In our Collector Feature series, we highlight collectors of all kinds and share the stories, passion and advice that have shaped their collections.
For more from Kimmy and her collection, follow @Pinkypogo on Rare Candy!
Fast Facts
Name: Kimmy Spicer, but you may know her as Pinky Pogo
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Collects: Japanese Pokémon cards (especially cards that are pink, cute or shiny), Pokémon playing cards, Pokémon plushies
Crown Jewels: Shining Fates Rainbow Alcremie Vmax, Neo Destiny Light Jolteon [BGS 8], Evolutions Surfing Pikachu [PSA 10], Evolutions Flying Pikachu [PSA 10], Pokécenter Original Blacephalon plushie
If you've been active in the Pokémon TCG community online, you've likely come across the vibrant and enthusiastic presence of Kimmy Spicer, better known by her colorful persona Pinky Pogo. This passionate collector has made a name for herself through her unique aesthetic, deep engagement with fellow fans and unwavering love for the hobby.
The Journey Begins
Kimmy's journey with Pokémon cards began during a particularly challenging time in her life, as a major personal health crisis came at the same time as the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns. Confined to her home and in need of a new hobby, Kimmy stumbled upon the Pokémon TCG through YouTube. "I started watching Leonhart's videos, and he was the only adult I knew who was collecting Pokémon cards," she explains.
With limited access to physical card shops, Kimmy turned to online ordering, quickly immersing herself in the hobby. Her first order was a Japanese Tag Team GX All Stars booster box, but as she admits, “I didn't know anything about sets, I didn't know about anything!”
Prior to 2020, Kimmy’s exposure to Pokémon was largely limited to her years playing Pokémon Go (hence the ’Pogo’, in Pinky Pogo), but she never grew up with the anime or core video games. “I’d heard about it, I knew what Pikachu was,” she explains, “but none of my friends collected it. I had a million hobbies growing up: I sang and I danced and I did Broadway camp. I was very distracted from anything that my friends weren’t shoving in my face.”
Seeking connection during lockdown, she made an Instagram account where she could post her cards and realized ‘Oh, there are other people doing this, too!’” — and that's where the obsession began.
You’ve Got Pinky Mail
Kimmy's passion for Pokémon soon extended beyond just collecting cards - it became a way for her to build community and bring joy to others. She founded a group called the "Poke Queens," a supportive network of fellow female collectors, and organized regular Secret Santa and Valentine's Day exchanges.
"I just want to make people happy," Kimmy says with infectious enthusiasm. "I do these Pinky Mail projects where I put together hundreds of these little packages with cards, little toys and other fun surprises. It's all about spreading that joy and positivity." Kimmy's community-focused approach has earned her a loyal following, with many fans eagerly anticipating her Pinky Mail deliveries. "Everybody loves getting real mail," she explains. "I'll put in lollipops, water beads, friendship bracelets - just fun, random stuff that makes you smile."
Kimmy, who also does voice acting work, occasionally also makes audios — the audio tracks used in Instagram Reels and TikTok videos. And if you spend time on the Pokémon parts of social media, you may have even heard her most famous audio, “If I was a Pokémon,” which encourages people to share their favorite Pokémon with its sing-song lyric.
And as for her signature pink hair, Kimmy says it often feels more like the color chose her. It began with a challenge to help a friend’s account grow — but after she dyed her hair for the first time, she was shocked by how much she liked it. ”I was obsessed,” she explains, and the decision to keep it afterwards came naturally. Now, she runs Pink Pokemon Wednesday every week on her account, where she invites followers to share pink Pokémon cards and plushies. And each week she chooses a random new winner for a prize from the Pokémon Center!
Alcremie, I Choose You!
When it comes to Kimmy's favorite Pokémon, she gravitates towards the unique and the adorable. "I love anything shiny, sparkly, and cute," she explains. “I am very tempted by sparkles. My life is glitter. I even have glitter in my hair!” As part of her aesthetic attractions, Kimmy is also drawn to the joyful colors of sweets and candies — even though in her day-to-day life she’s not much of a fan of sugary foods to eat.
All of those interests came together for Kimmy in the cream Pokémon, Alcremie. “When I first saw her, her form was pink — and I love pink,” Kimmy explains. “She's so cute and she’s happy! I love the happy Pokémon, the ones that make you smile when you see them.”
In addition to Alcremie, Kimmy also has a deep love for one of the most unique Pokémon ever created, the fireworks ultrabeast Blacephalon. “Blacephalon is another one of my favorites. She looks like a cake pop from the circus,” Kimmy shares. “She looks weird and crazy and fun. And I like that because I’m weird and crazy and fun.” Kimmy even managed to snag a rare plushie of the colorful Pokémon after years of searching. “She doesn't even have a face, but I love her,” Kimmy says.
Inside Kimmy's Collection
Kimmy's Pokémon collection is a reflection of her vibrant personality and aesthetic. "Everything is pink, glittery, and sparkly," she says with a laugh. “I love the Japanese cards because they're just so much prettier and shinier than the English ones.”
She remembers how she built out her earliest binders, keeping Pokémon together in what she imagined as families. “I would put all my Pikachus together in my binders, and then you flip a few pages of Pikachu and you get to Raichu because that’s like his older brother,” she explains. “I’d never watched the shows, so I didn’t know the story. I just really liked the cards, and some of them were really familiar from Pokémon Go.”
And speaking of Pikachus, Kimmy's collection includes the Evolutions Surfing Pikachu and Flying Pikachu — both in PSA 10!
Her favorite Alcremie also ranks among her top cards with a Shining Fates Rainbow Alcremie Vmax — as well as what Kimmy considers one of the cutest cards to date: the Neo Destiny Light Jolteon featuring a tender moment between the lightning Pokémon and a napping Togepi.
In addition to the classic Pokémon TCG, Kimmy also discovered sets of Japanese Pokémon playing cards that she quickly fell in love with. “They're a deck of playing cards, like you could play Rummy with them,” she explains. “They're Japanese, and Nintendo made them in the late ‘90s. They're some of my favorite cards to collect!”
Advice for Collectors
For those new to the Pokémon collecting hobby, Kimmy has some sage advice: "Don't be afraid to ask questions,” she emphasizes. “I see something new every day and I need to ask people questions about things. We're all learning, so don't worry about not knowing everything.”
She emphasizes the importance of finding community and not being afraid to reach out. "There are so many jerks out there, but the Pokémon community is generally so welcoming. Just go to the card store and talk to people - you'll feel right at home."
