Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle/jared King/ Casci
Hi Michelle/Jared, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
We’ve always been collectors at heart, and the thrill of the toy hunt has been a huge part of our lives. Visiting local stores on the weekends, finding nostalgic toys from our past—it’s something we love doing together.
Jared had the idea to test the waters and see if we could turn our passion into a business. He has a real knack for selling toys online and an incredible depth of knowledge about collectibles. For both of us, this has been a lifelong dream.
One thing our town was missing was a dedicated toy store—a place where the community could come together, where generations could connect through the language of toys. We wanted to create a space where people could feel the excitement of buying toys again, rather than just making a transaction at a big-box retailer. For us, it’s about building relationships, not just selling products.
We started by doing local toy shows to see if we could turn our hobby into something more. After about six months, we got an amazing opportunity to open a store in downtown Eaton in the winter of 2024.
I know what you’re thinking—why on Earth would we open a store in the middle of winter in the Midwest? Well, when an opportunity like this comes along, you take it. The space we found doesn’t become available often, and we knew it was now or never.
So here we are—brand new to the game and aiming to be your next favorite toy store to visit!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Even though we’re still new, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. There are so many things you don’t fully understand until you’re in the thick of it. We did our due diligence—building a business plan, reading countless books, researching competitors—but every day, there’s still something new to learn.
One of the biggest challenges has been time management. We’re running this business while also working full-time jobs, which means we’re wearing all the hats—marketer, seller, buyer, promoter, customer service, inventory manager. There’s so much that goes on behind the scenes that you don’t realize until you’re doing it. Some days, it feels like there just aren’t enough hours.
Small businesses like ours, especially in their early stages, go through ups and downs. Some days are absolutely amazing, and others leave you questioning everything. It’s a bit of a roller coaster, but that’s part of the journey. Right now, we’re focused on refining our marketing and figuring out what resonates best with our audience.
That said, we’re incredibly thankful for the loyal, repeat customers we’ve already built up. Seeing familiar faces return and knowing that people love what we’re doing keeps us going. We’re in this for the long haul, and we’re excited to keep growing!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about 25th Century Toys & Collectibles ?
We specialize in nostalgic toys from the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, and beyond, as well as current collectibles. What really sets us apart is our authentic customer service and fair pricing. We believe toy collecting should be accessible to everyone, which is why we not only price everything competitively we try to curate a variety of toys our visitors will find exciting. Whether that’s a 99 cent item or a rare, high-end collectible, we work hard to carry something for every kind of collector.
One of our favorite parts of the store is the Collector’s Corner, where we showcase those “holy grail” pieces. Right now, for example, we have the USS Flagg, which takes up an entire 8-ft table. It’s like a little piece of living artwork, set up for people to admire.
We’re always on the hunt for the toys we love from the past and present because they inspire us to imagine a fantastic future. We want every visit to feel fresh and exciting, which is why we regularly update our inventory. Whether you’re searching for a specific figure or just stopping in to browse, there’s always something new to discover. If you’re looking for a hard-to-find piece, let us know—we might have it in stock or be able to help track it down!
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I think flexibility, adaptability, and perseverance are absolutely essential. Things don’t always go as planned, and you have to be willing to pivot, try new things, and keep pushing forward—even when the road gets tough.
A keen eye for what’s sought after is also important. The toy and collectibles market is always evolving, and staying ahead means knowing what people are looking for, what’s trending, and what hidden gems might spark nostalgia.
And perhaps most importantly, you can’t be afraid to take risks. Some of our best opportunities have come from stepping outside of our comfort zone—whether it was setting up at our first toy show or taking the leap into opening a brick-and-mortar store. It’s all about learning, adapting, and staying passionate about what you do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.25thcenturytoys.com
- Instagram: @25thcenturytoys
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/25thcenturytoys
