their differences and find beauty in their uniqueness. Together, we turn vulnerability into strength and failures into opportunities.