Andres Fernandez dropped out of college to pursue his passion for Pokemon cards, building a multimillion-dollar empire known as MintlyCollects.
- Andres Fernandez left college after just one semester to pursue Pokemon card trading.
- His business, MintlyCollects, generated $7.8 million in sales in 2025.
- He transitioned from a $10/hour job to managing a team of 10 streamers.
- The business is projected to hit $10-11 million in sales for 2026.
In an era where formal education is often viewed as the only path to stability, Andres Fernandez has rewritten the script. After completing only one semester of business school, Fernandez decided to walk away from the traditional academic route to follow a much more unconventional calling: the world of Pokemon trading cards. What began as a hobby has exploded into a massive commercial enterprise.
The spark for this empire came from a simple $5 pack of cards. Upon discovering a $100 card within that pack, Fernandez realized the immense value hidden within these collectibles. While working a low-wage job at a croqueta bar earning $10 an hour, he began leveraging social media to build a community around his passion, eventually growing an Instagram following to 30,000 users.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that Fernandez's trajectory highlights the explosive growth of the 'creator economy' and live-stream shopping. By being an early adopter on platforms like Whatnot, he successfully bridged the gap between niche collecting and scalable e-commerce.
Success in the modern economy requires more than just passion; it requires the ability to identify emerging digital marketplaces and scale aggressively.
The journey was not without significant financial peril. In the early stages, Fernandez was a one-man show, handling everything from live streaming six days a week to packing and shipping orders. Remarkably, he did not take a salary for the first two and a half years of his venture. To scale, he eventually made a massive $150,000 investment in sealed products, funded through loans from friends and family.
The financial results of this calculated risk are staggering. In 2024, his business, MintlyCollects, saw sales of $3.7 million. By 2025, that figure more than doubled to $7.8 million. As of 2026, the company is on track to reach a milestone of $10 to $11 million in annual revenue.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How did Andres Fernandez scale his business?
He transitioned from solo operations to employing a team of 10 professional streamers to maintain near-constant live-selling activity.
2. What is his advice to young students?
Fernandez emphasizes the importance of gaining real-world experience through internships rather than just relying on a degree.
| Fiscal Year | Sales Revenue (USD) |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $3.7 Million |
| 2025 | $7.8 Million |
| 2026 (Projected) | $10 - $11 Million |
