We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Omar Owens a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Omar, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I saw a need for people that met online to get out and have a presence in the community and the want for people to do more and reach more people. It’s hard to find people and spaces where you can be yourself outside of work and I wanted to provide that type of space for Nerds, Geeks, and Gamers in Memphis.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m Omar Owens, the owner and community manager of Otaku Asylum, a brand and community centered around anime, gaming, wrestling, cosplay, and all things nerd culture. What started as a simple meetup group in Memphis has grown into an online and in-person space where fans can come together, share their passions, and celebrate their identities. We’ve created Otaku Asylum Magazine as an extension of this community, featuring interviews with cosplayers, streamers, wrestlers, and other content creators from both local and global fandoms.
What excites me most about Otaku Asylum is how it’s become a hub for diverse fandoms to connect and feel welcome. It’s not just about consuming content; it’s about building a space where people can express themselves authentically and support each other. We don’t just celebrate anime or gaming, but also the people who create and live within these worlds—whether it’s through cosplay, wrestling, or content creation.
We’re also deeply connected with local businesses here in Memphis. We’ve partnered with places like Mochiatsu, Boba Boba Life, and KC Computer’s Nerd Nook to host meetups for our community. Beyond that, we organize fun cosplay outings to local sporting events like the Memphis Hustle and Memphis Redbirds games, giving people a chance to cosplay at events that aren’t conventions, making fandoms a part of everyday life.
Looking ahead, we’re working on expanding our magazine’s reach, both digitally and in print, and continuing to grow our community by organizing exciting events and collaborations. Otaku Asylum isn’t just about content creation—it’s about building a space where fans from all walks of life can come together to be themselves and share their love for everything nerd culture.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
My knowledge of IT helped me see how I can leverage tech solutions to achieve so many goals. It helps to know what can and can’t work in an environment, from a tech side and a user experience side. Use the skills you already have. If you don’t have them, then the next area is important. Leverage your community! Knowing who is willing to help further your goal and discerning who just wants access to you is important as a business owner, so BE CAREFUL. Lastly, the handshake and the smile is better than an email and a couple of clicks. Meet up with people and say hello. you will get so much done, and be so ready to do what is needed with their support and their recognition of your and what you can help them with. Honorable Mention, ask what you can do to help, not just what can get from a situation. So many businesses hear how they can help someone, but they don’t hear how they can be helped. If you help them solve a problem, they will ehlp you down the line if your paths align properly.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely! We’re always open to collaborations and partnerships that align with our values of community, inclusivity, and celebrating fandoms. At Otaku Asylum, we’re looking to work with content creators, artists, cosplayers, streamers, local businesses, and anyone who shares our passion for anime, gaming, cosplay, and nerd culture. Whether you’re an independent artist looking for a platform to showcase your work, a business wanting to engage with a vibrant and diverse audience, or a content creator seeking opportunities to collaborate on events or features, we’d love to hear from you.
If you’re interested in collaborating, the best way to connect is by reaching out through our social media platforms, or by emailing us directly at omar@otakuasylum.com. We’re excited to explore new opportunities and build lasting partnerships that help our community grow even stronger!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://otakuasylum.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/theotakuasylum
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOtakuAsylum
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/otaku-asylum
Image Credits
Bunny Malkavian Photography and Crafts
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