Bricks & Minifigs
In August 2024, Christopher and Angela Moore took a leap of faith and began the journey of bringing Bricks and Minifigs to life after years of dreaming about owning a business. For more than five years, they had searched for the right opportunity; something unique that wouldn’t blend in, but instead fill a meaningful gap in their community. They found that vision in a concept that Amarillo both needed and deserved: a place where creativity, nostalgia, and community could come together through LEGO®. From the very beginning, their mission was clear; not just to open a store, but to create a space where families could connect, build, and make lasting memories.
Since opening, Bricks and Minifigs has become more than a retail shop, it’s a hub of encouragement, creativity, and connection. Christopher and Angela have found the most rewarding part of their journey in the people they’ve met and the relationships they’ve built, even as they navigate the constant demands of running a small business and managing cash flow in the early stages. Their impact on the community is tangible, from rewarding kids for strong report cards with free LEGO® to inspiring interest in engineering and robotics through hands-on learning. By offering rare, retired, and certified sets alongside events and parties, they’ve created an experience that stands apart from big box stores. Through it all, their advice to others is simple but powerful: ask for help early, keep learning, and stay committed to the vision that sparked the journey in the first place.
1. When did you start your business?
We researched and applied for the franchise in August 2024.
2. Why did you decide to start your business?
Angela and I were discussing opening a business over the last 5 plus years and were looking for something new and different. We didn’t want to blend in with other similar businesses and also wanted something that would help grow our community. So we looked for something Amarillo needed, wanted and deserved.
3. What is your favorite memory in the business?
There are so many it’s difficult to choose just one. The people in our community would be at the top of this list. Without them, we wouldn’t be here. Helping families make & remake memories is why we are here. We value our customers.
4. What is the most rewarding part of running a small business?
The people we have met have been very encouraging.
5. What is the hardest part of running a small business?
Keeping up with all the daily, weekly and monthly tasks to keep the store running smoothly.
6. How does the business get to positively impact your community?
We offer rewards to children for maintaining good grades. They bring in their report cards with A’s & B's and we give them some free LEGO®. The kids have been very enthusiastic about this. We are also trying to promote engineering & robotics with LEGO. Teaching parents & kids about how they can make LEGO sets move.
7. Biggest challenge in the business?
No easy way to say it, but cash flow is key early on.
8. What makes your business different from your competition?
Our only real competition is big box stores like Wal-Mart and Target. They only sell current new in box items; whereas, we sell used, certified and retired sets. We also carry other vendors with an assortment of items not found in big box retailers. We host parties and special events as well.
9. Best tip for others in business?
Ask for help early, don’t wait until it could be too late.
10. What’s something you wish someone had told you or that you wish you had learned earlier?
How to run Social Media. We are still learning but getting better every day.
11. How did the SBDC help you on your venture?
Counseling in the early stages. Designing a business strategy and figuring out what we need to make to keep the lights on and doors open.
12. What's a place you'd love to travel to?
Denmark The LEGO House.