The LVL UP Convention is one of the largest pop culture conventions in the western United States. The convention is held every year at the Las Vegas Convention Center. According to the LVL UP website, more than 144,000 attendees visited the convention over a 3-day period. The convention brings together fans of gaming, anime, cosplay, and digital entertainment. There is also a merchant area where artists showcase their talent and sell it to fans. This is where I caught up with Las Vegas Academy’s very own Fashion and Costume Design teacher, Ms. Rain Bidleras. Ms. Bidleras co-owns a small business and regularly attends conventions. At her booth, Wicked Rain Studios, she sells stickers, self-designed plushies, and other unique items. The Wicked Rain Studios booth stood out because of her unique items that she sells: dinosaur-fruit hybrid characters with cute names like “Strawberrytooth Tiger,” “Pinaplesiosaurus,” and “Spinastarfruit,” just to name a few. I decided to interview her about her experience running a small business and advice for student start-ups.
How was your experience at LVL UP as a vendor?
“LVL UP was a great experience as a vendor. A lot of the attendees of LVL UP liked my products and bought stuff. I was very busy all weekend and I even sold out of a few items!”
Would you go to LVL UP again next year?
“Yes, I would. I enjoyed seeing everyone there, and my business did well.”
Do you go to any other cons or festivals?
“I do go to other events throughout the year. In Las Vegas, I vend at the Aki Matsuri festival in the fall, and the occasional Anime Night Mart event. Outside of Las Vegas, I go to many conventions in Anaheim, Phoenix, Seattle, Salt Lake City, and I’m going to Denver for the first time this year.”
What advice would you give to someone wanting to start a small business?
“Start small and grow your brand. Find out what people want to buy. Take good photos of your work. Eventually, there is a lot of paperwork needed to legally have a business, but if you’re only selling a little, you can wait to fill that out and pay those fees.”
Ms. Bidleras shows how creativity and entrepreneurship can work together. Her experience shows students that starting small, building a brand, and pursuing your passion can eventually grow into a successful business.
