Knowing Meri for so many years, I’ve seen her do cosplay, mixology, armor building, prop making and more. She’s incorporated her love of anime (mainly One Piece and Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac), gaming, and culinary into her cosplays, art, and even entrepreneurship. She’s made a plethora of moves and adjustments during the pandemic, so I decided to ask her to talk about that, as well as her time in the Cosplay Life.
Outside of cosplay, you have so many other passions. How do you juggle loving so many different things and incorporating them into your otaku life?
I do my best to prioritize and dedicate different hobbies to different days. It’s all about that management. This expands to setting aside necessary funds for said hobbies, as well as figuring out what I have time for and what needs to wait.
You recently started selling bath bombs, soaps and other items, how did you get started with that?
It all started during the height of the pandemic, honestly, when I needed a way to make a little extra income. I had the idea and said hey, why not? I gave it a shot and ended up enjoying it way more than expected. Thus my small business was born!
Go check out her products at MerMerry Bath Bombs’ Web Store!
You started making themed drinks for all types of things. Where the inspiration come for that?
Oh, man, I love my fandom cocktails. I was actually served some Disney cocktails at a party once and thought how cool it would be if I tried cocktail mixology for anime and video game characters! I decided to try it one night and it just took off from there. I really hope I can get back into the swing of that soon.
What kind of cosplayer do you consider yourself?
Saitama said it best, “I’m just a hero for fun.” I think that describes me perfectly as a cosplayer. I do it because it’s fun and I enjoy it. It’s a perfect way to take a break from the ‘everyday’, you know?
How long have you been cosplaying?
As of 2022, I’ve been cosplaying for 14 years! Kind of showing my age there.
Do you have a current cosplay fav?
My favorite cosplay changes all the time, but right now my current favorite cosplay that I’ve done is Tsunade from Naruto!
What is your most expensive cosplay project?
To date, my most expensive cosplay is Master Aqua from Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep! It had lots and lots of pieces. Plus, I also cosplayed her corrupted by darkness variation, as well!
Where do you go most often for photoshoots?
Honestly, the place I go most often for photoshoots is my own front yard!
Do you have cosplays that are sometimes painful or uncomfortable?
Oh, my gosh, YES! Literally any cosplay that requires me to wear heels or a corset is my worst nightmare. Honestly, though, I still have a great time, even wearing those!
Go check out Merry Meri on Facebook and Instagram, and be sure to check out her store, MerMerry BathBombs!
