We recently connected with Jen Pawley and have shared our conversation below.

Jen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I grew up in a family full of support. My parents always encouraged me to try new things, and made time to come to every game, concert or show. When I started college, I started as a computer science major, and quickly realized that wasn’t the right fit for me. My mom sat down with me and we went through the course catalog together, finding all the degrees that appealed to me. I was left with three – theatre, art and music.. I chose technical theatre with a minor in art, and had the full support of my parents the entire time.

Even as an adult nearing 40, my parents still fully support me and my creative endeavors with words of kindness, love and positivity.

Jen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Cosplay is bringing the characters we love to life and interacting with fellow fans, while still being able to express individuality and creativity. I’m Jen: geek, cosplayer and owner of The Geek Forge.

Cosplay and geek culture is enjoying mainstream popularity with movies, video games, comics, board games and multitudes of conventions. More than ever, amazing cosplays can be seen in convention halls around the world. But with all the new attention, it can be hard for your cosplay to stand out in the crowd.

We create handmade props for your cosplay to make you seen; to bring that extra pop to your costume to emphasize your individuality and creative expression.

Enjoy incredible photos from passing photographers on the convention floor, Instagram-worthy selfies, or the perfect piece to bring your costume together. Our products have enhanced over 4900 cosplayers experiences and photographs in over 34 countries worldwide.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My primary goal is to make cosplay accessible to everyone, from creating one-of-a-kind pieces to accessories that enhance a costume. We’ve filmed multiple sessions of behind-the-scenes DIYs, and have an entire section of our website devoted to it. We’re even developing a video series now!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I first started The Geek Forge, it focused more on geek jewelry and accessories – wallets were the first things we made! It quickly became clear that my real passion was in sewing and making things to help others express themselves in costume.

Contact Info:

• Website: thegeekforge.org
• Instagram: instagram.com/geekforge
• Facebook: facebook.com/TheGeekForge
• Twitter: twitter.com/thegeekforge
• Youtube: youtube.com/thegeekforgeorg
• Other: Etsy – thegeekforge.etsy.com TikTok – tiktok.com/@geekforge Twitch – twitch.tv/thegeekforge Discord – https://discord.gg/YgBzs9WYdM