We were lucky to catch up with Laree Starke recently and have shared our conversation below.
Laree, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
BeltlineCosplay was a spontaneous mix of my love for Halloween costumes, a bit of modeling in the past, and a stint as a bodypaint model in Jacksonville. Discovering cosplay at Dragoncon in 2018 opened up a whole new world, and I fell head over heels. Always into bringing people together and creating my own community, I learned eskate during COVID and practically lived on the Beltline.
With everything closed and Dragoncon canceled, I couldn’t let go of my cosplay itch. So, I had this wild idea to blend eskate and cosplay. I hit up my eskate friend, who’s also a photographer, and my Deadpool-cosplaying buddy. Just threw it out there on Instagram, and a random person joined in. We became cosplay homies and, from that day, things took off. Regular meetups on the Beltline, growing interest – it was crazy!
We’re the heartbeat of Atlanta’s cosplay scene now, starting from that impromptu photoshoot. BeltlineCosplay is all about real moments and genuine connections, just like the down-to-earth journey that got us here.
BeltlineCosplay filled a void that didn’t exist before. The community vibe was a mix of diverse individuals, predominantly People of Color, which made it truly special. It turned out people were seeking this sense of belonging, and I had no clue it was a need until I heard them vocalize it. Our meetups became a haven for genuine connections, echoing the voices of those who found a space where they truly belonged.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Laree, a 33-year-old artist, idea creator, and UX designer. Recently, I embraced the roles of a new mom and an engaged partner, adding a whole new dimension to my life. But there’s more to me than meets the eye – I’m also an avid Eskater, always seeking thrills on the Beltline.
BeltlineCosplay is my brainchild, born from a love for Halloween costumes, modeling escapades, and the discovery of cosplay at Dragoncon in 2018. In the midst of COVID and closures, I fused my passion for Eskating with cosplay, creating a community that didn’t exist before.
What makes BeltlineCosplay truly special is its diverse and predominantly People of Color community. It turns out, people were craving this sense of belonging, something I only realized when I heard them vocalize it. Our meetups have become a haven for genuine connections and shared joy.
As an artist and UX designer, I strive to infuse BeltlineCosplay with a unique blend of creativity and inclusivity. Beyond being a founder, I’m also a new mom and a partner, and these experiences shape the warmth and joy I want people to feel within our community.
I believe in creating not just events but experiences – a space where everyone feels the joy of belonging and has a damn good time. And I owe the growth and success of BeltlineCosplay to my amazing team. They’re not just collaborators; they’re believers in the vision, and that’s what I’m most proud of. Together, we’re shaping a community that goes beyond cosplay – it’s about creating memories, connections, and a whole
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Our reputation has been built on creating diverse and inclusive events that cater to a wide range of people. From photoshoots and movie meetups to hangouts, parties, scavenger hunts, and beyond, we’ve crafted experiences for all age groups, including adult-only events. Ensuring a safe environment is crucial to us – building trust with our community is at the core of what we do.
In addition to our diverse events, BeltlineCosplay has built a strong reputation for professionalism in handling logistics and more. We take pride in our organized approach, ensuring that every aspect of our events, from planning to execution, is carried out with precision and professionalism. It’s a key element in fostering trust and delivering memorable experiences for our community.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The primary source of new clients and cosplayers for BeltlineCosplay has been the collaborative efforts of my team in establishing professional connections. These connections have played a crucial role in building trust within the community. Additionally, word of mouth has proven to be a powerful force, bringing in new followers and sparking interest in what we do. It’s the combination of these factors that continues to expand our reach and attract new members to the BeltlineCosplay community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beltlinecosplay.com
- Instagram: beltlinecosplay
- Twitter: BeltlineCosplay
Image Credits
Elizabeth Howard George Hunter DeAngelo Williams Rebecca Quinn Melody Timothee