From Fashion School to Full-Time Cosplay: Ashlynne Dae on Choosing Passion Over Stability (Recorded at Nightmare Weekend Chicago)

In this episode of Conversations That Count, host David Shaft interviews cosplay icon Ashlynne Dae, live from Nightmare Weekend Chicago by GalaxyCon. Ashlynne shares how she went from graduating at the top of her fashion class to leaving the traditional industry behind — to pursue cosplay full-time.

🎭 What You’ll Hear:

• Ashlynne’s leap from fashion to full-time cosplay
• The early days of making costumes without knowing what cosplay was
• How to push forward when family and friends don’t understand your path
• The power of finding a supportive community through conventions
• How dressing like your favorite character can unlock real confidence
• Ashlynne’s Challenge to You:
• Attend a con that excites you. Talk to five new people. And see what happens when you follow your curiosity instead of your comfort zone.

This episode is packed with heart, humor, and a reminder that you’re allowed to rewrite the rules.

🎧 Listen now — and take your first step toward something that actually feels like you.

To learn more, visit:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-shaft

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/david-shaft