Crafting Connection: Brian Dominguez and Juan Moreno's Vegas Story

The Scavenger Hunt That Changed Everything

For Brian Dominguez and Juan Moreno, the vibrant tapestry of Las Vegas's local entrepreneurship isn't just a backdrop—it's the canvas for their passion. Neither was born in the neon-drenched city, Brian arriving from Los Angeles in 2017 and Juan from Mexico in 2004. Yet, it was here that their paths converged, a love story blossomed, and a shared vision to uplift their community began to take shape. Their journey, rooted in a mutual appreciation for designer toys and collectibles, led to the creation of Collector’s Haven and, ultimately, the expansive vision of Shop & Seek, a series of discovery markets designed to connect small businesses with eager patrons.

A pivotal moment arrived not in a grand market launch, but through a charmingly intricate game: the Collector’s Haven Lotería Scavenger Hunt. They enlisted eight local vendors, each contributing a unique, personally designed sticker that encapsulated their business's spirit. Participants traversed the market, collecting stickers, completing their Lotería cards, and entering a giveaway. This wasn't merely a promotional gimmick; it was a carefully curated experience. “Each one was carefully thought out and personally designed to capture the energy, personality, and products behind the vendor it represented,” they recall. The overwhelming positive feedback, from joyful players to appreciative vendors, revealed something profound. The game transformed individual booths into a collective narrative, fostering a sense of shared experience and community. This realization shifted their focus: it wasn't just about selling; it was about creating moments that sparked discovery and forged connections, laying the groundwork for their future endeavors.

A Community Built on Care and Curiosity

Brian and Juan serve a dual community: the independent vendors and small businesses of the Las Vegas Valley, and the curious residents eager to discover and support them. Their appreciation for discovery, initially honed through the excitement of unboxing collectibles, now extends to the entire market experience. They believe that discovery isn't merely finding an object, but engaging with the story and emotion behind it. Shop & Seek expands this magic, inviting guests into a space where every corner holds the potential for an unexpected find—a new artist, a unique flavor, a captivating product.

They understand the vendor's perspective intimately. Having vended themselves, they know the power of genuine interest. “Being vendors ourselves has shown us how powerful one moment of genuine interest can be,” they explain. “Someone stops at your booth, asks about what you created, and recognizes the care behind it. That moment can become a customer, a conversation, encouragement, or a lasting relationship.” Their mission is to multiply these precious moments, providing a platform where businesses can be seen, their stories heard, and their craftsmanship appreciated. What their community truly needs, they contend, is care, curiosity, consistency, and an unwavering willingness to listen.

The Magic of a Shared Moment

Every transaction, for Brian and Juan, is more than a simple exchange; it’s an opportunity for connection. They vividly recall a customer, hesitant yet hopeful, seeking a blind box for her granddaughter. Her repeated questions about authenticity were met with patient reassurance. Later that day, the grandmother returned, granddaughter in tow, beaming with pride over a highly sought-after secret figure. The following day, a photo arrived from the girl's mother—the secret figure still her constant companion. This experience underscored a core belief: “A grandmother trusted our small business with a gift for someone she loved, and one blind box became a joyful memory their family wanted to share with us.” It wasn't about the rarity of the find, but the anticipation, the trust, and the connection. This ethos—the magic of discovery and the joy of sharing it—is the heart they carry from Collector's Haven into the expansive vision of Shop & Seek.

Building for Longevity, One Thoughtful Step at a Time

The road for entrepreneurs is rarely smooth, a truth Brian and Juan know well, especially as they navigate personal challenges. Yet, their commitment to their vision remains steadfast. Brian advises newcomers to expect a rough beginning, emphasizing patience and genuine relationships. Juan, meanwhile, champions intentionality and self-generated momentum, knowing that passion must fuel consistent effort even when motivation wanes. Their combined wisdom: “Be patient with the outcome but intentional about the effort. Stay true to who you are, understand why you are building, and continue showing up even when progress feels slow.” For them, success right now means simply continuing to move forward, even if it's just one reply, one task, or one small step. They recognize that success changes with life's seasons, sometimes manifesting as growth, sometimes simply as resilience.

Looking ahead, Brian and Juan are channeling their energy into bringing Shop & Seek fully to life as a recurring series of themed discovery markets. Their inaugural event, Desert Dusk, is slated for September 2026 at Craig Ranch Regional Park, promising a family-friendly experience that marries discovery with community engagement. Beyond events, they are nurturing Alpapa™, their original character, envisioning him as a central figure in their expanding creative world of stickers, games, and storytelling. They aren't chasing rapid growth but aiming to build something sustainable and trusted. Their goal is clear: to create something recognizable, reliable, and cherished within Las Vegas, fostering a community that looks forward to each new event, excited to participate, and eager to discover the magic they so carefully curate. It’s about building something that lasts, “one thoughtful event, one original creation, and one meaningful connection at a time.”