By: Heather Wrixon
MVP Collects is the result of resilience, long-term hustle, and an entrepreneurial spirit shaped well before the business ever had a name or a storefront.
The founder’s professional path initially followed a more traditional route, beginning with an internship at a law firm. That opportunity came to an abrupt end during the COVID-19 pandemic due to layoffs. Rather than viewing the situation as a failure, it became a catalyst. With savings accumulated from the internship and years of hands-on reselling experience, the groundwork was laid for an independent venture.
Photo Courtesy: MVP Collects
Before MVP Collects established its presence in Little Tokyo, the business operated through pop-up events. Under canopies and folding tables, Funko Pops were resold directly to collectors and enthusiasts. When the pandemic halted in-person events, operations paused but only temporarily. As restrictions eased and consumers returned to public spaces, demand surged. People were eager to reconnect with hobbies, collectibles, and discretionary spending.
That moment proved pivotal. Strong sales during the post-lockdown reopening period allowed inventory to grow rapidly and profits to be reinvested. Combined with disciplined savings from earlier employment, those earnings made it possible to transition from pop-up operations to a retail location. Located in Little Tokyo at 316 E 2nd St #1A, Los Angeles, CA 90012 MVP Collects was officially established.
The business, however, was not built on impulse; it was built on years of experience.
Entrepreneurship began early. In high school, reselling meant selling snacks like Hot Cheetos and Kool-Aid gummy worms to classmates. That evolved into flipping sneakers, including Nike SBs, Vans, and Chuck Taylors, during a time when resale culture was still developing. Other ventures included breeding aquarium fish and selling them to local fish stores and hobbyists, as well as sourcing vintage clothing from retailers such as Marshalls and Ross to resell at a profit.
Each experience reinforced the same fundamentals: understanding demand, managing risk, and consistently reinvesting earnings.
Photo Courtesy: MVP Collects
Pursuing entrepreneurship was not without resistance. Raised in a strict Asian household, academic achievement and traditional career paths were heavily emphasized. While education was always respected, business ownership was viewed as uncertain and risky. Being the only business-minded individual in the immediate family brought criticism and frequent comparisons to peers who followed more conventional definitions of success.
Rather than discouraging progress, that pressure became motivation.
The journey was never without its setbacks. In the early days, navigating the financial challenges of starting a business meant working around tight budgets and limited resources. There were moments when MVP Collects wasn’t sure if it would survive beyond the first year. Yet, these hurdles served as important lessons. Each obstacle faced taught the team to be more strategic, creative, and adaptable. In fact, overcoming those early struggles solidified the brand’s identity and instilled a strong belief in the power of persistence. In a way, every challenge was just another test of the company’s resilience and commitment to its vision, ultimately strengthening its foundation for long-term success.
Today, MVP Collects continues to grow both in-store and online, engaging directly with its community through social media. The brand regularly showcases new inventory, behind-the-scenes content, and day-to-day operations on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mvpcollects.liltokyo and on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@mvpcollects. These platforms have become an extension of the storefront, allowing the business to connect with collectors well beyond Little Tokyo.
MVP Collects stands as proof that alternative paths can be viable when paired with discipline, persistence, and strategic decision-making. While the journey toward long-term success is ongoing, the foundation has been firmly established through years of trial, adaptation, and belief in the process.
