Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Fleming
Hi Tina, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I first discovered cosplay back in high school, where I’d dress up as my favorite anime characters and create YouTube videos. It was such a fun and creative outlet for me, but when my account was unexpectedly banned, I felt discouraged and decided to shift my focus toward academics to get into college.
Once I got to UCF, I found a new creative passion: a cappella. I joined the university’s group and eventually went on to lead a semi-professional ensemble called Geekapella. Performing with them was incredible—we toured across the U.S., bringing nerdy harmonies to anime and gaming conventions like MegaCon and DragonCon. After five amazing years, things came to an end due to a combination of creative differences and the pandemic, which caused the group to disband entirely.
With Geekapella behind me and the world on pause during COVID, I focused on growing my career. I worked my way up in marketing, eventually becoming an executive and even serving as President of the Advertising Federation, where I had the privilege of running the ADDYs for Orlando.
As my career stabilized, I found myself with more free time and a longing to get back into cosplay. This time, I dove into the BookTok community and connected with fellow book lovers who shared my passion for immersive storytelling. That led to an unexpected opportunity—companies started hiring me to perform as a cosplayer at immersive book events. Now, I get to bring beloved characters to life and help create unforgettable, theatrical experiences for fans. It feels like I’ve come full circle, blending my love for performance, creativity, and fandoms in a way I never imagined.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s definitely not been a smooth ride—it’s more like hitting bursts of progress followed by challenges. There are a lot of ups and downs, but when things are good, it’s incredibly exciting. The creative process is a big part of that: figuring out what works, what doesn’t, and how to stay authentic while keeping up with trends. It’s always a balancing act between evolving with the community and making it your own.
Of course, there’s also drama—it’s almost inevitable. My cartoon cosplay community tends to be pretty laid-back, but BookTok definitely has its share of chaos. I do my best to steer clear of it, though I’ll admit it can make things a little more interesting at times.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
To me, being a cosplayer means bringing fictional characters to life—not just by dressing up but also by embodying their personalities to some extent. Sometimes that involves creating costumes from scratch, whether it’s sewing, crafting, wig styling, makeup, or even 3D printing. Other times, I’ll purchase pieces online and modify them to save time while still making the look my own.
I focus on two main niches for the content I create online: BookTok and the Hellaverse fandoms (Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss). I’m probably best known for my portrayals of Nesta Archeron from ACOTAR, Angel Dust from Hazbin Hotel, and Fizzarolli from Helluva Boss.
What really sets me apart is my attention to detail. I love adding hidden elements or subtle touches that make my costumes unique. I don’t always stick to the canonical look of a character—I enjoy putting my own spin on the design to make it feel more personal and creative.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking in cosplay can be surprisingly challenging because everyone is always in some kind of disguise! It’s easy for people not to recognize you out of costume, especially if they’re used to identifying you by a specific character, a facial filter, or even just your username. My advice? Don’t take it personally—be patient and understanding.
Another important thing to remember is that the cosplay community is incredibly diverse. Many members are genderfluid, neurodivergent, or come from different walks of life. If you’re new to the space, there can be a bit of a learning curve in understanding and respecting that diversity. The key is to stay open-minded and make sure you’re helping to keep the community safe and welcoming for everyone.
Contact Info:
- Website: Sochicosplay.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/sochi.cosplay & Instagram.com/pageturnertina
Image Credits
Oricat.Photo
Bookish.Cafe.Orlando
HusbandsWhoCosplay
