When I was 8 years old, my grandparents gifted me my first Lego kit. Set 4883 - a Creator set with ideas and instructions for over 25 different cars (my favorite of which to build, I convinced myself, was a red Corvette).
Looking back now, it has dawned on me that building those models, then running them downstairs to show my parents and experiencing their genuine reactions, was one of the first times seared into my brain that I remember feeling truly special (And in a 9-sibling home, that's something).
Lego rapidly surpassed all others (even Lincoln Logs) as my favorite toy. My favorite toy quickly became my favorite pasttime, then hobby. Before long, through the use of my dad's Ebay, I was introduced to the world of secondhand Lego resale - never to be the same thereafter.
Developing a knack for "buying bulk" and "selling the excess", even my father began to realize the innate kinship with and passion I exuded for the dynamic world of Lego collecting at the age of 10.
Fast forwarding to Present, for over the past 15 years I have been enveloped in the larger Lego world; not just as a hobby, but also entertainment, inspiration, escape, and side hustle. Until 1 year ago this month when I made the world of online Lego my primary income source.
My sole Life dream and 5-year plan whenever anyone has asked me what I want to do with my life has been to open my own Lego resale storefront. Sharing my vision and passion for Lego with the public.
Providing a safe, inspirational environment at an accessible and affordable cost for both kids and adults alike to play, create, collect, or even pass on their beloved Lego to another fellow creator. My hope is to inspire moments for others in which - through the play imagination, innovation, and endless world of Lego - they too can feel truly special. Just like 8-year-old Jonathan.
As such, I am thrilled to announce that as of last week, by the opportunity granted me by the Cattaraugus County Living Arts Association (CCLAA), I have my very first physical storefront location at 8 Main Street in Salamanca, NY!
The first month's of occupation will initially be to boost online sales and presence, organize formally into a business, officially land on a title for the company, and finalize securing additional start-up funding to result in opening the store up fully to the public.
Although my motivation and determination has never been stronger to literally be starting my lifelong dream, starting and sustaining a small private business is not easy. Gaining start-up funding to boost the beginning steps is crucial to ensuring any business survives its formative stages.
As such, I cannot do this alone.
Please consider Donating to and Supporting this local small business in whatever ways you can. You don't realize how even the smallest contribution really can change everything.
Please also SHARE this post if this is the sort of content you want more of in our world. I am reminded often that it takes a community of individuals to succeed (many "bricks" if you will).
Thank you for your support!
I look forward to building with you!
