Stitches of Resilience
Beverly Downen perseveres, from self-advocacy at a young age to pivoting after 9/11, empowering communities, and sharing her wisdom with the world
In a world brimming with challenges that can gradually extinguish our radiance, Beverly Downen shines brightly as a source of inspiration. Her story is one of perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering pursuit of passion. From a small town in Vermont to the vibrant streets of New York City and ultimately the creative communities of Portland, Oregon, Beverly's journey is a testament to the power of following your dreams and embracing the twists and turns that life presents.
During our candid discussion, Beverly shares the pivotal moments, difficult choices and hard-won triumphs that have shaped her extraordinary path, offering insights and wisdom forged from vulnerability, self-belief, and an unstoppable spirit that will resonate with anyone who has ever dared to dream.
A Little Revolution
In the days of her third-grade adventures, Beverly Downen discovered her power to forge positive change at a young age. Faced with a grumpy school bus driver, she complained to her mother, and in response, a seed of empowerment was planted. Together, they crafted a humble petition and Beverly rallied signatures from her fellow passengers. Through this act of defiance, Beverly learned a timeless lesson: that even the smallest voices, when united in purpose, hold the power to spark change. From discontent springs opportunity, and from adversity blooms resilience.
The Power of Permission
From a young age, Beverly's mother instilled in her the courage to chase her artistic aspirations. One poignant moment stands out – when her mother encouraged her to apply to art schools, despite her teacher’s resistance and their family’s financial constraints. This pivotal "permission slip" set Beverly on a trajectory that would forever change her life. Her mother's support unlocked an inner resilience that would be tested time and again, but never extinguished.
“My mom gave me permission to follow my dreams. You have to give yourself permission to be a little bit terrified of your potential.”
Embracing Pivots
Life's challenges often present us with opportunities for growth and reinvention. In the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy, Beverly lost most of her clients who had offices in the area of the Twin Towers. With grit and grace, she made the courageous decision to embark on an entirely new path, one that temporarily led away from her artistic passions but was nevertheless infused with purpose—becoming an MRI technologist. By daring to pursue the promise of new possibilities, Beverly demonstrated a resilience that would become a defining pillar of her strength. Her willingness to pivot ultimately led her to Portland, where she would reconnect with her artistic roots as she discovered her passion for cosplay.
Finding Community & Empowerment
When Beverly stumbled upon the world of cosplay, she had discovered a true passion, finding her way back to creative pursuits. But she was soon to have a negative encounter at a conference during which her abilities were questioned. Beverly emerged stronger from this experience, forging a community for underrepresented makers and artists, answering the vital need for a safe space where they could gather without judgment or oppression. Thus, SheProp was born, and Beverly unlocked limitless growth for marginalized talents while nourishing her own creative spirit.
“I realized that we didn’t have a community that was safe, that was just for us, away from the male gaze, away from mansplaining, away from the folks that make our journey harder. So I created SheProp.”
The Courage to Write
For years, Beverly had the dream of authoring a book to share her distinctive cosplay artistry and pioneering techniques with the world. When that dream became a reality, she confronted vulnerability and a new dimension of self-doubt.
“It’s hard to be vulnerable like that, to put yourself on the page. It’s scary, but growth is scary. And I was terrified when this book came out and people started getting it into their hands. But it’s all part of growth, and you can’t grow without taking those risks.”
Despite the fears and vulnerabilities that accompanied the process, Beverly's tome on EVA foam cosplay became a labor of love, showcasing her dedication to education and her commitment to helping others explore their creativity.
You can learn more about Beverly and her work, and connect with her, on her website, Downen Creative Studios, or Instagram. Check out Beverly’s book, Cosplayer’s Ultimate Guide to EVA Foam, and the SheProp community. And special credit to Beverly and her husband for the beautiful photography, which you can find on the Downen Photography website.
Beverly's willingness to defy conventions and dim the external voices that might seek to tame her creative spirit has led her to a life infused with authenticity, purpose, and a deep connection to the communities she has empowered. Her journey reminds us that our own stories – pivotal moments, lessons learned, adversity overcome – hold the potential to light the way for others. Together, we can inspire and uplift one another, creating a world where dreams are nurtured, passion is celebrated, and every story shines as a gem of hope.
