Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Wallace.
Ashley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started cosplaying in 2007. I was 15 years old and attending my first anime convention. The friend I was attending with told me we HAD TO COSPLAY. He made it sound like it was a requirement to get into the event. So I begged my grandma to help make me a costume. She had made many Halloween costumes in my young childhood and she thought the task was exciting. So there I was in the cutest Kairi pink dress from Kingdom Hearts 2. No wig, no makeup, and borrowed shoes from my sister. I quickly learned at the con that was cosplay was NOT required, but needless to say, being tricked into it was the best thing to happen. I remember getting in the car to go home and immediately saying, “What are we cosplaying next year?!” From there I went to my local anime con every year; each year my grandma sewed me a new outfit. About 5 years in I asked for a very special cosplay: Sorceress Edea from Final Fantasy VIII. My grandma said she could sew the dress but that I would have to make the rest of the cosplay. With bold determination, I used a lot of cardboard, hot glue, popsicle sticks, aluminum foil,and paper to craft a helmet and what we now call a “window back piece.” I learned makeup skills, how to use car resin, painting, and how to argue respectfully with my grandma about costume design. From that point on, I was hooked on crafting. I dived into sewing and designing my own cosplays. I LOVED IT! For the first time in my life, I felt creative. I continued to grow my cosplay craft. The best way I grew my craft was cosplay competitions. I kept competing and 7 years later I won my first award. I just kept going, letting creative run wild. I started spending more time and funds dedicated to cosplay. I met amazing friends through conventions and they really supported me. Fast forward to now; I’ve been through a lot of struggles related to cosplay. Motivation struggles, finances, personal illnesses, career moves. Despite all the struggles, cosplay still remains a big part of my life. It’s not something I can imagine giving up anytime soon.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No! Nothing in cosplay is a smooth road until you sand it for hours. At first cosplay was hard because materials and tutorials were not readily available. A lot of learning in cosplay was deep diving on Deviantart or finding an actual person to help you. I did a lot of trial and error to get where I am today. Another struggle was mixing my career with my hobby: teaching and cosplay. As a high school math teacher I have to maintain a specific air of professionalism. There are certain cosplays I avoid, certain content I cannot partake in, and I’m frequently limited in the amount of money and time I can dedicate to cosplay. I also have to note the setback of the world: COVID-19. All of my crafting went from cosplay into making masks for safety. The panic was so bad, especially at my job. I was fortunate enough to keep my career going just fine during the pandemic, but everything looked different. I had never felt so drained in my life. There was no energy left for my creative filling hobby. Depression was a major issue at that point; all work and no fun, literally. Lastly, my biggest setback has been my health. I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2022 and it has been an uphill battle from there. Lots of doctors, procedures, medications, and a full change in diet. I’ve been to the ER more times then I’d like to admit and I’ve even been hospitalized due to issues with my chronic illness. I’m happy to report that I have my disease “in remission” right now and I’m maintaining that very well. I’m forever grateful for my team of doctors and my attentive husband. He’s weathered all of these struggles with me and continues to support me in every way. I’m really lucky!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I teach the best subject ever to high schoolers; MATHEMATICS! I’m known as the “anime teacher” at my building. I let the students know on Day 1 that I’m a giant nerd, and cosplayer. Spirit Week is always fun for me because I have a closet full of cosplays to utilize for whatever theme our student council comes up with! I like to think that I provide a safe space for students that don’t always “fit the normal” of society. People often ask me what classes I teach; basically I’ve taught everything from Pre-Algebra to AP Calculus. It’s always a lively time in my classroom. One minute a student will be talking to me about their answer on question #4 and on the next beat I’m being asked about my favorite Dragonball character. I absolutely love my career and I cannot imagine doing anything else.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I always like to give beginner cosplay advice, and it’s always the same 2 pieces of advice. 1) find some friends to cosplay with. Support is key. 2) have fun. That’s the only requirement for cosplay. If you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong. The best cosplayer in the whole world is the one having the most fun.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badashcos
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/badashcos
