Usako mini uncovering cute in the ordinary at Weird Corpus

By Rochelle Lowery Founder of Lemon Box Beauty

In 1995 my very first introduction to the world of magical girl anime was well, Magical. Early morning getting ready for the long school day ahead, I would catch a glimpse of the latest episode of Sailor Moon which aired in America at the crack of dawn.

We already had to rise early to get ready for school, so it wasn't too much of an inconvenience. From that day forward, the show sparked more creativity in my life than I could have ever imagined. I began drawing, making my childish attempts at sketching Sailor Moon and all the Sailor Scouts. This initial interest in drawing led me to explore art, singing, and music, and soon I was completely absorbed in the creative arts. It ignited a lifelong love that I am now channeling into my work.

Scene from Sailor Moon Season 1 Episode 4

Thirty years later, I have a magically colorful piece tattooed on my sleeve: Sailor Moon's Wand as a reminder of what got me through all the challenges of life with Gods help of course!

Sailor Moon Wand tattoo by Paulee Smith

Which leads us to Usako mini.

I make hand painted & drawn designs for books, home & self. My style is inspired by all things kawaii and anime, aiming to uncover cute in the ordinary.

Story time.

A day that stood out to me, a normal day at our shop, the same playlist on repeat, the quiet of no customers that would also send me on an emotional roller coaster of "should we have opened the store or will it fail".

Ding Dong, the front door chimes a young woman dressed in all black, hair and makeup was fierce and just perfect. This was the time I felt I officially met Emily Rodriguez also known as Ema, she had the aura of care-free, and you just knew when she did ordinary things like shopping, talking and listening, she did it with intention. I knew she was different. As each interaction evolved, it was uncovered that she was a kindhearted woman that takes life as it comes, in its truest form.

Photography by Nora X. Brizuela

Ema, the owner of Skeleton Key Curios and Weird Corpus, has made a special place in the hearts of Corpus Christi. In December 2019, issue #1 of Weird Corpus Zine was the start of an amazing path that led to what everyone in Corpus now knows and loves: the Weird Corpus 3rd Thursday at The Art Museum of South Texas.

I vended with Weird Corpus for a while now and when I tell you the vibes are just right, no judgement, no expectations no ill will. This is more than a market it's community and I'm blessed to be a part of the journey. I knew this would be the perfect location to debut my new brand Usako mini, it only felt right. August 21, 2025, a date that will stay in my books for life: the launch of Usako Mini. My first pop up shop was a success a feeling I will cherish, finding my artwork a forever home.

Rochelle Lowery pictured vending at Weird Corpus

I'm sure you're wondering what this has to do with Lemon Box Beauty. Well, this is the foundation that brought Lemon Box Beauty to light. Without this amazing introduction to creativity, I wouldn't have been able to bring you the creative mind that designs, makes, and creates the products you know and love. This may sound corny, but the world is my canvas, and this article you're reading, Usako Mini, and Lemon Box Beauty are what came of it.

Whether you like makeup, skincare, art, or home decor, there's a little something for everyone. With God's help, I want to continue sharing my talent and creativity with the world through any and every outlet.

Go visit my gallery at usakomini.com

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