Meet Jatavius Williams | COSAKAGE

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jatavius Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jatavius, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I’ve been a fan of anime/manga and the western otaku culture that it has sprouted for as long as I can remember. It wasn’t until 2020, during the pandemic, that I realized how many of my friends and other people I’ve met in my life also had the same interests! It just wasn’t something we were outright and loud about. It was during this time that we started discussing what we were watching or reading more, having debates, making group chats, having virtual watch parties, etc. Fast forward a couple years and I finally attend my first convention, DreamCon, where I also adorned my first cosplay (Soul Evans from Soul Eater for anyone wondering!) It was truly eye opening to see so many people, that looked like me, dressed up and having the same obsessive, nerdy interests…I felt at home. This led me to wanting to recreate that same safe space for cosplayers and otaku in my own city, in my own way. Not just a party, but a creative experience that encourages more Atlanta otaku to show themselves, gather as a community, and dive into an immersive world for the night, The Village Hidden in the A. 🌀

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Village Hidden in the A is more than just a business—it’s a community. We’re a group of passionate friends dedicated to blending Atlanta’s unique culture with anime, cosplay, and otaku fandoms through immersive events and engaging content. What sets us apart is our dedication to creating a space where people from all walks of life can connect, celebrate their love of anime, and feel seen and valued. We embrace diversity, especially within the Black and POC otaku community, and weave that into everything we do.

Getting to where we are today hasn’t been easy. Building a brand and community from the ground up requires vision, hard work, and resilience. Early on, we faced challenges like finding our niche, establishing our identity, and balancing creativity with logistical realities. But each challenge was an opportunity to grow. We learned the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and staying true to our mission, no matter the obstacles.

We’re most proud of the connections we’ve built—seeing attendees at our events find joy, make friends, and even discover parts of themselves they didn’t know were there is the ultimate reward. And as for excitement? The future is full of possibilities, whether it’s expanding our lore, hosting bigger and bolder events, or creating even more content to share with the world.

If there’s one thing we want people to know about The Village Hidden in the A, it’s that we’re a labor of love. We’re here to build bridges, foster creativity, and be a home for anime fans who want to be part of something special. The world of otaku culture is vast and vibrant, and we’re just getting started. 🌀

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Atlanta for a week, I’d make sure they got the full experience of everything that makes this city unique, vibrant, and fun—especially for someone who shares my love for anime, gaming, sports, and local culture. Here’s how the week might look:

Day 1: Start the trip by exploring Historic 4th Ward, Underground Atlanta, and Atlantic Station, three dynamic spots known for their festivals, local art, unique vendors, and restaurants. We’d end the day at JINYA Ramen Bar for some of the best ramen in the city, staying true to my otaku roots.

Day 2: Spend the afternoon at Charlie’s Collectible Show, a vibrant hub of unique finds, weekly family-friendly events, and trading card game tournaments. Whether it’s hunting for rare items or bonding over shared fandoms, it’s a can’t miss spot for any collector. Later we’d dive into Atlanta’s gaming scene at Battle & Brew, where we’d enjoy great food, video games of all sorts, and themed cocktails.

Day 3: Rent scooters and cruise along the Atlanta Beltline, stopping to check out local street art, shops, and of course barhop. We’d have some delicious bánh mì and pho at Super Banh Mi Pho for lunch and then end the day on Howell Mill where we’d enjoy some mini golfing at Puttshack and then slide on over to HOLIDAY Bar for the vibes, dancing, and music.

Day 4: Spend the morning hiking at Stone Mountain, enjoying the incredible views. Cool off in the afternoon with pickleball or lawn games at The Painted Pickle or The Painted Park, two dope and unique spots where sport/gaming meets socializing. Cap off the day with a burger and wings at WNB Factory, because no trip to Atlanta is complete without a 10 piece lemon pepper combo!

Day 5: Check out if any of my favorite communities, like Beltline Cosplay, ATL Black Fae Fest, INVASIAN, Trap Sushi, Technchill or The L.A.G. are hosting events during their visit. If not, Atlanta’s festival scene is always buzzing, so we’d find something fun to dive into. For dinner, we’d enjoy one of the many Korean BBQ and revolving sushi spots!

Day 6: Take a relaxed day to catch a movie, explore Atlanta’s many malls and shopping plazas such as Perimeter or Lenox, or somewhere unique to grab souvenirs, and also visit/explore hidden gems in the city such as Unearthing Farm & Market, Chattahoochee Food Works, Krog Street Market, and Ponce City Market.

Day 7: Spend the last day tailgating and enjoying a Falcons’ game or some other special event, such as a concert, that may be happening at the beautiful Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena (hopefully the Hawks are playing!), or visit the jaw-dropping Truist Park to watch the Braves.

Atlanta is all about its people and the diverse communities that make it so special. From gaming to festivals, food to fandoms, this itinerary shows off the best of the city through its unique and vibrant lens!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a huge shoutout to the incredible people who make up The Village Hidden in the A and have been instrumental in our journey. First and foremost, our amazing COO, Taylor Hill, the Jinchuriki of Operations—your leadership and dedication keep the Village running like a well-oiled machine.

To the Four Legendary Shinin—Anna, Kestri, Austin, and Rod—you are the backbone of our vision. Your creativity, passion, and commitment inspire everything we do and push us to new heights.

Our ANBU Promo Ops team—Jimmy, Bryce, Tyson, Dee, Thomas, Andre, and Davina—you are the stealthy ninjas behind our success, working tirelessly to spread the word, create buzz, and make every event unforgettable.

And finally, a special shoutout to our Tokubetsu Jonin of Intel, Erin. Your support and coordination keep us organized and ahead of the game.

This dream of building a community that celebrates anime, cosplay, and otaku culture wouldn’t be possible without all of you. Thank you for being part of this journey and making The Village Hidden in the A a reality. 🌀

Website: https://linktr.ee/villagehiddenofficial

Instagram: @villagehiddenofficial

Twitter: @vlgehiddenofcl

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/759326262936746/?mibextid=K35XfP

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VillageHiddenOfficial

Other: https://www.twitch.tv/tvhita

@villagehiddenofficial

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