Meet 305 Bruja: Cosplayer, model and activist

We had the good fortune of connecting with 305 Bruja and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi 305, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I worked in the service industry for 10 years and I often found myself unsatisfied with the status quo of the industry. In 2018 I was let go from a job after bringing up employee working conditions. This event made me reevaluate work and jobs entirely. I had worked for someone else for so long I put all my aspirations on the back burner for the sake of a steady paycheck. Which is probably something a lot of people do because we all need money to make things go. However I decided it was time I focus on myself. My personal growth and career growth. I always loved being in front of a camera but always held myself back due to societal beauty standards. I began modeling with cosplay and fell in love with the entire process. Making my costumes, modeling and honing my makeup skills. This is quite an expensive hobby so when Only Fans started taking off I chose to start one of my own. I had a lot of issues with the modeling industry not allowing you to own your image. Which is why OnlyFans was the perfect avenue for me, I could control every aspect of my work. Which is something I was not awarded in the normal vanilla work setting. At first it was part time as I found my bearings in a new industry, however due to the pandemic I was sort of forced to go full time with it. As horrible as 2020 was, it forced me to push myself in a way maybe I wouldn’t have before. I had to believe in my work, my following and most importantly, myself. Needless to say I’m glad I made the switch. I’m doing what I love, not many people have the opportunity to say that.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Cosplay pushes you to think creatively, especially when making your own costumes. There’s not exactly a pre made pattern or manual on a lot of the wild and complicated costumes you see on TV or movies. So it takes a bit of thinking outside the box. I find that focusing on lingerie cosplay or “lewd” cosplay pushes that even more because theres less material involved. The less material you use the harder it is to convey a character clearly. And I’ve not always been successful in this so I know firsthand just how difficult it is. Was it easy? Hell no! I definitely struggled and sometimes still struggle. A lot of this industry has to do more with marketing and branding than content, although that is a driving force behind everything. I’m glad I previously attended business school and learned graphic design because those skills/knowledge have helped me achieve a lot in this business. What I’ve learned is to never give up and believe in yourself. Even when it seems like your failing stick to it! Consistency is key to any successful business. And my success does not come without “the haters” I have had to continuously believe in myself and my product. If I allowed these haters to determine my worth I’d still be trying to climb out of my proverbial hole if you will. Never let someone else determine your worth, only you can do that for yourself. My brand is of course cosplay and modeling but I find myself consistently speaking on social justice issues. Like I said before no one does anything alone, so how can I stand by and watch my community suffer? I can’t. So a lot of my work involves community outreach and activism. It sounds cheesy but you have to be the change you want to see in the world or nothing will ever change for the better.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Miami is one of a kind, there really is no place like it in the world. And I have seen my fair share of it. If I’m taking you to eat or drink out, my top places would be El Palacios de los jugos for the best shake of your life. Las Rosas for a pint and a shot, it’s the best dive bar in the city. Panther Coffee is the best specialty coffee you can have. Enriquetas is my favorite spot for a classic Cuban breakfast, you have to have their Batido de Mamey with Croquetas. Of course we’d have to visit the beach but I prefer North Beach as its quieter and you can truly take in the view. Our museums are pretty great, visiting the Freedom Tower is a must as Cuban culture is so integrated in Miami it’s only fair to learn a bit of our history. I love going to The Frost museum especially with family theres tons of interactive exhibits plus it’s right next to The Pamm which is our next stop! The Pamm has some really amazing art exhibits and once a month they do free entry and have a little “jam” session with cocktails and a presentation.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
No one accomplishes anything alone. I definitely could not be where I am now without the love and support of my friends, family and fans. My husband is always extremely supportive of any endeavor I choose to follow and I am grateful everyday to have him in my life. My best friend is the reason I started modeling in the first place. Eliana is an extremely talented jack of all trades but her photos are her sweet spot. She began shooting me for fun and encouraged me to branch out on my own. I’m not sure I’d have the confidence instilled in me today if it wasn’t for her pushing me and believing in me. Community is so integral to the success of any one person. We must always make safe space and lift each other when possible. I’m glad to be apart of a community that has done that very thing for me and I’m happy to return the favor.

Website: https://allmylinks.com/305bruja
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/305bruja_/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/305Bruja
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCrDc8EHwaloIv4t-2EH7lw?view_as=subscriber

Image Credits
1) Photographer: Eliana Agnello @____eka 2) Photographer: Eliana Agnello 3) Photographer: Jonathan De Camps @jonathandecamps 4) Photographer: Grey C Media @greycmedia 5) Photographer: Mijares Productions @mijares_productions 6) Photographer: Jerry Alexander Photo @jerryalexanderphoto 7) Photographer: Brilan Imagery @brilanimagery 8) Photographer: Mijares Prouctions