Today we’d like to introduce you to Alixis Lupien.
Hi Alixis, 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.
As a nerdy gal, I’ve always had interest in multiple fandoms, but I haven’t always felt welcome within them. One day, I realized that I had to be the change I wanted to see in these spaces. My goal is to create more geek spaces that are minority friendly, where people like me, as well as people not like me, can feel at home. With my mantra, inclusivity in all things, I believe that any gender, age, size, ethnicity, or sexual orientation has that home wherever I am.
Since Harry Potter is my favorite fandom, and even though it has been hideously tainted by She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, I decided to reclaim it and revert it back to the accepting, inclusive, and comforting fandom it once was. With this in mind, I created Wands At The Ready, a convention for those who love Harry Potter but want to make sure that EVERYONE is welcome, regardless of personal identity. At WATRcon, we celebrate our differences and identities rather than keeping them in the dark.
“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” – Albus Dumbledore
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Journeys always come with some bumps in the road, but with a little magic and some grace, we learn from them and, hopefully, we take that knowledge into the future! Throughout my event production experience, I’ve learned some valuable lessons on how to better serve my community and I’m proud of my company’s growth, as well as my own personal growth!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m most proud of the spaces I create. With inclusivity at the forefront, I’ve been able to produce a number of alternative events around the DFW area, where people feel comfortable coming as they are. Themed burlesque shows, The Atomic Prom (an adults-only, rockabilly dance party), and The Witches’ Ball have been just a few of those events. Last year, the majority of those even sold out, which is no small feat.
Setting me apart from others is my background. I’m a minority female with a military background and a creative spirit! I’m able to dream up big ideas and actually make them come to life… like magic!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the diversity that Arlington has to offer. You can find anybody and everybody here. What I don’t like is how segregated things can still be. That needs to change, and I hope to be part of that change!
Pricing:
- $50 – Auror (Sunday only)
- $60 – Auror (Saturday only)
- $100 – Curse-Breaker (all weekend pass)
- $250 – VIP Keeper of the Keys (all weekend pass, Yule Ball entry, expedited check-in, reserved seating, access to concierge service, Swagrid bag)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wandsattheready.net
- Instagram: @wands.at.the.ready
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WandsAtTheReady
Image Credits
Dragon Dreams Photography
