Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Santiago
Hi Tony, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My business is selling collectibles, with a focus on sports trading cards. I was a collector when I was young and moved away from the hobby years ago. During the pandemic there was a boom in popularity in the card world, and I started to get back into collecting. The hobby quickly turned into a side hustle, which has evolved into a side business. It has always been my dream to own a collectibles store. I currently only sell online or at local markets, but I still have the dream to open a brick and mortar store in the near future.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest struggle has been keeping up with industry trends in real time. Prices change almost daily. Overhead costs fluctuate. What as popular yesterday, might not be popular today. Each week and month looks different than the one before. Sometimes it’s good and sometimes it’s not. That is something that I wasn’t prepared for and am still learning.
We’ve been impressed with Bad Kid Breaks, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Bad Kid Breaks is a buyer and seller of collectibles specializing in sports cards, with plans to expand into trading card games as well as other collectibles and memorabilia. The business is primarily online, but occasionally I sell at local collectibles shows or markets.
The trading card hobby has been steadily growing since the early days of the pandemic. I love the world of collecting, but I don’t often see a lot of diversity in the hobby for one reason or another. I think collecting cards is for everyone and I want to be a part of bringing it into the mainstream over the next decade..
My mission is to help the hobby grow by offering an inviting, educational, inclusive space for new collectors. I want to add to the existing community of collectors by bringing in underrepresented demographics, as well as setting a positive example for the younger generation of collectors.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I was working a full time job for the past few years and recently transitioned to part time so I could dedicate more time to my business. Giving up a large part of a guaranteed salary, as well as benefits, to go after my dream was scary at first. It’s probably the biggest risk I’ve ever taken, but I don’t think I could grow my business otherwise.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @badkid_breaks
- Twitter: @badkid_breaks
