Meet Natasha Terry: Ma Petite Cosplay & Modeling

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

Hi Natasha, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Art is my life; I can’t live without it. Whether I’m painting, singing, dancing, writing, crafting, or making music, art is how I express myself. The human imagination is an infinite canvas constantly fabricating new ideas. A mundane career isn’t enough for many individuals and it certainly was not for me. I do have a 9 to 5 that is not a typical career, but I like connecting to the world through my art in the form of cosplay. Being a cosplayer allows me to channel several artistic skills into one project. It is a challenge to construct full costume, yet extremely rewarding when the finish product is assembled. Then to share my work with the world by posting photos on social media, attending comic conventions, or doing charity work is another perk. I knew I truly enjoyed being a cosplayer when children would recognize my character and become ecstatic. Bringing happiness to strangers while also being proud of my costume is an amazing feeling.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Cosplay has transformed me from a reserved introvert to a more outspoken and confident person. I am proud of accomplishments like being published on the July 2017 cover of CosplayZine Magazine. I’ve been a guest at several conventions, including: GoGames 360, The Cosplay Con & Anime Expo, Free Comic Book Day at Bedrock Comics, and Delta H Con. I was recently in a music video as a Street Fighter character. Opportunities present themselves before me and I try to rise up to the occasion. I am always learning new crafting techniques, trying to expand my cosplay wardrobe, and experience different things like traveling to conventions. It has not been easy for quite a few reasons. Time and money are important for a cosplayer because we do not often make any money from our craft. There is also a lot of senseless drama in the cosplay community that can be disheartening if you let it consume you. I focus my energies on the optimistic side of cosplay. Ma Petite Cosplay & Modeling is about building bridges, networking, helping others enter the world of cosplay, having fun and being carefree in your favorite nerdy costume. I take pride in helping people connect, enter the world of costume making, and find a new hobby. Ma Petite Cosplay & Modeling is a way to link love and friendship with nerd fandoms.

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?
When it comes to family or friends visiting Houston, I follow my three “F” rule: food, fun, and footwork. Houston has such a wide variety of food that I try to take visitors to all my favorite locations, along with places to walk off all the extra calories. Assuming they flew into George Bush Intercontinental Airport, a Monday morning nature stroll through Mercer Botanic Gardens is the perfect way to stretch your legs and breathe in fresh air. Mel’s Country Café is a great place for lunch or dinner. Taco Tuesday at Juanita’s Mexican Restaurant in Tomball is one of my favorite family traditions. Then hop over to Coco’s Crepes, Waffles, & Coffee in Vintage Park for a sweet dessert. End the evening with dinner at Top Sushi during their reverse happy hour special, followed by walking a few doors down to belt it out at Voice Karaoke Bar & Lounge. Wednesday is the great day to drive down to Galveston. Stopping at Buc-ee’s in Texas City is a must, on the way in and the return trip home! After spending day in the water, we can enjoy a fun meal at The Rainforest Café. I love being downtown on a Thursday! It’s the perfect day to be at The Museum of Natural Science, walk around the beautiful Hermann Park, and have an evening bar hopping experience in Midtown. Howl at The Moon is a unique place to get a drink and enjoy live music. Friday meet ups with friends at Mikoto Ramen & Sushi Bar is a thrill! We can chill at Neil’s Bahr afterward. On Saturdays, I love to start the day with breakfast at Cypress Breakfast House, then ask my guests if there is anything in Houston they want to see or do. NASA Space Center is a common answer. Sundays are a donuts and kolaches sort of day before taking people back to the airport, hoping they had their share of merriment in my hometown. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am quite grateful to several people. Firstly, my mother for all her encouragement and help with making my cosplays. Mom is a huge influence in my life. Her influence and nerdy wisdom have shaped the cosplayer I have become. Secondly, I would love to shoutout Cosplay Vogue Houston. This group was founded by Christina McDaniel (Krys T Havoc) in 2015, then she added Simone Dejean (Magical Me Cosplay) and myself to her admin team. The three of us organize photo shoots, attend conventions as celeb guests, coordinate charity events, and more. My time with Cosplay Vogue Houston has completely transformed and matured my experience as a cosplayer. I have tremendous gratitude for these two women for all the guidance, assistance, and encouragement they have freely given me.

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Image Credits
Sharde Chapman