Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Childs.
Hi Eric, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Although I wasn’t born into a monetarily wealthy family, I was born into something I would later understand to be far greater. My parents’ encouragement, guidance, and personal sacrifice. These things gave me so much more. Their unwavering belief was that I or anyone could achieve whatever they put their mind to. My Father told me, “The road to your goals might not always be easy, but never give up and always do your best.” My mother would ask me and say, “what do you want to be? No one knows what you can do if you don’t show them. Never tell yourself, no, or I can’t.” They believed in me, so I believed in myself.
Early on, I knew I wanted to be involved with comic books. From the moment I saw them, I was so fascinated by the medium. The unique way comic books conveyed a story, utilizing sequential art and juxtaposition. I wanted to illustrate, write, and publish comic books; hopefully, one day own a comic bookstore. Over the years, I have made many attempts to be involved in the comic book industry. Even raising money at the early age of fourteen by mowing lawns to form a comic book publishing company. Mind you at the time, I didn’t even have any completed books yet. Who knew that the path to attaining these aspirations would finally materialize when I acquired my favorite comic bookstore, Mind’s Eye Comics.
The opportunity to own the business presented itself when former owner Andrew Troth announced the store’s closure. Troth planned to retire after running the business for twenty years. Mind’s Eye comics was a very special place to me and many others. I had shopped there since the original opening in 1998 and would later bring children of my own to encourage their reading. I felt strongly that Mind’s Eye Comics needed to be here. Be here for future generations. The shop is more than just a store, it’s a place to dream, promote literacy, and build community. So, to preserve something great, I asked Andrew if he would consider selling the store… To which he replied, “no.” “Unless that is… you’re asking for yourself.” Which I was,
Troth stated, “correct me if I’m wrong, you probably have no desire even to change the name.” To which I responded that he was accurate in his assessment and went on to explain why I felt so strongly that Mind’s Eye Comics needs to be here for years to come. Andrew said that he believed I was the right person, that my heart was in the right place.
In that moment, it would mark the beginning of an unforgettable, unimaginable, amazing journey.
At Mind’s Eye Comics, we promote Literacy, Black History, Cultural Representation, and Community building. We publish comic books, as well as write and illustrated them. Although running a business is no easy feat, it’s always a privilege and an honor to serve my community doing something I love,
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As much as I wish there wasn’t, there have been obstacles and challenges along the way. Acquiring any business will present challenges. I found out the hard way, reversing an announcement that the business was closing was quite the task. Trying to reverse the loss in customer base and subscribers that had transferred to other providers was a tremendous feat and almost to the detriment of the business—followed up with navigating all the hurdles of a pandemic given all the health and safety shutdowns.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I believe in people… At the core of what I do, is providing a space for all to come and feel safe, to dream, be free of judgment, and feel welcome.
Alright, before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work, collaborate, or support you?
Anyone looking to support our Education efforts at Mind’s Eye Comics, please contact us at info@mindseyecomics.com to find out more about how you can help.
Anyone looking to get published, collaborate, or in need of an illustrator for your project, please reach out via email at info@mindseyecomics.com.
The biggest help is always word of mouth; please like, follow, and subscribe to our social media. You can find Mind’s Eye Comics on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. If you don’t use social media, please check us out on our website at https://mindseyecomics.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mindseyecomics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindseyecomicsmn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindseyecomics
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mindseyecomicmn
