Women’s History Month Spotlight: Ownership in The Hobby

Meet the Women Changing The Hobby

For decades, The Hobby has been defined by tradition. It lives in weekend trips to the local shop, in shoeboxes filled with cards and memories. But like everything rooted in passion, it evolves.

Today, ownership in The Hobby is being shaped in new ways — not just by those who grew up in it, but by those who stepped into it, built within it, and chose to carry it forward. For Lisa Harding at Best Variety Sports Cards and Coins, Kristin Buckler at Louisville Sports Cards, and Tai Fauci of Bullpen Sports HQ, ownership is a combination of legacy, risk, learning, and commitment.

Hobby Legacy and Entry Points

Harding’s connection to The Hobby was always present, even when ownership wasn’t part of the plan. “My dad started with coin collecting when he was 17 and opened his first store in 1964,” she says. “In the mid ’80s, he branched out to trading cards.” Over time, that shop became part of the community itself, which made the moment Harding and her husband, Bernie, stepped into it all the more overwhelming.

“We walked in and said, ‘Oh my goodness, what are we going to do?’” she recalls. “We didn’t know what we were doing. The man had amassed two stores worth of product — cases that weren’t open, and boxes, and millions of cards.”

Buckler’s entry into The Hobby came from a different direction. “ In 2005, my boyfriend at the time, now my husband, took me to my first card show,” she says. “He was working on the R312 set.” That visit sparked an interest that became much more. “I just thought it was beautiful,” Buckler says. “He started showing me other vintage sets, and before I knew it we were going to shows almost every weekend.”

That initial curiosity continued to grow, leading to a change in the direction of Buckler’s career. “Chris (My husband) was buying, selling online and setting up at shows. The business had begun to grow to the point he said ‘I’m going to have to hire somebody, unless you want to start this journey with me.’ And it’s like, what’s the worst thing that could happen? So I left my job and started my full time dedication to The Hobby.“

Tai Fauci’s story reflects yet another entry point — one rooted in nostalgia and rediscovery. “The Hobby has always been the perfect intersection of my life as a sports fan and a collector,” she says. “I grew up watching games and hitting card shops with my dad. Like many Gen Xers, I took a hiatus from collecting as a teenager, but the itch eventually came back.”

That return led her to Bullpen Sports HQ, where a friendship with owner Mitch Guttenberg eventually turned into a business opportunity.

Choosing Ownership

For Harding, the decision to continue her father’s shop was shaped by the people connected to it. “We couldn’t close this because there’s a legacy here,” she says. “People were coming in and saying, ‘I brought my son and now my grandson.’” There was responsibility, she realized, in the stewardship of what her father had built. “It was never something I ever thought about continuing,” she says. “This was my dad’s thing his whole life.”

What followed was a process of learning in real time. “One of the neatest things is learning about my dad through the stories of the customers,” Harding says. “Not only learning about the trade and The Hobby, but learning about the legacy that he left.”

For Buckler, ownership was the result of a series of deliberate decisions, each one building on the last. “I quit my job and we started traveling almost every weekend to shows,” she says, describing the years spent learning the business. “One day we found out our local card shop was closing. That night he looked over at me and said, ‘I’ve always wanted to own a shop.’ I thought, what are we getting ourselves into? But again, it was, let’s try it.”

Fauci saw a pathway into ownership after getting involved at Bullpen. “I became fast friends with the owner and eventually proposed coming on as a partner,” she says. “I started out as a silent partner, then working part time behind the scenes, but I’ve found my voice over the years, transitioning into The Hobby full time.”

Building the Collecting Experience

Ownership, for both Harding and Buckler, is not defined by inventory alone, but by the experience they create. Harding continues to draw from the philosophy her father built over decades. “He took so much time with customers and teaching them how to collect,” she says. “He had a really good focus on knowing cards.”

That approach remains central to how she runs the shop today, emphasizing connection and education alongside the business itself. It’s not just about selling cards, but about helping people understand them and find their place within The Hobby.

Buckler approaches that same idea through variety and accessibility. “I want to always provide for any type of collector,” she says. “We’re not a shop that just sells wax. We have all kinds of singles, from the turn of the century to ultra modern.” Her perspective reflects the diversity of The Hobby itself, recognizing that collectors come in with different goals, interests, and levels of experience.

“You’ve got your player collectors and people chasing the next big rookie,” she says. “Any collector that comes in here can find something.”

The impact of that approach shows up in small but meaningful moments. “One kid came back to the shop with a box he had made for his collection,” Buckler says. “He had decorated it, and he runs in, ‘Kristin, I got to show you what I made.’ That just warmed my heart.”

For Fauci, the focus is equally intentional. “For me, it’s all about the experience,” she says. “People shouldn’t just visit us for the new releases; they should come because they love being here. Our goal is for the shop to be a sanctuary, a happy place, and the best part of our collectors’ day.”

Changing Perceptions in The Hobby

Both Harding and Buckler have built within a space that’s still evolving in who it represents. “It’s definitely male-dominated,” Harding says, “but dads are bringing their girls. We have teenage girls coming in, wives.” Seeing the diversity within the collecting community has only reaffirmed the importance of the work. “It’s good for my face to be in there so that it’s seen,” Harding says, “so people understand it’s not just a male hobby.”

Buckler has encountered similar assumptions along the way. “People think that I may not know sports, that I may not know cards,” she says. Her response? “Show them through my actions that I know both.” The effect over time is consistent, demonstrating that The Hobby is truly for everyone.

What both owners see now is steady growth — not just in numbers, but in impact. “I see multiple women come in, purchasing boxes, collecting,” Harding says. “The more we see women in the space, it just opens it up even more.” That growth extends beyond individual shops and into the broader Hobby. “When we’ve gone to industry conferences, it’s eye opening to see how many women are there,” she says. “It’s not as many as it could be, but it’s growing.”

Buckler sees that same momentum in how women are being embraced within The Hobby. “I think it’s amazing that we are being recognized as collectors,” she says. Together, those shifts mark real growth in both visibility and opportunity.

Fauci has witnessed that evolution from a broader vantage point. “The shift has been massive,” she says. “When I started in 2016, the common assumption was that I was just Mitch’s plus-one.”

That assumption is fading. “Today, we’re seeing hardworking women gain real visibility across every corner of The Hobby,” she says, “from local shops and major shows to roles in manufacturing, breaking, and content creation.” When it comes to supporting other women in the space, Fauci speaks enthusiastically: “It’s incredibly important. But the visibility these women have gained is a direct result of their own dedication and talent. They aren’t just female breakers, they are experts who have built their own loyal followings.”

Pushing Ownership in The Hobby Forward

“Surround yourself with people who have experience,” Harding says. “Ask the pitfalls, ask what their keys to success are.” She emphasizes the importance of finding a personal entry point — something that makes The Hobby feel accessible. “Find something that you like,” she says. “All of those cards are for everybody.”

Buckler keeps that advice rooted in the fundamentals: “Collect what you like. Don’t base your collection on what everybody says you need to have.” For those considering ownership, she puts the focus on growth and adaptability. “Always try to make the collector experience better,” she says. “Get the feedback of your customers, and always try to be better.”

Fauci frames it all as an invitation: “You are welcome here. Lean into your passion. We’re building a bigger table, and there’s a seat waiting for you.”

Different paths brought these three women into The Hobby, but together, they are shaping what ownership looks like today — a space built on connection, shaped by experience, and open to anyone willing to make it their own.

Topps Women’s History Month FAQs

• What does card shop ownership involve today?
  • Modern card shop ownership goes beyond selling products. It includes building community, educating collectors, managing inventory across eras, and creating a welcoming in-store experience for both new and seasoned hobbyists.
• How do people get into owning a card shop?
  • Some inherit established businesses, while others enter through collecting, attending shows, and learning the market. Many start by gaining experience before opening or acquiring a shop.
• What makes a successful Hobby shop today?
  • Successful shops focus on customer experience, diverse inventory, and education. Owners who connect with collectors and adapt to trends tend to build stronger long-term communities.
• Is The Hobby becoming more inclusive?
  • Yes. More women and younger collectors are entering the space. Increased visibility and representation are helping broaden participation across different demographics.
• What should new collectors look for in a card shop?
  • Look for shops that offer variety, knowledgeable staff, and a welcoming environment. Shops that educate and engage collectors often provide the best experience.

Key Facts

• Series: Topps Women’s History Month Spotlight
• Subject: Card shop owners Lisa Harding, Kristin Buckler, and Tai Fauci
• Topic: Ownership and growth within The Hobby
• Focus: Education and accessibility
• Card Shops: Best Variety Sports Cards and Coins, Buckler Cards, Bullpen Sports HQ

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