This month, we’re proud to feature a collector who embodies so much of what Collectors MD stands for—Jonathan (@theclemsonkidcards). Jonathan's feed is a refreshing reminder that collecting doesn’t have to revolve around hype, high-end hits, or dollar signs. His posts aren’t just about what’s valuable—they’re about what’s meaningful.

In a recent post, Jonathan shared an unlicensed Paul Skenes second-year card from Donruss Baseball, writing:

“These aren’t worth even $10, but I really, really like the short print foil version of the ‘Unleashed’… If the hobby wants to continue to exist, these financially accessible products need to be available for kids, and those who don’t have the money to spend $500+ a box.”

That alone says everything. His passion is genuine, and his voice is thoughtful—raising awareness around the importance of accessible collecting for younger hobbyists and those without unlimited budgets.

That perspective runs through everything Jonathan shares. Whether it’s advocating for affordable entry points, appreciating design and storytelling over brand licensing, or adding a personal twist to his PC, his voice brings balance to a space often overrun by profit-driven hype.

Take Jonathan's approach to aesthetics—like the Bobby Witt Jr. blue refractor /75 from Topps Chrome Black Baseball—noting that he’s considering SGC’s black tuxedo slab for display purposes even if it means giving up a little PSA value. Why? Because it simply looks better. That’s collecting with intention.

Even his display setup reflects this approach. Tired of hiding his collection in a drawer, he installed inexpensive, simple floating shelves to display his favorite cards. It’s a small gesture—but one that reclaims joy, visibility, and presence in the hobby.

In another post, Jonathan shared a creative patch swap on a Steven Kwan on-card auto—demonstrating how to elevate a card for the PC, without obsessing over resale value. It’s a personal touch for a PC card—but it’s also an example of how collectors can re-engage with their cards in creative, non-commercial ways. That kind of creativity and thoughtfulness is rare.

Jonathan isn’t chasing clout or status. He’s curating a collection with clarity, personality, and perspective. His feed reminds us that collecting doesn’t need to be expensive to be meaningful. It can be joyful, approachable, and deeply personal without breaking the bank or burning yourself out mentally and emotionally.

Below are a few of his recent posts. Check out his page and give him a follow!

Thank you for what you’re adding to this space, Jonathan. This is the heart of collecting with intention.

#CollectorsMD
Collect With Intention. Not Compulsion.
https://collectorsmd.com/collector-spotlight/

Now that our LLC is officially finalized, I wanted to take a moment to reshare something I posted on LinkedIn earlier today. Thank you for the continued support—we’re incredibly grateful for the community we’ve found here on Mantel and we're excited to continue growing together. This is just the beginning for Collectors MD. -Alyx, Founder of Collectors MD

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This past March, I launched Collectors MD—a purpose-driven media company and community platform built to support and empower the modern collector.

Rooted at the intersection of content, connection, and accountability, Collectors MD is more than a brand—it’s a movement. We’re reimagining what it means to collect in today’s high-pressure, fast-paced digital landscape, with a focus on intention, education, and mental wellness.

Through original editorial content, social storytelling, our podcast series, and peer support programming, we’re helping collectors navigate the highs and lows of their respective hobbies in a more grounded, informed, and sustainable way.

Within just three months, we’ve already accomplished so much—forming strategic partnerships with organizations like Birches Health and Gamban to bring real tools, safeguards, and support into the collectibles space. Together, we're helping bridge the gap between digital wellness, mental health, and hobby culture.

We’re actively collaborating with brands and advertisers who want to support a healthier, more transparent future for the collectibles space.

If you're interested in working together, feel free to reach out: info@collectorsmd.com

Explore More: collectorsmd.com
Follow Us: hopp.bio/collectorsmd

hashtag#CollectorsMD | hashtag#CollectResponsibly | hashtag#MentalHealth | hashtag#HobbyReform | hashtag#Community | hashtag#CommunityBuilding | hashtag#CommunityFirst | hashtag#ContentWithPurpose | hashtag#CollectWithIntention | hashtag#Media | hashtag#Startup | hashtag#Startups

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7347957058001928195/

No Buy-Ins. No Trade-Backs. No Gimmicks. Just Gratitude.

To celebrate reaching 1K followers on IG, we’re giving away TWO Fanatics Emanate Autographed 8x10’s—featuring football legends Archie Manning and Mike Singletary—as a heartfelt thank-you for supporting Collectors MD.

This isn’t about luck.
This isn’t about hype.

It’s about healing—and proving that collecting can be fulfilling, not compulsive. A reminder that it’s OKAY to collect with boundaries.

To Participate:
1. Follow @collectorsmd
2. Like this post and tag two friends
3. Comment below and share what it means to collect with intention

We’ll select TWO supporters who genuinely engage and connect with our mission—announced Wednesday, 7/9 before our Weekly Peer Support Meeting.

Collect With Intention. Heal With Support. 🤍

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLnZNcNAGdV/

#Collectors MD | #RipResponsibly

Published June 30, 2025 | By Alyx E, Founder of Collectors MD

In Episode 3 of The Collector’s Compass, we sat down with Mya—aka @bullseye_breaks—to talk about collecting with intention and the power of meaning over manipulation. Mya embodies so many of the values we stand for at Collectors MD: intention over impulse, connection over chaos, meaning over manipulation. Her collection doesn’t just reflect what’s trendy—it reflects what matters to her.

When we brought up the Collectors MD mission, the message around meaning over manipulation clicked instantly for Mya. For Mya, it’s not about profit or prestige, it’s about collecting things that genuinely meant something to her—cards that feel personal, emotional, rooted in memory, not marketing and hype.

But here’s where it gets nuanced. Because “meaning” can be manipulated too.

After sharing the clip from the episode, we received some thoughtful feedback from a supporter and friend, Dave—aka @Iowa_Dave_SportsCards—who said: “Sometimes it feels like the promise of ‘meaning’ is in itself manipulative.” And honestly? He’s right. Even “meaning” can become an internal sales pitch if we’re not careful—a way to justify overspending or chasing under the guise of something deeper. That’s the dark side of the message we’re trying to promote: when emotional resonance is exploited, not honored.

You see it everywhere if you start looking closely. A card described as “iconic” or “historic” or a “must-have grail” to inflate urgency. An emotional memory used to push someone into closing a deal they can’t afford. Even phrases like “for the PC” or “nostalgic hit” can become shields we hide behind when we don’t want to face the compulsive nature of a decision.

When meaning becomes a weapon—or a marketing hook—it loses its value.
It stops being authentic and starts becoming a tool for manipulation.

When we justify every purchase by calling it “meaningful,” we risk hiding the same compulsions behind better language. That’s why we’re not here to define what should be meaningful to you. We’re here to help you slow down and ask why—
Why this purchase? Why now? Do I truly need this—or do I just want it? Can I afford this? Or am I trying to fill a void? Am I buying with clarity—or being sold an illusion?

That’s the kind of intention we’re after. Not forced meaning. Not guilt-wrapped sentiment. Just real, mindful reflection.

Because the line between collecting with joy and collecting out of emotional dependency is razor thin. There’s a huge difference between saying, “I’ve been waiting to complete this set for months, and now it’s finally here,” and, “I need this card right now or I’ll spiral.”

The minute a card or any item for that matter stops being a want and becomes a need—especially one you feel driven to chase without clarity or context—that’s when the slope gets slippery.

So let’s keep asking the hard questions. Let’s keep checking in. Let’s keep reminding ourselves that if the “meaning” behind an item is just another way to justify overspending, then the item isn’t the issue—the story we’re telling ourselves is.

Collecting with meaning doesn’t mean every card has to change your life. But you should know why you’re buying it—and that “why” should come from you, not a breaker, not a hype reel, not the live chat, and definitely not your fear of missing out.

So take a beat. Take a breath. And ask yourself what this all really means—to you.

Collect with real intention. Not just for the story—but for yourself.

#CollectorsMD
Meaning is powerful—but only when it’s honest.

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