Meet Jessika Malic

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Jessika Malic.

Hi Jessika, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I was just one year old when my family immigrated from the Philippines to Phoenix, Arizona, catching rides on whichever USAF aircraft was available. My dad was in the Air Force and retired in the city I now call my hometown.

Even though I grew up in a predominantly Hispanic area in west Phoenix, I was a minority of minorities. I was probably 1 of 5 Asian kids in my elementary school. They believed the stereotypes. My homework got copied a lot, but I was a straight-A student. I struggled constantly with my identity, but I discovered that I was a creative type. I sang in choirs, acted in stage plays, and liked to craft and create. My mom taught me to sew when I was a teenager and took those skills and turned them into a cosplay hobby that has now spanned more than half my life.

I have sewn and constructed well over 60 costumes over the years, genres ranging from vintage anime to what’s hot on streaming platforms today. In addition, I have competed (and won Best In Show), judged, and hosted many cosplay contests. I love cosplay so much that during the pandemic, I created a show with my friends about all things cosplay and its fandoms – CosTalk Live. Cosplay has become far more than just a hobby for me; it has solidified its place in my lifestyle.

It brings me so much joy in many ways – crafting, expressing yourself, meeting people and especially fans of the character I am portraying, inspiring and being inspired by others, and teaching people how to start new skills and techniques to improve their cosplays. Cosplay is a part of my everyday life. My coworkers even encourage it. Back in the day, I never told anyone outside of the geek world that I cosplayed.

Before I found my current position, my work history varied. I would spend ten years in aviation – including six years as an international flight attendant for Emirates Airline living in Dubai, UAE. And yes! People cosplay there and all over the world. Being able to travel and experience the cosplay and geek culture in different countries has created so many awesome memories. And even though I may be grounded for now, I know there will be more travel in the future.

Currently, I am the Communications Manager for the Asian Pacific Community in Action, a local non-profit in Arizona that advocates for affordable and accessible healthcare that is language and culture-focused. My team nurtures my creative side and allows me to use my skills to create unique and standout messaging for our communities.

In addition, I am also mainly the event coordinator, planning our various outreach events and health fairs. And yes, my colleagues are always asking if we can make it a cosplay event!

We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Although I struggled to find my identity during my adolescence, left-brained me was flourishing in the arts, regardless. However, I entered my 20s with low self-esteem and imposter syndrome. I would limit myself due to my physical appearance – especially in cosplay.

I tended to stick with cosplaying characters I resembled – tanned Asian females, and it was me and only me who was putting on those limits. I eventually broke through and have been exploring the possibilities nonstop, even to this day. I use my own experiences dealing with my internal struggles to help others find where they feel comfortable in their cosplay journeys.

I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Throughout my cosplay journey, I have attended events such as San Diego Comic-con International (1996-2012), PAX, Anime Expo, E3, CES, MCM London, Middle East Film and Comic-con, and, of course, nearly every large event in Arizona, like Phoenix Fan Fusion. I’ve won awards such as Best In Show, Most Humorous, and Best Skit.

Eventually, I was asked to start judging contests, but my favorite place to be was with a mic in hand as a Mistress of Ceremonies, which I was for Phoenix Fan Fusion Masquerade 2022 and 2023. I now help produce cosplay events and contests and host meetups.

For my show, CosTalk Live, my friends and I stream live a few times a month and cover a wide array of topics within the geek subculture world with a focus on cosplay. For my own brand, I’m a proud Filipina cosplayer who loves to share tips, skills, techniques, and just the love for cosplay overall with everyone.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Likes: spontaneous trips, karaoke (better in cosplay!), travel, animals (I love all dogs and cats – I have limited myself to 1 each named Kiwi (cat) and Coconut (puppy), video games (I’m OBSESSED with Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth right now), Disney and all the parks (I have visited all 6 – Anaheim, Orlando, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Paris and Shanghai), creating and crafting in general

Dislikes: people who try to put their beliefs/ideals/decisions on other people, wet socks, the sound of metal on teeth (therefore, the dentist), the freeway exits in Los Angeles, glitter tulle

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jinxcosplay.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/thejinxcosplay
• Facebook: facebook.com/costalklive
• Youtube: youtube.com/costalklive

Image Credits
Ty Ng, Ashish Mehta (@plaid_hippo), and @KincartPhotography