Meet Cara Nicole | Cosplayer, Artist & Entertainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cara Nicole and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cara, how does your business help the community or the world?
This is a very interesting question. With the vast amounts of huge companies that maximize their profits while minimally paying employees, thriving on tax breaks, and abusing government subsidies, I find it odd that you would ask a small business how they help the world. Why would this question be directed at a small struggling business as if to imply that we have little value while corporate overlords abuse communities, our environment, and more? That being said, I support other small businesses and use them whenever I can as well as try to stick with environmentally friendly companies. With my flexible schedule, I am able to be there to help people one on one. Sometimes a listening ear can make a huge impact in someone’s life. I mentor others and help them to grow their own businesses as well as pay my employees a fair wage. I promote creators giving them an advantage wherever I can. I also do whatever Legislative work I can in regard to family law reform.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Cosplay is a newer art form in regards to making a career from it. While most cosplayers work digitally, I prefer to sell more physical products like books, calendars, and even comic books. I try to attend as many live events as I can and meet people one on one I feel that this is a more personal approach. It was not easy. Every convention runs a risk. It can get costly to travel, and while I am often given complimentary tables, booths, or hotels, it wasn’t always that way. I spent years traveling at my own expense with hopes that I would turn a profit and build my business. As the environment changes it’s important to go with the flow and adjust your business model to accommodate a changing market. I learned to color comic books and started writing in order to expand my business. I have now grown into music as well. It’s been a long and bumpy ride. There is always a chance that your business could fail. You could get sick, injured, anything can happen. It’s a scary thing. Being self-employed doesn’t come with medical insurance or sick days. It can be terrifying.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would start with a trip to El Biggo Taco Hernandez. This is a small Mexican restaurant on the east side that began as a taco truck. I love supporting small businesses and this is one of my favorites. A trip to Tempe Town Lake for some paddle boat riding and scooter rentals would be a nice time as well. Then, of course, a trip to Sedona for some hiking and vortex adventures. Karaoke at my favorite dive bar Robbert Emmets is an inexpensive fun time out. A night of comedy at JR’s comedy club in Gilbert is always a good time. And finally, brunch at Desert Rose in downtown Gkendake for some giant sized chess and the best fried pickles in town.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate this to my amazing husband Alfred Trujillo. His love, support, and guidance have given me the strength and courage to make my dreams come true.

Website: 183degreestudio.com
Instagram: @azpowergirl
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azpowergirl/
Twitter: @azpowergirl
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AZPowergirl
Youtube: youtube.com/theazpowergirl