Anya Parkes is a fan of two things: K-pop and Publix sub sandwiches.
So when BTS announced that the U.S. dates of their world tour would kick off in Florida at Raymond James Stadium, the Tampa-area woman decided to combine both into one design.
Ahead of the concerts this weekend, Parkes created stickers and keychains depicting a different type of BTS — or “Buffalo Tender Sandwich” — from a certain southern grocery store chain.
“I started seeing a lot of people doing things specifically inspired about Florida,” said Parkes, 28. “I wanted to contribute to that, because I was born and raised in Florida, so I was like, ‘What’s more Florida than a Pub Sub?’”
It’s a fitting design as BTS mania takes over Tampa. Fan-made merch is a staple at the many events popping up around the city. Even the mayor has lit up buildings purple in honor of the band’s arrival.
While Parkes runs an Etsy store called Bora Namu to sell her designs, she decided to give the sub stickers out for free.
“I haven’t put them online yet, because for legal reasons, I don’t know if I’m allowed to,” she said, noting that it’s also just fun to give out gifts to fellow members of BTS Army, the name of the group’s fans.
Parkes made 300 stickers and 100 keychains, intending to pass them out during each of the three Tampa concerts.
When she posted on her Instagram and TikTok pages last week, the design took off.
Her posts have amassed over 50,000 views so far, plus a flood of direct messages from Florida BTS fans.
Want your own? Keep an eye out on Parkes’ social media (@bora.namu) to see where she’ll be passing out the free merch.
“I hope this encourages BTS to come back to Florida,” she said.