We recently connected with Aj Domingo and have shared our conversation below.
AJ, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
TheLAHobbyist was born out of my love for trading cards and the community that surrounds it. I’ve been a collector and enthusiast for years, fascinated by everything from basketball to One Piece cards. At the time, I noticed there were many people like me who shared this passion but didn’t have a platform or community where they could fully immerse themselves, buy, sell, trade, and connect with others who shared their interests.
I was heavily involved in local card shows, trade nights, and online communities, but I saw an opportunity to create something more personal, more community-driven. The emotions of that time were a mix of excitement and nerves – I knew I had something special, but it was still a leap of faith. TheLAHobbyist came from a genuine love for the hobby, but it was also an answer to a need: a space where people could come together, not just as collectors but as friends, building meaningful connections while chasing after their favorite cards.
What got me most excited was the community aspect. I wanted to build a brand that wasn’t just about the cards themselves but about the stories, the nostalgia, and the friendships that come with the hobby. I knew it could work because the card industry was growing, and people craved those deeper interactions. What set us apart was this human element — we weren’t just offering cards, we were offering a culture, a lifestyle, and a community.
I think what sealed the deal for me was seeing the joy and enthusiasm from others when I talked about TheLAHobbyist. It wasn’t just about solving a problem; it was about creating something that people didn’t know they needed, but quickly fell in love with once they saw it
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is AJ Domingo, and I’m the founder of TheLAHobbyist, a brand that’s all about celebrating the world of trading cards. My journey into this industry started with my deep love for collecting. I’ve always been a huge fan of basketball, and over time I became fascinated by the stories behind the players and the rarity of their cards. This passion expanded to other trading card games, like Pokémon and One Piece, and soon I was attending trade shows, connecting with fellow collectors, and learning the ins and outs of the hobby.
TheLAHobbyist is a blend of everything I love — it’s a business, a community, and a platform for other collectors to buy, sell, trade, and connect. We provide a variety of services, from curating collections of basketball, Pokémon, and One Piece cards to hosting events, trade nights, and collaborations with other passionate collectors. On top of that, we’re also creating content for YouTube and Instagram, sharing our knowledge, our finds, and even moments of joy and nostalgia with our audience.
What sets TheLAHobbyist apart from others is that we’re not just about selling cards — we’re about creating experiences. I want people to walk away from our events or after watching our content feeling like they’re part of something bigger. This hobby isn’t just about the cards; it’s about the stories, the excitement of finding that one card you’ve been hunting for, and the friendships you form along the way.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how we’ve been able to build such a strong community around the brand. We’ve grown organically through relationships, shared experiences, and a genuine love for the hobby. It’s been incredible to see how people resonate with what we’re doing and how the brand has become a part of their collecting journey.
The main thing I want people to know about TheLAHobbyist is that we’re here for the long haul. Whether you’re a hardcore collector or just starting out, we’re committed to bringing you the best experiences, the best content, and the best products in the world of trading cards. Our goal is not just to be a brand you buy from but to be a part of your collecting story — a brand that grows with you and makes the hobby even more enjoyable.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
What helped me build my reputation in the trading card market is, first and foremost, consistency and authenticity. From the very beginning, I’ve been committed to showing up, whether at events, trade nights, or online. I believe that being present in the community — attending shows, collaborating with other collectors, and even sharing my personal journey on YouTube and Instagram — has helped people see that I’m not just here to sell cards; I’m a genuine part of the hobby.
Another key factor has been the relationships I’ve built. The trading card world is much more personal than people might think. It’s about trust and connection. Over time, I’ve forged strong friendships with others in the hobby, and I’ve prioritized helping people not only find the cards they love but also discover the joy of collecting and the stories behind each card. That personal touch has gone a long way in building my reputation.
Hosting events like trade nights and collaborating with other influencers in the card world has also played a huge role. When people see you actively contributing to the community and creating spaces for others to connect, they start to associate your brand with positive experiences. TheLAHobbyist has become known for fostering a sense of community, and that reputation has spread organically.
What also sets me apart is that I don’t just focus on high-end, rare cards. I’ve made it a point to cater to collectors at all levels, from those just getting started to the hardcore enthusiasts. That inclusivity has really helped broaden my reputation and appeal within the market.
Ultimately, it’s been a combination of being genuine, building relationships, providing value through content and events, and always showing up with enthusiasm for the hobby. People can tell when you’re truly passionate about something, and that authenticity has been the foundation for my reputation in the market.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One of the most challenging moments in my journey came about four years ago, during the height of the pandemic. I lost $25,000 in sports cards — a devastating blow, both financially and emotionally. It felt like everything was crashing down around me, and I was already in a difficult place. The pandemic had taken a toll, not just on my business, but on my mental health. I was battling depression while trying to stay strong for my parents, who were ill at the time. The weight of those responsibilities was heavy, and it seemed like there was no way out.
In the midst of all that, I turned to the hobby — the very thing that had caused the loss in the first place. Instead of giving up, I used trading cards as an escape, a way to focus my energy and rebuild my strength. I immersed myself in the community, not just as a distraction, but as a way to regain control of my life and rediscover my passion. The hobby became more than just a business or collection for me — it became my lifeline.
It wasn’t an overnight fix. I had to be patient, working slowly to minimize my debts while dealing with the emotional toll. But over time, I built a resilience I didn’t know I had. I learned the importance of patience, of staying focused on the long game, and of never giving up, even when things seemed hopeless. Now, four years later, I’ve managed to significantly reduce my debts, and I’ve rebuilt my life with a renewed sense of purpose and determination.
That experience taught me that setbacks are part of the journey, and they can either break you or make you stronger. I’m proud to say that I chose to let it make me stronger. I carry that lesson with me every day, and it’s shaped the way I approach both my business and my life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelahobbyist
- Linkedin: TheLAHobbyist
- Twitter: TheLAHobbyist
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheLAHobbyist
Image Credits
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