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Conversations with Samone Reyna

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samone Reyna.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my journey through a mix of cosplay, modeling, and creative content creation. What began as a passion for anime, gaming, and self-expression slowly grew into building my brand, Mortal Mikasa. Over time, I started combining cosplay with professional modeling, fitness, and event production, which helped me connect with an amazing community both online and in person.

As my platform grew, I expanded into hosting experiences like Waifu Motor Show, where anime and car culture come together in a way that feels unique and creative. I’ve also had opportunities to be featured in magazines, collaborate with brands, and work with talented photographers and creators across different industries.

A big part of my journey has been learning how to turn creativity into something bigger than just posting online creating spaces, opportunities, and art that bring people together while staying true to myself and the community that supported me from the beginning.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Like many creators, I’ve dealt with challenges that come with building a brand online from balancing consistency and burnout to navigating misunderstandings, criticism, and the pressure that social media can create. There were also moments where I had to learn the business side of being a creator on my own, whether that was contracts, event planning, networking, or protecting my brand and ideas.

Another challenge was learning to stay confident in my vision even when people didn’t immediately understand it. Combining anime, cosplay, modeling, fitness, and car culture isn’t something people see every day, but I believed in creating a space where those communities could come together authentically.

At the same time, those struggles helped me grow. They taught me resilience, professionalism, and the importance of surrounding myself with supportive people who genuinely believe in what I’m building.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a cosplay model, content creator, and event producer based in Houston, Texas, operating under my brand, Mortal Mikasa. I specialize in combining anime, gaming, fashion, fitness, and creative storytelling into visually impactful content and experiences. Over the years, I’ve worked with photographers, brands, magazines, and fellow creators while building a community around creativity and self-expression.

One of the things I’m most known for is blending cosplay with unexpected spaces, especially automotive culture through my event, Waifu Motor Show. Seeing people from different communities come together through a shared passion for art, cars, anime, and creativity has been one of my proudest accomplishments.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just focus on modeling or social media, I focus on building experiences and a genuine community. I’m very hands on with my creative direction, branding, event concepts, and collaborations, which allows everything I create to feel personal and authentic to me.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that networking works best when it comes from genuine connection rather than only looking for opportunities. Some of the strongest relationships I’ve built started simply from supporting other creators, showing up consistently, and being respectful and professional.

I also think it’s important to put yourself out there, even before you feel “ready.” Attending events, collaborating with people in your industry, communicating clearly, and staying consistent with your work can open a lot of doors naturally over time.

As for mentors, I’ve learned that mentorship doesn’t always look traditional. Sometimes it comes from observing people you admire, asking thoughtful questions, and learning from the experiences of others around you. The biggest thing is staying open to learning while also staying true to your own vision and brand.

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