Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Samantha Carroll. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Samantha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?
Profitability within my field is always a hard one to over come. It usually takes awhile to get big enough in the community, so that you can get more commission work. the cost of materials in this day in age has also tripled, resulting in not only in financial issues gathering necessary supplies but customers may not be able to afford hand made items. The customers may turn to mass produced versions that are cheaper and sold on amazon. Not to mention those same companies are mimicking our custom designs and turning around and selling them not crediting the original creators. I know of a handful of other creators who are dealing with trying to legally fight these companies on this exact thing.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
For those who may not know of me, I’m Folxy Cosplay. I’m a Kansas City local cosplayer, influencer, craftsman, and business owner. I started out cosplaying when i was around 14 and have never stopped, I’ve always loved creating and learning new ways of doing something and thinking outside the box with my creations. my whole life I’ve always liked to prove people wrong or surprise them with what I’m able to bring to life. I was told that cosplay was a waist of time and money, and that it wouldn’t be profitable. Now I have my own cosplay company, a guest cosplayer at multiple Conventions, Cosplay contest judge, Multi – Award winning master level cosplayer, and business owner of my own cosplay company. With that I’m able to inspire and teach others how to make costumes they never have dreamed or had the courage to make, and if they don’t have the time or space to create I’m able to bring their creation to life. I’ve been teaching several Students one on one with the basics of cosplay such as breaking down the costume to figure out materials and step by step instructions with sewing, foam smithing, glue work, air brushing, tool management, etc. what ever they need to bring it to life. I also sell small amount of merch that helps promote my brand along side some custom made items like Animal Ears and Foam Weapons ( Props for cosplay). If I’m not helping future cosplayers, doing commission work, guesting and helping judge cosplay competitions, i still try work on my own personal cosplays. As I tend to make over the top, massive, complex, and usually quiet heavy. There are a couple that I’m best known for such as my “Penta Kill Kayle” – from League of legends. She is a Rock N’ Roll Angel who has a double set of wings that open up to 13ft using actuators, a 5ft tall sword that lights up, and a whole lot of leather. Definitely couldn’t miss it if i was walking down the straight in it. The other one is Also from the Game League of legends, he is a 8ft tall Werewolf called ” Warwick”. He is also going to be in the season 2 of the Netflix series “Arcane”. I Custom welded Digitigrade Stilts sewn them into the legs of the suit with hidden zippers, used Taxidermy clay to sculpt his snarling teeth, claws, lips, and eyelids, sewn, shaved, and airbrushed his entire body to help give him depth. when he is set up at my booth most people think he’s an animatronic not realizing he’s a giant suit. Definitely not something you want to see in a dark room or alley way. Almost all my costumes are made 100 Percent from scratch as i love to push my abilities and learn new things i can intergrade in every build, and in turn teach those to others. Never limit yourself on what you THINK you can do, you will always surprise yourself on what you CAN do.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me the Most rewarding aspect of what i do is encouraging others to not give up because they don’t think they are capable of creating, or thinking if its not the best immediately its not worth it. Seeing the look on their faces as they finish the costume and walk around with it on proudly at conventions not only feeling good in it but also having so many people gawk over it as well just fills my heart. I also absolutely love helping first time cosplay contestants with stage fright I still get butterflies and anxiety right before going on stage, so when I’m a cosplay judge I’m able to give them tips and tricks i use to help them show off their work of art confidently is just the best feeling.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
I try to keep in touch with clients by posting updates on my social media platforms, and engaging with their content as they post themselves. When ever I’m attending conventions i will always post about it and inform them where they can find me. I always keep snacks and water for anyone who may need it throughout the con as well as a safe space to be if they feel over whelmed or just to shy to try and meet new people. I stay as transparent as possible and offer my services as much as I can to them as they need. I also do raffles at every convention and every so often online as well. I’m Trying to continue building a safe and fun community that is encourging and inspiring for everyone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://allmylinks.com/folxy-cosplay
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/folxy_cosplay/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Folxycosplay/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Folxy_Cosplay
Image Credits
Shots of the piranha plant princes Credited to – Ruben Gusman ( Amazing Photographer )