We recently connected with Nakaya Wiggins and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Nakaya thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I started my career as an engineer with Amtrak. As one of the first African American Latina women to do drive trains state to state, it was monumental for me! However I didn’t feel fulfilled. I made amazing money, but my creative side was dying. I wasn’t happy.

I have always had a passion for food, cooking, painting and makeup. Yea, I know… what a combination LOL!

This all leads me to where I am today.
I was driving trains and decided to go to culinary school. I had 20 hour days between traveling state to state with work and going to school at night I was determined!

I graduated and opened up my catering company called Forq You Up. I sell spices and seasonings so when I can’t cook for you, at least you’ll have great flavored food.

As a private chef and owning a catering company I became the happiest I’ve ever been. Covid hit. My catering company suffered.
Being home bound allowed me to focus on my creative side. I started tapping into my love for Cosplay and painting.
I started doing Cosplay, illusion looks. I didn’t realize just how amazing I was at it!

This was another part of me that felt fulfilled. I wasn’t making any money from the Cosplay or face paint but I was genuinely happy doing it.

It was fun, I got to experiment. There was no pressure,just my love for art.

I have always loved coloring outside the lines. People kept telling me that I was going to have to choose between cooking and painting. I wasn’t willing to give up either. So I didn’t!

Here I am today in my own lane cooking and still painting my face. I created my own niche.

No sacrificing my happiness or creativity to fit in a box!

I decided to NOT give up one for the other, I know am known as Nakaya the Cosplay Chef.

It’s fun, bold, entertaining !

I create a character on my face sometimes with full blown costumes and I cook a meal.

The feedback has been nothing short of amazing!

People are intrigued on the look, it’s esthetically pleasing and entertaining.

I know that most wouldn’t understand. The need to do both. I live a life now where I do all the things that make me happy.

I teach face paint and Cosplay illusions on YouTube.

I also teach people how to cook freely. Some would say teaching is my calling LOL

Nevertheless. If it’s in your heart to do, do it! Your gifts will make room for you. Never be afraid to color outside the lines, even when people don’t understand it.

Nakaya, 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?

I got into the cooking industry by starting my own catering company and spice line. Called Forq You up. I am the most proud of myself for not giving up. When days got rough, or business was slow. Perseverance is all a part of the journey.
I never became a chef for the money. I did it for the love of people, and being able to create experiences. Ones that most won’t forget.

Creating the spice line allowed me to grant an experience to my customers as well.
When I’m booked for the week, or out of town. My customers can use my recipes along with my spices to create their own memories with family and friends.

Love and memories is what my brand is about.
Time together with the ones you love eating food or painting your children’s faces creates moments that are worth a lifetime.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One hard lesson I had to learn was patience. Patience and more patience. There is no running from or escaping or rushing the process. Everything takes time. From building your clientele, to building the brand. If you rush the process you are bound to make mistakes that can cost you. Be patient.

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My goal is to become a household name. Not for the fame it it all. But for the love.
If someone needs encouragement or a smile beucase they are having a bad day. I want them to think of me, my brand, my messages, my food.
My mission is to spread love, show love and give love. Wether it’s through my face painting Cosplay or my delicious meals.

Contact Info:

• Website: Forqyouup.com
• Instagram: Forqyouup
• Youtube: Nakayacosplaychef
• Other: Second Instagram Cosplay: nakaya.cosplay.chef