MEET THE CREATOR OF ANTI-WEEB FASHION

Let’s start off with a quick introduction of yourself, who is Anti-Weeb Imani and what content do you create in general?

Anti-Weeb Imani is a dynamic content creator who has carved her niche in the online world by blending fashion and streetwear with anime culture, all while challenging the traditional “weeb” stereotype. Her content is a celebration of individuality, encouraging viewers to embrace their unique styles and love for anime in a way that is confident and sophisticated, while avoiding the typical “cringe” and bad stereotypes associated with being a weeb or nerd.

How did anime play a role in your life when you were growing up?

 Anime lowkey saved my life. I didn’t grow up in the best neighborhood, and there were plenty of chances to fall into the wrong crowd or get caught up in things that could’ve led me down a bad path. But anime gave me something to focus on—something I genuinely enjoyed and could escape into. It sounds crazy, but it kept me out of trouble.

Beyond just entertainment, anime was relatable in a way that other media wasn’t. The characters went through real struggles—loss, resilience, chasing dreams, proving yourself against the odds. I saw myself in those stories. It also opened up my world beyond my surroundings. I got into Japanese culture, started picking up the language, and from there, it helped me connect with other cultures too. Anime wasn’t just a hobby; it was a bridge to something bigger.

One moment that stuck with me was Vegeta struggling to turn Super Saiyan. I remember watching him train relentlessly, pushing himself past his limits, but still falling short. I felt that. I had put in the work for a competition, trained hard, did everything right, and still lost. It was frustrating—like no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t break through. But when Vegeta finally went Super Saiyan, it lit a fire in me. If he could push past his limits, so could I. That moment gave me the discipline to go even harder, and when the next competition came around, I won. Anime didn’t just entertain me—it shaped my mindset and taught me resilience.

Can you share the story behind the name "Anti-Weeb Imani"? What inspired the name?

 The name is a play on the idea that I love anime, but I don’t subscribe to the over-the-top weeb stereotypes. I wanted to challenge the perception that anime fans have to be loud, overly obsessive, or “cringe.” My content is about celebrating anime in a stylish, subtle, and more fashion-forward way—hence, Anti-Weeb.

When did you start creating content and what was it like starting out then?

I started creating content as a hobby, mainly on Twitch, under the name Space Cadet Monster—which I still use for just gaming. It was just something fun, a way to share my love for gaming and connect with people. Back then, I wasn’t thinking about it as a career, just something I enjoyed doing in my free time.

Everything changed the day I quit my job on the spot. I was tired of building up companies that didn’t value me as an employee—putting in the work, going above and beyond, and still feeling like I didn’t matter. I realized that if I could put all that energy into someone else’s business, I could do the same for myself. That was the moment I decided to take content creation seriously. No backup plan, no second-guessing—I just went all in. And here I am.

How did you end up in this really niche content space of “Anime/Anime-inspired Fashion”?

It all started with me just being obsessed with finding subtle anime clothing that I could actually wear every day.

As I started sharing my finds on social media, other people related to it. I kept getting comments like, “Where’d you get that?” or “Finally, anime fashion that’s not just a graphic tee!” That’s when I realized there was a whole space for this—people who loved anime but wanted a more fashionable way to express it. From there, I just kept building, mixing anime aesthetics with streetwear and mainstream fashion, and that’s how I found my lane.

What are some of the best/funny/emotional memories or experiences being a content creator has brought you?

The most emotional moment for me was the first time I went viral. I was at a really low point—dealing with family loss, questioning everything after quitting my job, and honestly, I was about to give up on content creation altogether. I kept asking myself, Is this even worth it? Am I really meant to do this?

Then I had this moment where I told myself, Don’t let this depression destroy you. I decided to just post a video—one I didn’t even like, to be honest. I didn’t overthink it, didn’t stress about perfection, just put it out there. And that was the one that blew up. Seeing it go viral was a shock, but more than that, it was the confirmation I needed to keep going. That moment reminded me why I started and showed me that sometimes, you just have to keep pushing, even when you don’t feel like it.

Anime Fashion

What are some of the anime that have the best costume designs you’ve seen? And which one’s your favorite?

 JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is top-tier when it comes to fashion. The designs are bold, stylish, and iconic. I also love the looks in Nana, Paradise Kiss, and Yugioh—characters with actual drip.

Which anime or anime character has influenced your fashion sense and style the most?

 Future Trunks, Bulma, and Nana Osaki. Trunks’ jackets and boots? Fire. Bulma has crazy versatility. And Nana’s punk aesthetic is something I pull from often.

How do you balance subtle anime references with mainstream fashion trends in your fits?

 It’s all about blending elements. Maybe a character-inspired color palette, a sleek jacket that gives off anime protagonist vibes, or accessories that hint at an anime reference without being too obvious. I treat it like streetwear rather than a costume.

What are some of the main differences between anti-weeb fashion and cosplaying?

 Cosplay is about fully transforming into a character, while Anti-Weeb fashion is about taking inspiration from anime and making it wearable. You won’t catch me in a full wig and armor at the mall, but you will see me rocking a fit inspired by an anime character’s aesthetic.

When do you decide to cosplay and when do you decide to go with anti-weeb fashion fits?

 If I’m going to an anime convention and want to go all out, I’ll cosplay. But day to day? Anti-Weeb fashion all the way. It’s more practical and fits my lifestyle.

Content Creation & Community Building

How do you engage with your followers? Has their feedback ever helped in creating your content?

 I’m always interacting through comments, DMs, and Discord. I take feedback seriously—if my audience wants to see a certain anime styled, I’ll make it happen. Their engagement shapes my content direction.

What are some conventions or events you have attended in recent years? And what are some of the best memories/moments from these conventions?

 Anime Expo and DreamCon are always highlights. Meeting other creators, getting recognized by brands, and just vibing with the community is an experience like no other.

Plan to attend any this year?

 Definitely looking at Anime Expo, DreamCon, and maybe a few fashion-focused events to keep merging the two worlds.

Have there been any milestones or moments in your journey that stand out as especially meaningful?

 Hitting 50k+ followers was a huge moment. Also, my first brand collab—it made me realize that this could be more than just a passion.

Are there any projects you’re currently working on right now that you can share?

 I’m working on a curated anime fashion guide and potentially my own merch that embodies the Anti-Weeb aesthetic.

Any advice for budding content creators out there?

 Find your unique angle and lean into it. Consistency is key, and don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works. Also—engage with your community! They’re your biggest asset.

Quick Fire Questions

Your favorite anime of all time?

 Too hard to pick one, but Death Note, Nana, and Cowboy Bebop are always in my top tier.

Sub or Dub?

 Sub always, but dub when I can’t read while eating.

Most fashionable anime character?

 I can't pick one, but it's between Future Trunks, Bulma, and Nana Osaki.

Cosplay or Anti-Weeb fashion?

 Anti-Weeb fashion, of course—it’s a term I coined!

Yugioh Fashion or JoJo Fashion?

 JoJo, because the poses with the fit are too clean.