Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Kenney.
Hi Mary, 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?
Growing up, my brother, Steven, and I always loved playing with LEGO. We would spend hours creating anything and everything from our random bin of parts. But, we never expected that LEGO would help us find our place in a much greater community.
My journey started in 2019. As a sophomore in college, I knew that I had a passion for art and teaching, but no clue where it would take me. Steven and I had both been working at the same grocery store for the past two years. When he left to work at Rogue Brick, I followed, not knowing how big it would become.
Our community started with the store owners, Rachel and Ryan McBryde, and their kids, who quickly became like a second family to us. And the longer we were at Rogue Brick, the more this family grew.
It started off small. The first year that we were there, we went to every outing possible in order to spread the word. From conventions to pop-ups at the Hulen Mall and everything in between, you would find Ryan and Steven with a table full of LEGO, greeting people all across DFW.
As more people started coming in, I learned more about the customers we were helping out. We had families who were just introducing their kids to LEGO, adults looking to get their childhood sets, MOC (My Own Creation) builders, people celebrating, others needing a pick-me-up, and everyone in-between. It was amazing to see something so seemingly small bring together people from all walks of life.
While we got to experience this every day at Rogue Brick, I got to showcase this on a larger scale in 2021. That year, I was interviewed on Channel 8 for the release of “Everyone is Awesome,” the first LGBTQ+ themed LEGO set. It was a short story, but being able to share how diverse and unique the community is meant a lot to me, and hopefully helped some others feel seen as well.
At the same time, we continued to foster relationships at the store- my favorite way being through camp. When I first started as an instructor, I was a LEGO novice. I had built sets, but I had no idea how other people came up with these larger than life creations. From a whole universe of Star Wars MOCs by Ryan to Steve Witt’s 7- foot long Halo ship, Joel Tyer’s incredibly detailed castles, and more, there were so many talented builders’ works on display.
I started picking up techniques by listening to the advice that Joel and Ryan would give to others. Then, in my free time, I would look up LEGO ideas on YouTube and social media. Other times, I would just try to figure out building challenges alongside the campers.
I still had so much to learn (and I still do), but the campers inspired me every day. Seeing these 5-13 year olds be so creative and excited to learn made me equally excited to teach. Throughout the years, I’ve had parents tell me that camp and the store have become a safe space for their kids to be themselves, and that made it all worth it.
Somewhere along the way, I became the camp lead, and now I’ve helped teach hundreds of kids how to express themselves through LEGO.
In 2022, I graduated from UTA with degrees in web design and advertising, and I decided to stay at Rogue Brick. I had already found where I was meant to be.
Now, almost 8 years since the store opened, so much has changed. The store is double the size that it was originally. We have families who’ve celebrated 5+ years of birthdays with us, campers who are now in high school, couples that have gotten married and had kids, and so much more. When I first started, I thought I was walking into another retail job. But, from the RBBL team to our regulars to even brand new customers, the community has made Rogue Brick so much more. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think that COVID posed unique challenges for everyone. Ours was trying to keep people connected and inspired during an otherwise isolating time. In 2020, we started hosting at-home building challenges and created an online group where people could come together and share their thoughts/ creations. Later on, reopening the store and helping people feel safe had its difficulties.
But ultimately, we have been very fortunate that our struggles have been minor. Our customers have supported us through everything, and they have made this a smooth road to get where we are today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Rogue Brick Builders’ Lounge?
Rogue Brick is an all ages buy/ sell/ play space for LEGO in Fort Worth, Texas.
From retired and hard-to-find sets to just released sets and minifigures, we have something for everyone and every budget. Expect to find exciting events and big sales throughout the year including Black Friday, May the 4th, Un-Boxing Day, and more!
In addition to our retail space, we also have 40+ feet of LEGO buildspace and a padded DUPLO area. Creatives of all ages are free to build whatever they choose or fill up a Bulk Brick Box to keep their imagination flowing at home. Or, browse our 600,000+ piece Bricklink store to find that last missing brick for your set.
We also offer birthday parties, pop-up events, camps, and building groups. More details about Thanksgiving and Christmas Break Camps will be posted on the website soon!
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can support us by stopping by Rogue Brick (5509 S. Hulen St., Fort Worth, TX)! We are open every Wednesday-Friday 11am-7pm, Saturday 10am-7pm, and Sunday 1-5pm. Whether we can help you pick out the perfect LEGO set or if you just stop by to say “hi,” your support means the world.
Pricing:
- Day Pass- $10/ kid + $5/ additional sibling(s). Adults are free with kids!
- Bulk Brick Box- $15
- Parties and Events- starting at $150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.roguebrick.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roguebrickbuilderslounge/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/RogueBrickBuildersLounge/
Image Credits
Hector U. Velazquez (HUV Photo)
