We’re Finally Open — And I Still Can’t Believe It

If you had told me a year ago that I’d be unlocking the door to my own shop, I’m not sure I would have believed you. And yet, here we are — Mystic Grove is officially open, and my heart is completely full.

Leaving a stable job to chase a dream is one of the scariest things I’ve ever done. Stability is comforting. It’s predictable. Choosing this path meant stepping into uncertainty, long to-do lists, and more than a few moments of “what am I doing?” But it also meant choosing something that felt deeply right — building a space centered around community, creativity, and the joy of shared hobbies.

The holidays slowed everything down more than I expected. Between schedules, approvals, and life just being life, progress felt frustratingly slow at times. But they also gave me something really special — time with loved ones, space to reflect, and reminders of why I wanted to build Mystic Grove in the first place. That pause, as hard as it was, helped me come back into this final stretch with fresh energy and gratitude.

There were moments when the shop felt like it would never quite be finished. Paint touch-ups, late nights moving furniture, rethinking layouts, waiting on deliveries — all of it added up. But every step brought us closer to opening the doors, turning the lights on, and finally welcoming people inside.

And now, the part I’ve been dreaming about the most is here.

I’m so excited to meet the new faces that walk through our doors — the players, readers, collectors, and curious passersby. Whether you’re here for a tournament, to browse manga, or just to hang out and see what we’re about, I can’t wait to share this space with you.

Thank you to everyone who supported this dream, believed in it, and cheered me on along the way. Mystic Grove exists because of that support — and I’m so grateful to finally open it up to you.

Come say hi. Pull up a chair. I can’t wait to meet you.