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 Pikachu love from Estephany's collection, follow @stephychu025 on Instagram and TikTok.
Fast Facts
Name: Estephany (but you might know her as Stephychu online)
Age: 33
Location: Miami, FL (USA)
Collects: Pokémon TCG, Pokémon Hasbro Battle Figures, Pikachu, Charizard, gold & pink cards, whatever she really loves
Crown Jewels: Pokémon Illustrator [PSA 8], Pikachu Trophy #2 [PSA 10], Japanese Promo Snap Pikachu [PSA 10], a complete collection of Pokémon Hasbro Battle Figures, SK Jewelry Pikachu 999 pure gold figure
Currently Seeking: XY Promo Mario & Luigi Pikachu, Sun and Moon Pretend Team Skull Pikachu, Munch Retrospective "The Scream" Pikachu
A Collection Begins
Miami-based collector Estephany found her way to Pokémon as a child growing up in Honduras, watching the anime in Spanish and playing Pokémon Pearl. But her older brother kindled the first sparks of collecting through the Hasbro Pokémon figures he would buy her from time to time.
"I remember we would go to Toys R Us and he would buy me toys. There was Pikachu and Ash — and Brock and Zubat," she recalls. "He got them for me because I would watch the anime, and sometimes we would draw the characters together."
A decade or so later, those Hasbro figures came back. "I stumbled upon my toys when I was in my early 20s," Estephany explains. "At that point, I had money and I had a job, and I felt that I wanted to complete the whole set of those figures. That's what got me into collecting."
Now, having collected the entire original set, they take on an especially poignant meaning. "As a kid, my family didn't come from money. It was just for whatever we really needed. I felt like I had a lot, but I never got to have a PlayStation or an Xbox or things like that. But my brother would get me the things that he could, even though he knew it wasn't everything that I wanted," Estephany reflects. "Once I was able to finish the set, it made me happy knowing that I was able to finally afford it — and that things change and can work out for all of us."
A Pikachu Love Story
While her brother may have paved the way with the Hasbro toys, her love for the cards started with a different person she loves: her wife, Geysell. Geysell was more into the cards that Estephany at first, but she was quick to share her passion. "She bought me a Sylveon Collection EEVEElutions booster box — and I didn't even know the names of the Pokémon!" she shares.
Estephany began seeking out cards for Geysell on LiveJournal, where she found a community of collectors. "She likes Charmander, so it was a lot of Charmander and Charizard cards — and then some Pikachu for me."
In 2016, Geysell proposed with a mysterious Pokéball in her hand. What was inside? A Pikachu engagement ring!
As you may have guessed, across Estephany's collection, one Pokémon appears more than any other: Pikachu. "It's not just that it's the mascot; it's just the one that I like" she explains, adding, "I usually choose electric type when I play."
But which are her favorite cards of all the ones that feature Pikachu? "I think my favorite always be the Pikachu full-art No.1 Trainer because I like pink — any cards that have pink."
"I also like the poncho Pikachu cards," she shares. "My wife and I both love it to the point where she got it tattooed. I would've gotten it too but I don’t like the pain, so I got something smaller instead: an electric type Pikachu tail!"
And her Pikachu love doesn't stop at the cards. Another favorite item in Estephany's collection is her SK Jewelry 999 pure gold Pikachu figure that was only on display in Singapore showrooms for the year of the rat. "Not many people know about it and not many people would even consider collecting it," she admits. "I probably overpaid for it taking those things in consideration but I fell in love with the statue as soon as I saw it. I always wanted a big figure!"
Advice for Collectors
Along the way, Estephany's learned some lessons that she's happy to share with folks getting started with collections of their own. "I had a Beckett 7.5 Illustrator card," she shares, "and at the time the grade and the company wasn't recognized as much. I let personal opinions get to me, and I regret having sold it. Now I just focus on what I want and what I like no matter what the grade is instead of letting opinions affect my choices."
Her final words of wisdom: "When you start collecting, you don't have to collect it all. You can just focus on what you like the best. Follow your own path."
