Ambre LaVanway, @mznapalm_most.hated
This month, we’re proud to feature Ambre LaVanway (@mznapalm_most.hated) in our Collector Spotlight. Ambre is the wife of Collectors MD community member, Travis LaVanway (@montananorseman). Ambre’s own collecting story – and her honesty about it – have deeply resonated within the Collectors MD community. Her Daily Reflection, A Shift in Perspective, delivered a powerful line: “Not everything that sparkles is truly valuable”.
Ambre learned that lesson firsthand after losing money and even compromising her health chasing expensive statues and anime figures. When the thrill became a burden, she stepped back and redefined what collecting meant to her.
Today, her collection reflects that evolution. Her “Murder Shelf” spotlights controversial athletes and “bad boys” across sports – not to glorify them, but to explore consequence, redemption, and human complexity. Her “Personal Shelf” holds sentimental pieces like “Imperfect Perfection”, a custom art card of her family gifted by Travis, alongside joyful favorites like Jaylen Waddle cards, an autographed Bulbasaur Funko Pop, a Kobe Bryant refractor, rookie autographs of Steve McNair and Nikita Kucherov, a 1952 Stan Musial slab, and, yes – an O.J. Simpson card, which sits at the center of her “Murder Shelf”.
Ambre’s story also came to life in Episode #14 of The Collector’s Compass: “Wife Of A Collector, Support & Perspective”. In that conversation, she opened up about finding balance, supporting a partner in recovery, and rebuilding joy together. Her humor, blunt honesty, and empathy offered a rare look at what it means to love – and live with – a collector and disabled veteran.
For Ambre, collecting with intention means peace, authenticity, and creating something she can one day share with her daughter – proof that every shelf tells a story worth understanding.
Below is a glimpse of Ambre’s collection. Be sure to check out her page and give her a follow!
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Collect With Intention. Not Compulsion.