This month, we’re proud to feature Ambre L (@mznapalm_most.hated) in our Collector Spotlight. Many in the community know her as the partner of Travis L (@montananorseman), but Ambre’s own collecting story—and her honesty about it—have deeply resonated within the Collectors MD community. Her Daily Reflection, “A Shift in Perspective”, delivered a powerful line: “Not everything that sparkles is truly valuable”.

Ambre learned that lesson firsthand after losing money and even compromising her health chasing expensive statues and anime figures. When the thrill became a burden, she stepped back and redefined what collecting meant to her.

Today, her collection reflects that evolution. Her “Murder Shelf” spotlights controversial athletes and “bad boys” across sports—not to glorify them, but to explore consequence, redemption, and human complexity. Her “Personal Shelf” holds sentimental pieces like “Imperfect Perfection”, a custom art card of her family gifted by Travis, alongside joyful favorites like Jaylen Waddle cards, an autographed Bulbasaur Funko Pop, a Kobe Bryant refractor, rookie autographs of Steve McNair and Nikita Kucherov, a 1952 Stan Musial slab, and, yes—an O.J. Simpson card, which sits at the center of her “Murder Shelf”.

Ambre’s story also came to life in Episode #14 of The Collector’s Compass: “Wife Of A Collector, Support & Perspective”. In that conversation, she opened up about finding balance, supporting a partner in recovery, and rebuilding joy together. Her humor, blunt honesty, and empathy offered a rare look at what it means to love—and live with—a collector and disabled veteran.

For Ambre, collecting with intention means peace, authenticity, and creating something she can one day share with her daughter—proof that every shelf tells a story worth understanding.

Below is a glimpse of Ambre’s collection. Be sure to check out her page and give her a follow!

#CollectorsMD
Collect With Intention. Not Compulsion.

https://collectorsmd.com/collector-spotlight/

This month, we’re proud to feature Brandon H (@collectcharles) in our Collector Spotlight. Brandon first joined Collectors MD earlier this year and quickly became one of the most active members of our community. He’s been a consistent presence at our weekly peer-support meetings, engages regularly in our group chat, and has even started contributing to our Daily Reflection series—including a piece we published last week, Pack It Up: Why Modern Card Collecting Is A Mirage.

Brandon describes himself as a cautionary tale: “On one end, I’m as happy as I’ve ever been, but on the other hand, I’ve been irresponsible financially… chasing big hits through buying lots of cards and into card breaks has gotten out of control.” He’s experienced the highs of hitting on chases, but he also knows those moments can be deceptive—“rewarding” in the moment, but dangerous over time.

Despite the challenges, Brandon has embraced Collectors MD as a preemptive strike—choosing accountability and community support so his collection doesn’t become something he’s forced to sell. He’s living proof that intentionality makes a difference, even when temptation runs high.

Brandon’s collection is both wide-ranging and personal. It includes 90s slabs of NBA legends like Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Penny Hardaway, and Kobe Bryant; a strong lineup of current Cubs players; 49ers icons such as Brock Purdy and Joe Montana; an eclectic lot of cards from the Bob Ross x Topps set; tribute displays for Hulk Hogan and Cubs greats like Mark Grace, Ryne Sandberg, and Ernie Banks; and unique treasures like an Eric “Butterbean” Esch autograph.

When we asked Brandon what “collecting with intention” means to him, he put it simply: “Collecting with intent is fun”. That joy is reflected in the way he curates his PC—not for show, but for personal meaning.

Brandon, thank you for your honesty, your contributions, and the heart you bring to this community. Your willingness to share your journey reminds us all that collecting is about more than cards—it’s about accountability, connection, and purpose.

Below is a glimpse of Brandon’s collection. Be sure to check out his page and give him a follow!

#CollectorsMD
Collect With Intention. Not Compulsion.

https://collectorsmd.com/collector-spotlight/