Daily Inspiration: Meet Stevelasher Simpson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stevelasher Simpson.

Hi Stevelasher, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My creative journey began in 2021 through anime-inspired painting. I loved bringing my favorite characters and stories to life on canvas, and that passion helped me connect with the anime community in a meaningful way. I used to make hand painted jackets for at least 50 ppl around the world. As time passed I wanted to change a little. In 2022, I expanded my creativity into cosplay, where I could not only create art but become the characters that inspired me. What started as a hobby quickly grew into a passion for costume creation, content creation, and self-expression. Since then, I’ve enjoyed combining my love for anime, art, and cosplay to share my creativity with others while inspiring people to embrace the things they love. Plus as a mother of 2. My kids look up to me as a role model now. They see me building props out of cardboard and aluminum foil. Seeing their faces light up to my work made me want to stay cosplaying. On down the line, Cosplaying gave me opportunities. I even got pulled in into the anime fashion world. Im a brand ambassador for Hottopic and AfterLove Shop. They both based on anime fashion. Working with those brands has given me the opportunity to showcase anime-inspired fashion while inspiring others to embrace their fandoms with confidence and style.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a completely smooth road. As a Black cosplayer, there are unique challenges that many of us face within the community. While cosplay is meant to be a space for creativity and self-expression, Black cosplayers are sometimes met with unfair criticism, exclusion, or negative comments simply because of our race. There can be added pressure to prove that we belong in spaces where our representation has historically been limited. Despite those obstacles, I’ve also found an incredible community of supportive creators who continue to uplift one another and push for greater diversity and inclusion. Those experiences have made me more resilient and have motivated me to continue creating, representing, and encouraging others to cosplay the characters they love regardless of what anyone else thinks.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a cosplayer, content creator, and artist who specializes in bringing anime and gaming characters to life through cosplay, crafting, and creative storytelling. I am known for balancing my passion for cosplay with the realities of everyday life as a working mom. What I am most proud of is building a platform that shows people that you don’t have to choose between your responsibilities and your dreams. Even while working a full-time job and raising children, I have continued to create costumes, attend events, collaborate with others, and grow within the cosplay community. What sets me apart is my determination and authenticity. Many people see the finished cosplay, but behind every costume are late nights, hard work, and dedication after long work shifts and family responsibilities. I hope my journey inspires others—especially parents and people with busy lives—to pursue their passions and create without limits.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I enjoy most about Atlanta is the energy and creativity of the city, especially when it comes to the anime and convention community. Every time I visit, there’s always something exciting to do, amazing people to meet, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes the experience memorable. As someone who mainly visits for vacations and anime conventions, I appreciate how vibrant and diverse the city feels. The one thing I don’t particularly enjoy is the traffic and how busy some areas can get, especially during major events. However, the experiences and opportunities the city offers usually make it worth the trip.

Pricing:

• Cosplaying price $20-200 depends on the cosplay n website
• Prop making 20-30
• Painting $1-30
• Canvas $6-20
• Anime convention 100-1k

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samuraistevie_97?igsh=MXF2ZHJqOXdnODNwcQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@samuraistevie120?_r=1&_t=ZT-96vzKxC4R7m