About this episode
Born in China, raised in her early years in Germany, Yaya moved on her own to the United States in 1998 while still a teen. It didn’t take her long to make a name for herself in the cosplay community. Now a successful designer, model, author, tv personality and social media influencer with more that 3 million followers. (2:24) Yaya tells us of how she learned to sew out of necessity through getting involved in cosplay 24 years ago. Using a $40 sewing machine she prepared to go to her very first expo the 1999 Anime Expo in Anaheim, CA. She literally started with almost nothing. (5:35) What’s her fashion style? It varies from very feminine to Korean inspired streetwear. She goes into detail on this with us. (6:21) What sparked her interest in Anime and Manga…escapism! Learn what started all of this. (7:39) She moved to the United States much to the dismay of her parents. She takes us with her on this journey with her. In 2005 she quit her “day job” and became a costume artist full time. (12:06) She persevered through some pretty tough times – sewing was what got her through this. She shares how she found her strength. (13:16) Her love for the cosplay community is notable. She describes this community, shares why it’s so very important to her and explains her personal growth within the community. (18:09) DragonCon in Atlanta is a huge expo for those in the cosplay community. It’s especially important to Yaya as she met her husband Brian there 23 years ago. Today they are business partners and live the dream together. (21:16) Find out who is her favorite cosplay character. (22:13) How did she build a 3 million + community of followers – she shares her secrets. (26:17) Having met thousands of fans – Yaya is always energized by these engagements. How important is this to her? She lets us know and even shares a specific instance at ACon. (29:00) BERNINA University’s new campaign is “It’s a Big Day”. Yaya walks us through her relationship with BERNINA, her role in this campaign and how she worked with them to create the bernette 79 Yaya Han Edition. She also describes all the amazing features of this machine and why it’s perfect for cosplayers. (41:21) Yaya has a new book on the market called Yaya Han’s World of Cosplay . She tells us of the genesis of this work which is the history of cosplay told through her story and all it contains on tips and tricks on how to be a professional cosplayer. (44:30) Learn in the midst of her busy schedule, what Yaya does for fun. (45:43) What inspires Yaya? “Everything”! She unpacks this for us. (45:28) What’s next and what’s her dream? Besides “living it right now”, she shares what the future looks like for her. (48:20) Her final point is asking the sewing community to embrace cosplay. There are misconceptions out there about this community which she addresses. In fact, she explains how in many ways we are all cosplayers, just in different spaces. To reach out to Yaya, go to her website Yayahan.com, Instagram as #Yayahan and Facebook is Yayacosplay. She invites all to reach out! Be sure to subscribe to, rate and review this podcast on your favorite platform! If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website. Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.