Behind the Desk: Meet the People Behind Cardera

Every store has a story.

But behind every counter, every binder, every sealed product, every tournament and every restock, there are people who make the place what it is.

Cardera has grown into something much bigger than the idea that started it. And while the cards may be what bring people through the door, it's the people who keep them coming back.

For this edition of Behind the Desk, we're doing something a little different. Instead of talking about the products, process or pitfalls - we're talking about the people. First, I wanted to dive deeper on my journey and answer a few questions about Cardera. From where the idea came from to what it has taken to build it, and what Cardera may become.

Then, I asked the rest of the team — Jason, Branden, Alyena, Vicente, Jess and Julian —about their roles, their love of the hobby, and what it's like being part of Cardera.

Enjoy!

 Ken — Owner / Founder

 

1. How did Cardera start, and what made you want to open the store?

• • Taking a package from my previous career and in the process of selling my condo, I was open to change and contemplating new cities and careers to explore. I had always wanted my own thing one day, but as someone who was mostly a salaried employee throughout his career, I found it very tough to put the pieces together. With new opportunities to explore, I was at a point in my life where I felt like I was able to finally bet on myself.
  • Cardera started as an idea. A simple suggestion from a friend as I was transitioning in life and trying to find a new path. What it ended up becoming was a way to improve upon the negative experiences I had had in my past going to Card Shops. Being made to feel like a burden or feeling embarrassed for not knowing the ins and outs of a certain game, those memories stuck with me, and I knew I could deliver a much better customer experience.

2. What did you originally envision Cardera becoming, and how has that changed?

• • Originally, Cardera was going to be a simple retail only store that focused on the customer experience while providing an organized but not overwhelming shopping experience. Small footprint, low risk.
  • What’s changed is that within our first year, we have expanded to include a PLAY space that has community focused events, while continuing to grow and explore retail opportunities that make sense. We’ve expanded our offering to include additional Bandai products and want to further explore Lorcana and Riftbound as well. As long as the community continues to rock with us, we’ll continue to grow.
  • I also didn’t think that my past experiences in card stores (both negative and positive) would shape the direction of our brand so much. We try to make sure each and every kid has a great experience, and it’s become one of my favourite moments when I see their eyes light up when they pick a card or receive one of their favourite Pokémon.

3. What has been the biggest challenge of building Cardera?

• • The uncertainty. Having never owned or ran a business before, I didn’t realize how many “what if” scenarios would constantly play in my mind. Self doubt would be another, especially when things aren’t going to plan. It helps having a team and a short memory. As long as we are learning from our failures and not making the same mistakes twice, it makes rebounding a little bit easier.

4. What has been the most rewarding part?

• • Overcoming negative self talk when things aren’t going perfect. Finding a solution to problems that come up, especially when they are mutually beneficial to all parties involved. Seeing the customer responses to what we do, being called someone’s “only card shop” or “favourite shop” in a world FULL of choice, feels pretty good.
  • On the personal side of things. It’s the happiness I feel coming into the shop. Having dope conversations with rad customers all day is not something that I expected to quickly become the majority of my day.

5. What makes Cardera different from a traditional card shop?

• • We genuinely want you to have an awesome experience from the moment you walk in, to the moment you leave. We’ve done our job if you leave with a smile on your face or a positive interaction, regardless of if you bought anything.
  • Card shops in the past have often been stuffy and unwelcoming, making you feel like a burden when asking for help – we wanted to flip that around and create an engaging environment that priories YOUR experience, making the buying experience enjoyable and mostly painless (until we get our credit card statements LOL)

6. What are you most proud of when you look at Cardera today?

• • The vibes. To me, that’s a testament in part to the culture we’ve established as a brand but goes way beyond that to the team who bring it day after day. Reading a personal shoutout or anecdote about the staff in a google review also brings me immense pride knowing that we were able to make someone’s day just a little bit better.

7. Where do you want to take Cardera next?

• • Expand Cardera’s offering beyond Pokémon and One Piece. I’m really excited about the upcoming Naruto TCG in 2027, along with more community focused events for Gundam, DBZ and exploring games like Lorcana, Riftbound and Magic the Gathering. Did someone say bigger store??

  

Meet the Team

**Missing Julian

 Cardera wouldn't be Cardera without the people behind the counter.

Jason, Branden, Alyena, Vicente, Jess & Julian all have different roles, personalities and experiences with the hobby, but together they're part of the team that keeps everything moving.

So we sat everyone down for a little Cardera Q&A.

I asked the team a bunch of questions and blended their answers together. You can try to decipher who said what or at least their favourite Pokémon.

• How did you end up at Cardera?
  • Most found the shop through our posting via Social Media.

• What's your role, and what does a typical day look like for you
  • Social Media / Inventory, Sales, Community & Events Coordinator, and Play Judge. While the tasks and duties vary, it all comes back to creating a welcoming environment that prioritizes the customer experience. 

• What's your favourite part about working at Cardera?
  • The people that walk through the door – could be the collections they bring with them or the conversations they have, but everyone’s answer always came back to the people. Seeing the joy people get ripping top chases or hits at the lucky table was another.

• What's something customers probably don't see happening behind the scenes
  • The work that goes in to making Mystery Bundles and certain individuals 1v1ing technology behind the scenes LOL!

• What's your favourite Pokémon or card?
  • Anything Fidough, Togepi, Cleffa and Igglybuff GX Tag Team, Charizard Secret Rare from Plasma Storm, Black Zekrom, Anything Darkrai, Delta Species Wooper from Dragon Frontiers.

• What's your favourite Cardera memory so far?
  • The most common answer was the inside jokes we have with each other and poking fun of all the silly moments that happen at work from brain rot vocal stims to tear inducing laugh fits. We got some doozies. Team dinners have been a personal favourite of mine.

• Who on the team is most likely to spend their paycheque on cards?
  • Absolutely, unequivocally ALEYNA. Jessie was a very close 2nd place in a two-person race LOL!

• What do you think makes the Cardera community special?
  • The consensus is that our community is made up of some of the nicest people out there which makes having genuine connections with them even easier. There’s a reason why y’all called the Cardera CREW!

• If you could add or change one thing about Cardera, what would it be?
  • Came as a surprise to me, but most of the staff want a bigger store. Which means more work for them HAHA buckle up for 2027 everyone!!

• Describe Cardera in one sentence.
  • The one that spoke to me the most was: "More than just a hobby shop."

I hope Cardera feels like more than just a simple card store to anyone reading this and you continue to let us make good on our mission statement. 

We put players and collectors first—creating an inviting, transparent, and community-driven experience where we like seeing our CUSTOMERS celebrate the wins. Our mission is to make every visit exciting, every purchase confident, and every collector feel valued. 

Thanks for reading!

-Ken