We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jennifer Stroup. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jennifer below.

Hi Jennifer , thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I first started Disneybounding (creating Disney character-inspired outfits) in 2015 after discovering the hashtag on Instagram. I saw other people dressing up in the Disney parks and I knew I wanted to do it too! I started putting together basic outfits, and it was challenging because at the time, I didn’t have much money to spend on clothes.

At some point in my journey, I started to turn to thrifting as a way to source more unique clothing pieces, and my Disneybounding really took off from there. I started leaning toward vintage pieces, and I also learned ways to upcycle and embellish clothing to fit my specific needs and wants.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I got into Disneybounding and Disney style because of my love for fashion (and going to the Disney parks). My favorite thing to do is put together a new character-inspired outfit to wear to the parks, and my husband helps me photograph all of my looks for Instagram. One thing that sets me apart is my love of sustainability in fashion. I could easily Disneybound with brand new clothes, but I love the challenge of walking into a thrift store and seeing what inspires me. Now that I’ve started learning how to sew and embellish clothing, I feel like the world is truly my oyster when it comes to creating new looks!

As for my cosplaying, that is a direct result of Disneybounding. There were a couple of outfits I wore to Disney World years ago that resembled the characters that walk around the parks, and other guests thought that I worked there! I thought it would be so fun to fully embody a character, so I started looking for volunteer opportunities where I could perform as a princess. I discovered the national nonprofit Costumers With A Cause, and the rest was history! Even though I knew very little about cosplay at the time, I pulled together some costumes so I could attend community events and fundraisers as Ariel, Merida, and even Anna and Elsa from Frozen.

I cosplay purely for fun and for volunteering, but it has been the most fulfilling experience of my life. I get to spread positivity, and I never get tired of all the hugs and conversations I get to share with the community! My proudest accomplishment to date is being invited to visit kids in my local children’s hospital. If I can brighten their day, even for a moment, I know I’ve done my job!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think sometimes people who aren’t creatively focused don’t see the point in doing something without a specific reward associated with it.

For example, every year I do a photo challenge in March. I create a new Disney-inspired look for every day of the month, I photograph it and post it to social media. Every year I have people ask me, “So, why do you do it? Is there some sort of prize at the end?” And I always explain that no, there is no “prize,” just the pride of knowing that I completed a huge challenge and pushed myself creatively!

I also think that with so many creative fields, it can be easy to get caught up in the tangible things we wish to gain from it. I sometimes get asked if my hobbies are “leading” to something, but for me, the process of creating is a reward unto itself, and that’s what fuels me to keep moving forward.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

The great thing about Disneybounding is that there is a huge built-in community of other Disneybounders online! I know I can always connect with other Disneybounders just by using the right hashtags, and I can draw inspiration from them as well.

When it comes to building an audience, I would say it’s important to find your niche and be consistent. People will become naturally invested when you share the things that matter most to you. Also, don’t be afraid to show your process! Even if you “mess up” a project or an outfit, you can explain things in a way that could help others and make them relate to you more.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://costumerswithacause.org/board-member-jennifer-stroup/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.jiminy.jenny/

Image Credits
Garrett Stroup