Today we’d like to introduce you to Omar Owens
Hi Omar, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Omar Owens and I’m a IT Pro from Whitehaven, Memphis, TN. I’ve been a computer and anime nerd for most of my life and one day I decided to build a community based on that.
Otaku Asylum started as a deeply personal mission to create a safe space in Memphis for people like me who love anime, wrestling, alt music, and other nerdy interests. Growing up, being different often came with the kind of “Memphis-style roasting” that made it hard to fully enjoy what you loved without feeling judged. I wanted to change that—to give people a space where they could embrace their passions without fear.
The first name for the group was Otaku Safe Haven, but it didn’t really resonate. So I opened a thesaurus, found the word “Asylum,” and ran with the idea of Otakus seeking refuge. That’s how Otaku Asylum was born. Initially, it was just about organizing meetups so reclusive nerds could step out of their comfort zones, socialize, and have fun. Over time, it became a true community and even more of a home for many people, especially during the pandemic when we focused on connecting online.
A turning point came in 2023 when I attended Dream Con and met ChelseaBytes, who invited me to join the Twitch Black Guild. That connection has opened so many doors for me, introducing me to some amazing groups like Code Bluff, a Memphis-based cosplay collective. During a conversation with them about being featured in a magazine, I jokingly said, “What if Otaku Asylum started a magazine?!” To my surprise, they loved the idea, and I decided to make it real. I reached out to Kia Sangria, a cosplayer I’ve admired since 2015, to be the first front-page feature, and Otaku Asylum Magazine was born.
In September 2024, Otaku Asylum officially became an LLC. Today, we’re running events and continuing to grow, working hard to build a vibrant community in Memphis and the Mid-South for everyone who shares our love of nerdy culture.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road hasn’t been smooth, but the challenges have been invaluable in shaping both me and Otaku Asylum. The biggest challenge was getting over my own shortcomings and staying consistent. So many people wanted me to take the “safe route” and get a ‘good job.’ I did end up becoming an IT professional, which allowed me to meet incredible people and build connections that helped me grow. But in the early days, getting others to believe in the vision—when I was still learning to believe in myself—was a feat in itself. It was a personal battle, but the community’s passion and support helped me push through.
Another major challenge was finding a place to host meetups with very limited funds. Access to space is tough when resources are tight. We were fortunate to find favor with Math Made Simple and later Fat Tuesday’s Downtown Memphis location, both of which opened their doors to us. Those spaces were pivotal in giving our community a physical home, and I’m deeply grateful to them for their support. We’re still exploring new venues, but being able to gather anywhere has always been a blessing.
Starting the magazine added a whole new layer of challenges. I was stepping into uncharted territory, learning about publishing, building a team, and coordinating interviews and features. At times, it felt overwhelming, especially since I was managing other aspects of Otaku Asylum, working, and balancing life. But those moments taught me the importance of delegation and trusting others to bring their skills to the table.
Through it all, one of the biggest obstacles has been staying financially sustainable. Running events, printing magazines, and building a brand all cost money, so finding ways to fund everything while keeping it affordable for our community has been a constant balancing act. Despite the struggles, the passion and support from the Otaku Asylum family have made every step worth it. It’s been a journey of growth—not just for the community but for me as a person and leader.
As you know, we’re big fans of Otaku Asylum LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Otaku Asylum is more than just a brand—it’s a community and a safe haven for nerds, geeks, and fandom lovers. We’re a hub for people who are passionate about anime, wrestling, gaming, alt music, cosplay, and all the nerdy things that make life exciting. What started as a simple meetup group has grown into a multi-faceted organization with a magazine, monthly events, merchandise, and a strong online presence.
What sets us apart is our focus on inclusivity and authenticity. Memphis didn’t have a space where people could fully enjoy their interests without judgment, so we built one. Otaku Asylum is all about creating a judgment-free zone where people can be themselves and connect with others who share their passions. Whether it’s through our magazine that highlights diverse creators, our events that bring people together, or our online community that keeps everyone connected, we aim to foster a sense of belonging.
One of the things I’m most proud of brand-wise is the magazine. It’s a labor of love that allows us to shine a spotlight on amazing individuals in the worlds of anime, cosplay, wrestling, and more. It’s also a platform where voices that often go unheard can be celebrated. I’m also proud of how we’ve turned our events into memorable experiences, like our K-pop dance nights and cosplay meetups, which bring people out of their shells and into the spotlight.
For readers who are new to Otaku Asylum, here’s what you should know: we’re here to celebrate fandoms, build community, and give you a space to feel at home. Whether you’re buying a copy of our magazine, attending one of our events, or simply joining the conversation online, you’re part of something bigger—a network of people who love what they love unapologetically. We offer everything from exclusive features on creators to opportunities for people to step into the spotlight themselves, whether as a cosplayer, artist, or fan.
Ultimately, Otaku Asylum is about passion, community, and connection. We want to inspire others to embrace what makes them unique and to find their place among others who appreciate it.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Honestly, I keep it pretty simple, but effective. Discord and Twitch have been huge for me. I use them to co-work with other creatives and find like-minded people to bounce ideas off of. Whether it’s brainstorming for an event or troubleshooting an idea, having that real-time collaboration with others has been a game-changer.
YouTube is another go-to resource. It’s like my unofficial teacher. Whenever I’m trying to figure out how to accomplish something, whether it’s improving an event, designing for the magazine, or even learning a new skill, YouTube is the first place I turn to for tutorials and inspiration.
Google searches are also a huge part of my process. From researching trends to learning about tools or strategies, it’s been an invaluable resource for making sense of what I want to achieve.
But above all, I have to give a lot of credit to my community. They’re an incredible resource. Whether it’s asking for their input, learning from their perspectives, or finding new ways to engage more people, they constantly help me improve and broaden what Otaku Asylum can do. This journey wouldn’t be the same without their support and ideas.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://otakuasylum.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/theotakuasylum
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOtakuAsylum/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/otaku-asylum
- Other: https://bsky.app/profile/otakuasylum.com
