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

Hi Melissa, what do you attribute your success to?
The attendees, volunteers, and staff volunteers. The people who allow us to continue to do what we lover are why we continue what we do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started in the convention industry over 20 years ago as a volunteer. I love helping people and giving back to the community. I enjoy the family feeling you get at a convention and wanted to help spread this joy. I started off working/staffing conventions as a way to help. I slowly grew more comfortable in my shoes and wanted to do more. I had ideas, dreams, and plans I wanted to see through so I set off on my own.

The hardest part of my career has been the imposter feeling. I am not special, there is nothing different about me than other people so why do I think I can go ahead and run a business / convention? It did not help that there were doubters mixed in with the group of friends and those who supported me.

I think what I am most proud of is Okashicon being a non profit. Businesses need cash flow to run, that is common sense, but making a non profit made sure that our mission to to celebrate the industry like Jfashion and women in the industry could happen without any for profit pocket lining.

I would love the world to know we are a diverse group of people just having fun providing events for people who we cherish and hope will continue to allow us to grow, and continue this journey with us.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In Austin Tx. You should start the day with breakfast. I would love to start off at Sa-Tén. They have some amazing toast and ymmy drinks to wash it down. If it is summer time, you have to visit barton springs pool! It is not only cold but a natural pool that most people have not experienced before.

Places to visit/Hangout The Austin Library downtown is beautiful! It has mulitple floors, places to learn/see local guests speak or teach, as well as a lot of amazing books. Want to see a movie? Visit Alamo Draft house! Play games? We have Pinballs and UFO Arcade.

Around town- I love visiting our museums. The Bullock museum, the Blanton Museum of Art, Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum and wonderful little places like the Museum of the weird downtown!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Our volunteers; Without them, we would be sitting on an idea with no way to action it.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okashicon

Twitter: Okashicon

Image Credits
Pro Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.