Card Lab HQ: How One Dad Is Turning Pokémon Cards Into Quality Time, Creativity and Life Lessons
From Busy Shifts to Meaningful Moments
Shimon Hussain, a state-registered biomedical scientist, works long hours that often include emergency call-outs. With limited time at home, he wanted to create something that allowed him to truly be present with his daughter while doing something they both genuinely enjoy. The result is Card Lab HQ, a growing passion project centred around Pokémon cards, creativity and learning.
Sharing the Magic of Pokémon Together
At its heart, Card Lab HQ is about collecting and opening Pokémon cards, both sealed packs and individual cards, and sharing those moments through YouTube content. Shimon and his daughter film pack openings, showcase products and celebrate the thrill of pulling a rare card together.
“She absolutely loves it,” Shimon explains. “We don’t usually get much time together, so doing this means a lot to both of us. It’s amazing to see her face light up when we pull a big card. Sometimes it even feels like she’s competing with me, but I make sure it stays healthy and fun.”
Creativity Beyond the Cards
Beyond collecting, Card Lab HQ is evolving into something even more creative. Shimon also runs custom garment printing and is exploring Pokémon-inspired designs that respect copyright boundaries. More recently, he’s added a 3D printer into the mix, opening the door to creating trading card game accessories and themed items that he and his daughter can design together.
Teaching Life Skills Through Play
While Pokémon provides the hook, there’s a deeper purpose behind the project. Shimon actively uses Card Lab HQ to introduce his daughter to real-world financial awareness and entrepreneurial thinking, skills he feels are rarely taught in schools.
From discussing buying and selling with a mark-up to tracking card markets and learning about design and production, his daughter is gaining hands-on experience in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. Even gaming time becomes a learning opportunity through Stardew Valley, a role-playing game focused on resource management, planning and creativity.
Building a Future Under One Umbrella
Looking ahead, Shimon plans to bring everything under the Card Lab HQ umbrella, combining Pokémon and other trading card game products with printed garments, 3D-printed accessories and expanded social content across YouTube and Instagram.
More than anything, his goal is to ensure his daughter grows up financially educated, confident and prepared for life.
Creating Nostalgia for the Next Generation
Despite juggling work, family life and creative projects, Shimon isn’t chasing perfection or viral success. He simply enjoys what he does and wants people with shared interests to feel part of it.
By targeting kids and families, Shimon hopes Card Lab HQ will help create lasting nostalgia, giving the next generation something meaningful to look back on, while learning valuable lessons along the way.