Daily Inspiration: Meet Lewis Warren

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lewis Warren.

Hi Lewis, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story really starts with growing up between Denver & San Diego, obsessed with toys, comics, and anything pop culture. I never outgrew that feeling of walking into a toy shop and instantly being transported back to childhood. After moving to Colorado about fourteen years ago, that passion never faded. I always knew I wanted to build something of my own—something community-first, nostalgic, and welcoming—but I had to grind, learn, and take a few hits along the way before I could actually make it happen.

Monkey Paw Toys started as a small idea fueled by passion: create a space where collectors, kids, families, and fans of all ages could find something exciting, feel valued, and be part of a larger community. I began buying, selling, and trading out of pure love for the hobby, and eventually that grew into a full storefront in Aurora. From day one, it’s been a one-man operation—cleaning, pricing, sourcing, marketing, building displays, running events, and connecting with customers. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life.

Along the way, the community’s support has pushed Monkey Paw Toys to some incredible milestones. We’ve won “Best of Mile High,” “Best in Denver,” and multiple reader-voted awards that mean the world to me because they came directly from the people who shop with us. I was also honored to be included in Who’s Who in America, which was surreal—proof that even a small, independent toy shop built on passion and hard work can make a real impact.

Monkey Paw Toys has become much more than a store. It’s a place where people come to hang out, talk collectibles, bring their kids for free comics, dig for treasure on the shelves, and be part of something fun. Whether we’re running huge Black Friday events, giving away comics, or just chatting about the newest figures, every moment reminds me why I started.

Today, I’m grateful for how far the business has come—from rebuilding after losing a 14k-follower Instagram account, to earning local awards, to growing a loyal community that shows up and supports us. I got here through passion, consistency, and treating people the right way. And honestly, I’m just getting started. There’s so much more ahead for Monkey Paw Toys.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Running an independent toy and comic shop sounds fun—and it absolutely is—but behind the scenes it’s a grind. When I started Monkey Paw Toys, I didn’t have a big team, investors, or a safety net. It was just me learning everything on the fly: how to source inventory, how to price correctly, how to negotiate buys, how to manage cash flow, and how to keep a small shop alive in a constantly changing market.

One of the biggest challenges has been weathering the ups and downs of retail. There were days early on when I wasn’t sure if the store would survive, and days when unexpected expenses or slow weeks hit hard. On top of that, competition, shifting trends, and the pressure of being a one-person business all add layers of stress most people never see.

Social media setbacks were another obstacle. Losing my original Instagram with 14,000 followers overnight was a huge blow. I had worked for years to build that audience, so starting from scratch felt defeating. But instead of quitting, I treated it like a chance to rebuild stronger—and step by step, the community came back and supported the new page.

I’ve also had to learn how to set boundaries, protect my time, and maintain my mental and physical energy. When you’re the owner, the buyer, the salesperson, the marketing team, the cleaner, and the problem-solver, burnout is very real. But I’ve learned to balance the weight of the business with the passion that drives it.

Through every challenge, the thing that kept me going was the community. Customers who became regulars, friends, and even extended family. The people who understood the vision and showed up—on the good days and the tough ones. That support gave me the strength to push through obstacles that could have easily shut the doors.

So no, it hasn’t been easy. But every struggle became part of the story, and every setback pushed me to level up. Monkey Paw Toys is still here because I didn’t quit—and because the community didn’t let me.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Well, according to the “Team” page on my website, I’m the janitor — which honestly id just funny, because it is a shocker that someone with a disability could build something and be more than what we’ve come to expect from societies standards and occasionally fix people’s childhoods when they find a toy they haven’t seen in 30 years. Titles don’t matter to me. I’d rather be known as the guy who keeps the place running (and smelling good, aye Brylan?).

But in reality, I run Monkey Paw Toys — a collectible toy and comic shop that specializes in action figures, retro nostalgia, statue dioramas, trading cards, and anything that makes people say, “Oh wow, I haven’t seen this since I was a kid.” My job is part treasure hunter, part curator, part therapist to stressed-out collectors, and part hype man for kids who just discovered their new favorite superhero.

What I’m most proud of is the reputation my store has earned. We’ve won “Best of Mile High,” “Best in Denver,” and multiple local awards, and I’ve been featured in Who’s Who in America. But honestly, the real recognition comes from people telling me Monkey Paw Toys is their favorite shop, or that it brings back memories from their childhood, or that it’s the one place they feel treated with respect and fairness. That means more than any plaque on a wall.

What sets me apart is the experience I try to create. I don’t just sell toys — I build relationships. I talk to people, I learn what they collect, I help them find pieces they’ve been searching for, and I treat every customer with honesty and kindness. There’s no ego here. No gatekeeping. No pressure. Just a fun, welcoming space run by a guy who genuinely loves this world.

Whether I’m sweeping the floor (the janitor life chose me), hunting down rare figures, running big holiday events, giving out free comics, or making a kid’s day with their first action figure, I put my heart into every part of it. My goal is simple: build a shop that feels like home for collectors of all ages.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
If I had to pick one quality that’s been the most important to my success, it would be consistency — just showing up every single day, even when I’m tired, stressed, or wondering why I’m reorganizing the same shelf for the 14th time. Passion gets you started, but consistency keeps the doors open.

I’m not the smartest guy in the room, I’m not the flashiest, and I definitely don’t have a corporate team behind me. What I do have is the ability to roll up my sleeves, laugh at myself, and get right back to work no matter what’s going on. I’ve learned that in a business like mine, you don’t need a fancy degree — you need stubborn dedication, a good attitude, and the willingness to do every job, from janitor to owner to customer service rep to therapist for stressed collectors.

Another big part of my success is how I treat people. I’ve always believed in being fair, honest, and real. Customers aren’t numbers — they’re people who love this world as much as I do. If you respect them, talk to them, and genuinely care, they’ll support you. That’s why Monkey Paw Toys has the following it does.

So if I had to sum it up: consistency, kindness, and humor. I don’t take myself too seriously, I don’t pretend to be something I’m not, and I show up every day ready to make someone’s day a little brighter — whether that’s by finding them a rare figure or just sweeping the floor with enthusiasm.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://monkeypawtoys.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monkeypawtoys
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonkeyPawToys
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@monkey_paw_toys7927
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@monkey_paw_toys

Image Credits
Lewis Warren
JT Newbury
Brylan Marhrolz