Grayson White turned his passion for card collecting into one of Australia’s leading collectable businesses Cherry Collectables, with a store in Melbourne and here in Hobart.

We crossed paths with Grayson when he decided the Hobart Women’s Shelter deserved a ‘Lucky Break’ after reading our March issue. Each month, Cherry picks an organisation that deserves some extra help, and we agree that the $5390 raised went to a fantastic cause.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now? Molesworth when I was growing up, Sandy Bay now. They’re both magical places.

Tell us a little about your work? I started card collecting with my partner Renee as a hobby and together, we now run Cherry Collectables. We help people fulfill their card collecting dreams!

Why collectables? I seek deep connec­tions and because of the passion people have with collectables, I find this work space very fulfilling. I learnt so much about people and policy working in the public and private sector but it didn’t feed the fire inside me.

What is the collectable market like right now? The trading card space is hot! Australia alone is heading towards a half billion dollar market size and the growth in this region is twice as great as China. Cherry is now one of the largest trading card resellers globally. We do that by engaging collectors through almost every channel you can imagine to help their collecting dreams come true. Right now, NBA and NFL cards are very popular – but I think the soccer space is the place to invest with a 2026 World Cup in the United States.

What is your most valuable piece? Cherry owns a lot of six figure cards but my personal collection is showcased by Muhammed Ali’s rookie card ($30,000). But my favourite card is Daisy Ridley’s first Star Wars autograph that I bought when my daughter Eva was born. Daisy not only redefined the female hero role but she demanded top-dollar for her auto (as much as the top card-signers at the time), so I figured it would represent a great deal when Eva sets off on her own Jedi journey – or at the very least wants to buy a first car…

What do you love doing outside work? I love fishing but I also love work!

Who do you admire? David Attenborough and Muhammed Ali.

Favourite podcast or tv show? I love edgy comedies, I always have…Fleabag is my recent favourite.

Secret vice? Betting on racehorses in the run…it’s not a secret, haha.

What are you reading now? I don’t read. I can read, but don’t. I was recommended The Course of Love recently and it made me regret not reading more – the audio­book did anyway!

What gets your goat? Entitlement.

What was your first job? Working with thoroughbreds. They’re the most beautiful animal on the planet.

What are your daily news/social media habits? News triggers me…I prefer Tik Tok.

Your favourite place in Hobart for…

Breakfast: Coffee at Villino gives me hope each day and I have a soft spot for Trophy Donuts.

Lunch: Thai Veg Hutt has me considering switching teams.

Dinner: The Black Cow is literally the best steak I’ve had worldwide…but that was 10 years ago.

Favourite team? Hawthorn, but I prefer watching NFL football by far.

Favourite Hobart secret? I love getting lost in the beautiful backstreets of Battery Point as I walk to work.

What’s the best ‘pinch me’ moment you’ve had? We raised $70k for the Salvation Army last Christmas. I had to pinch myself because it happened based on the drive and generosity of a young guy on my team, Blake Riley, the support of my key team members and obviously an amazing community that we have all built over a decade of Cherry. Fundamentally though, it was individuals working autonomously to help the “at risk” and I was hardly involved. It showed me that if you instill a sense of gratitude amongst your team, it can be amplified.

Parting words? Hobart is an amazing place to grow up but an even better one to come back to.