From Pokémon to Labubu: How this CEO’s hobby became a hustle

07/08/2025 24 min
From Pokémon to Labubu: How this CEO’s hobby became a hustle

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Episode Synopsis

Can your favorite pastime become a thriving business? This CEO made it happen.

This week on The Big Idea with Elizabeth Gore, DripShop CEO and co-founder Javaughn Lawrence joins the show to answer the question: How do I monetize my hobbies? Lawrence turned his childhood hobby—collecting and trading Pokémon and other collectible cards—into a live-shopping e-commerce platform. He and Gore discuss why he chose to pursue this path professionally and how he continues to build community by livestreaming one pack of trading cards at a time.

Yahoo Finance’s The Big Idea with Elizabeth Gore takes you on a journey with America’s entrepreneurs as they navigate the world of small business.

Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected] Finance’s The Big Idea with Elizabeth Gore is hosted by Elizabeth Gore. It is developed and produced by Lauren Pokedoff.