Firefly Shop | People Fan Fest Horror Con - November 2024

A Day to Remember at People Fan Fest Horror Con

October 2024 will forever be etched in my memory as a truly special moment in my convention journey. This time, I didn’t have to cross the country for an event—I got to experience it right in my own backyard. People Fan Fest Horror Con was held in Los Angeles, California, my hometown, and I was beyond excited to be part of such a unique and intimate convention experience.

Unlike the typical large-scale events that span multiple days, this one-day convention was small, but it offered an atmosphere that was both laid-back and personal. With actors from shows like Vampire Diaries, Teen Wolf, and Stranger Things in attendance, I was thrilled to connect with both the fans and the stars in a way that felt deeply meaningful. The intimate nature of the event meant I could engage with people on a more personal level, and the memories I made throughout the day will stay with me forever.

One-on-One with Ian Somerhalder
I’ll start with a moment that was truly a dream come true. As a long-time Vampire Diaries fan, getting to meet Ian Somerhalder, who portrays Damon Salvatore, was surreal. But what made it even more unforgettable was the one-on-one time we spent together. I had the chance to gift him one of our best-selling Damon t-shirts that features the iconic line, “You Can’t Spell Damon Without Damn.” Ian absolutely loved it! He cracked up and mentioned how it was one of the funniest things he had seen.

But the experience didn’t stop there. We chatted for quite a while, and I had the chance to tell him a bit about my business—how it all started, why I do what I do, and how important the support of my family has been throughout the journey. He genuinely listened, took an interest, and shared some words of encouragement. Our conversation then expanded beyond business to life in general, and it became clear that Ian is one of the kindest, most down-to-earth people you could meet. I left that interaction feeling inspired and grateful.

Young Henry Creel: A Chat with Raphael Luce
Next, I had the pleasure of meeting Raphael Luce, who plays young Henry Creel, aka Vecna, in Stranger Things. I gave him one of our Hawkins Tote Bag and a "Meet me at the Creel House Sweater" we chatted about the behind-the-scenes moments of filming young Henry Creel. Raphael was so down-to-earth and approachable. After his autograph session, he even stopped by our booth to check out more of our Stranger Things merch, and his reaction was priceless. He was especially taken with our Vecna hoodie, T-shirt, and jogger set. We didn’t have one in stock at the booth, but we made sure to ship a full set to him! It’s a small gesture, but I hope he loves it as much as we enjoyed creating it.

Raphael is such a positive and vibrant individual. His energy was infectious, and I felt so fortunate to have had the chance to talk with him. I’ll always remember that interaction and the warmth he brought to our conversation.

Crystal Reed: A Heartfelt Moment with Allison Argent
Another unforgettable moment came when I had the chance to gift Crystal Reed, who played Allison Argent in Teen Wolf, one of our hoodies with the message, “We Protect Those Who Cannot Protect Themselves.” Crystal absolutely loved the design and the lilac purple color of the hoodie, which was one of the key elements of the piece. She told me how this particular line from the show resonated with her, and she even shared a behind-the-scenes memory of filming one of her character's most emotional moments.

But the best part? After her autograph session, Crystal came by the booth and asked if I wanted a picture of her wearing the hoodie. She didn’t have to do that, but she did, and it was such a thoughtful and kind gesture. She put the hoodie on, making sure everything looked perfect for the picture. It was such a generous and caring moment that I’ll treasure forever.

Empowered and Supported by Tati Gabrielle & Abigail Cowen
As if the day couldn’t get any better, Tati Gabrielle and Abigail Cowen, who both star in The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, stopped by my booth. They had been watching me sell throughout the day, and they came over to ask me about my business. They wanted to know everything—how I started, why I started, and what it’s been like running my own business as a woman. Their words of support and empowerment were exactly what I needed to hear. They gave me the most amazing pep talk, sharing their own experiences and encouraging me to continue pursuing my passion.

To top it all off, they supported me by purchasing several items from my shop! It was such a meaningful moment to have them, two incredibly talented women, express interest in my work and support me in this way. It felt like a full-circle moment, reminding me that community, kindness, and collaboration are what truly matter.

The Power of Intimate Conventions
Reflecting on the day, I realized how special these smaller conventions can be. The ability to interact directly with both the fans and the actors creates connections that are truly unmatched. It’s not just about the merchandise or the autographs; it’s about the people you meet, the stories you share, and the genuine moments of kindness that make it all worth it. People Fan Fest Horror Con was a reminder that the heart of any convention lies in the connections we make.

So, thank you to everyone who made this event so unforgettable—whether you were one of the talented actors I had the privilege of meeting, or one of the amazing fans who stopped by my booth to chat. I left feeling incredibly grateful and inspired, and I can’t wait to continue this journey of connection and creativity.

Until next time!

~ Isabelle M.
Firefly Shop