The Collector

Collecting and reselling is built on the foundation of passion, market knowledge, and timing. Whether it’s sports cards, memorabilia, sneakers, or streetwear, the process involves identifying value—both current and potential—and strategically buying, holding, or flipping items for profit. It blends elements of nostalgia, culture, and investment, requiring a sharp eye for trends, authenticity, and demand. At its core, the world of collecting and reselling is about turning personal interests into smart business moves.

Old School Sports Card Collection

My journey into collecting and reselling started with something simple: Pokémon cards. I still remember the thrill of tearing open those foil packs, hoping to pull a holographic Charizard or a rare promo. What began as a fun childhood obsession quickly became something more. I eventually realized that certain cards were worth money. While most kids traded them at recess, I was already looking up card values online and learning how the secondary market worked. Without even realizing it, I was laying the foundation for what would become my first business.

By age 14, I had entirely shifted my focus from Pokémon to sports cards. I was drawn to the stories behind the players, the thrill of finding a rookie card that could skyrocket in value, and the community of collectors who shared the same passion. I began buying and selling cards through eBay, Facebook groups, whatnot, and local events, slowly building a reputation and a solid eye for spotting value. It wasn’t just about the money. It was the hustle, the strategy, and the excitement of flipping a $10 card for $100 after a breakout game or season.

As my confidence grew, so did my business. I launched a website to display inventory and provide a platform for people to buy directly from me. I also created social media pages to promote the brand, share new arrivals, and engage with followers. I would spend hours researching players, market trends, and upcoming product releases. I learned how to grade cards, package shipments properly, and manage a growing customer base. At a young age, I ran every part of the business, including inventory management, customer service, marketing, and fulfillment.

Around the age of 16, I expanded beyond sports cards and stepped into the world of sneaker and streetwear reselling. The culture surrounding shoes, especially limited drops, hype-driven demand, and exclusive collaborations, had the same energy I loved in the card world, but on an even bigger scale. I’d wake up early for online sneaker releases, enter raffles, hunt down restocks, and even go as far as camping outside stores waiting for a release. Once I secured a pair, I’d flip it quickly for a profit or hold it, knowing the value would rise over time. I even started selling apparel; brands like Supreme, Bathing Ape, and Yeezy were hot then. It was all about timing and knowing the market.

Each step along the way taught me something new about entrepreneurship. I learned to take risks, analyze markets, and make decisions under pressure. I understood the importance of branding, communication, and marketing. I learned to embrace failure, like missing out on a drop or overpaying for a card, and use it as motivation to get better. I wasn’t just selling products but building a business around passion and knowledge.

Looking back, I realize how much this journey shaped who I am. It gave me a deep appreciation for the grind and showed me what it means to bet on yourself. I wasn’t handed a playbook or a blueprint; I figured it out through experience, curiosity, and persistence. What started as opening packs for fun became a real business that taught me skills most people don’t learn until much later in life.

Today, I still carry that same entrepreneurial mindset with me. Whether it’s a new business venture or a creative project, I approach it with the same energy I had when flipping cards or chasing sneakers. It all started with a pack of Pokémon cards but turned into a passion, a business, and the beginning of my journey as an entrepreneur.