Cardz Mate

When I first moved to Australia, I wasn’t quite sure where I fit in. I remember asking a friend what people here do for fun, how you meet others, and how you stop feeling so “new.” She smiled and said, “Try Pokémon cards.” At the time, it didn’t feel like anything serious. I would buy a pack here and there and enjoy the nostalgia, the surprise, and that small rush when you pull something cool. Without realising it, the hobby slowly became part of my routine and then part of my life.

I started from the very beginning with no experience in the trading card world, no understanding of events, and no idea how big the community truly was. I spent time at local markets, watching, listening, asking questions, and learning from the people around me. Over time, one seller became more than just someone I bought from. He became a mate who shared real advice and real experience. That encouragement led me to start doing weekly markets myself, mostly just for fun. That is when something special happened. People did not just come by to buy. They came back to talk. Collectors shared their chase cards, their pulls, and their stories, and it became clear that this hobby was about far more than cards.

Stepping into bigger events was not easy. I missed out on getting a table twice before finally getting my chance. When I did, seeing collectors light up while talking about the cards they loved made one thing clear. This was not just a hobby anymore. It was a community. And through it all, I was not doing it alone. My wife has been my biggest support from day one. She believed in me when I was not sure, grounded me when I overthought, and eventually became part of the hobby herself. What began as me collecting sealed product turned into something we now share by collecting, opening packs, and enjoying the hobby together.

As more people began asking when I would open a store, I was not sure if it was possible, but my wife was. Together, we built Cardz Mate. Not just as a business, but as a thank you to everyone who supported us, trusted us, and welcomed us into this community. Our goal is simple. To do things the right way and create a warm, welcoming space for collectors of all kinds, whether you are chasing grails, buying your first pack, or simply enjoying the hobby.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of our journey. This is only the beginning, and we will always be grateful to the community that brought us here.