College Dropout Makes Millions Selling Pokémon Cards
Andres Fernandez generated $7.8 million in annual sales with MintlyCollects.
1Decision to Drop Out
Andres Fernandez grew up in Miami and was always an unconventional kid. When he enrolled in college, he didn't know what he wanted to do. Pressured by his mother, he majored in business but dropped out after just one semester to become a full-time Pokémon card seller. Fernandez chose to build his own business rather than pursuing a corporate career with a business degree.
2Passion for Pokémon Cards
Fernandez had been interested in video games, YouTube, and Twitch since childhood. He'd played Pokémon video games since age 10 but wasn't a card collector. That changed when he bought Pokémon cards as a birthday gift for his cousin at Target. Pulling a $100 card from a $5 pack sparked his passion for collecting and selling cards.
3Starting the Business
While working at a croqueta bar for $10/hour, Fernandez realized he was spending too much on Pokémon cards. He started creating Pokémon content and grew an Instagram following to 30,000. The live-selling platform Whatnot then reached out to him. Joining in late 2020 when Whatnot's Pokémon section was new, he became one of the first five Pokémon streamers on the platform.
4Transition to Family Business
For the first 2-3 years, Fernandez did everything himself—streaming six days a week while packing and shipping orders. After his uncle advised him to focus fully, he took a $150,000 risk on sealed products and enlisted family/friends for help. His team now includes his girlfriend, childhood best friend, and others—10 streamers total—who earn commissions based on performance.
5Growth and Sales Figures
MintlyCollects achieved $3.7 million in sales in 2024 and $7.8 million in 2025, with 2026 targets exceeding $10-11 million. Operating two Whatnot accounts with 500k combined followers, they stream up to 20 hours daily on one account and 15 on the other simultaneously. Fernandez credits their growth to aligning with the platform's expansion.
6Entrepreneurship Lessons
Fernandez emphasizes that comfort rarely equals success. He paid himself nothing for 2.5 years initially, making significant sacrifices. He argues the 1970s-90s mindset of 'things working out' no longer applies—internships, work experience, and pivoting are crucial. Inspired by Gary Vaynerchuk, he believes even garage sale flipping or local businesses can be viable paths.
7Team and Business Model
MintlyCollects operates as a family business, with Fernandez's girlfriend, cousin, and close friends on board. Team members earn commissions based on stream performance. Running two Whatnot accounts simultaneously, they produce nearly 35 hours of daily live content. Despite the intense pace, they continue scaling the business.
8Future Vision
Fernandez advocates that traditional career paths aren't the only option. Even if his business failed today, he'd find new opportunities. By joining Whatnot early, he secured a strong position in the Pokémon card market. Targeting $10M+ in 2026 sales, his team highlights the importance of digital content creation and working with passion.
Original article: Business Insider — Üniversiteyi Bırakıp Pokémon Kartı Satışından Milyonlar Kazandı