Bricks & Minifigs Herndon celebrated its first anniversary with community members and Mayor Keven LeBlanc on June 14.

By Emma Kingkeo, Reston Letter Intern

Owner Jayesh Lalwani and Herndon mayor Kevin LeBlanc helped celebrate the one year anniversary of Bricks and Minifigs at a ribbon cutting on June 14. All photos courtesy of Herndon Community TV.

LEGO enthusiasts of all ages enjoyed a special day of promotions and giveaways as part of the celebration.

As an authorized LEGO reseller, the store offers hundreds of different new, used, rare and even retired LEGO sets, as well as loose pieces and minifigures in bulk to replace any missing pieces or inspire custom builds. Additionally, customers can trade in any LEGO items, even incomplete sets, for store credit. The store receives new sets from the same suppliers as retailers like Walmart and Target.

Many of these sets are on display throughout the store, creating a fun and colorful assortment of builds that include both store-bought and community-made items.

Bricks & Minifigs store owner Jayesh Lalwani first began exploring LEGO because of the educational benefits it offered.

“I’m actually a software engineer, and I was thinking of retiring, and my son used to do a lot of Lego when he was young. He’s on the autistic spectrum. I saw how it helped him a lot, so that’s when I started looking at what I should do after I retire,” he said. Lalwani first started incorporating LEGO into STEAM education and expanded into Bricks & Minifigs as interest in LEGO grew around him.

As a store built around the local community of LEGO fans, Bricks & Minifigs Herndon also organizes community build sessions, where anyone can come and build their own creations, usually centered around a theme, for free. Deanna, one of the hosts of these events, said that she sees people of all ages excited to foster their creativity.

“I get to share my excitement for LEGO with all the kids and grown-ups, and it’s really great to see all the inspiration and all the creativity.”

The store also hosts birthday parties for kids of any age, customized to fit the child’s interests.

“We have done LEGO Star Wars birthday parties, LEGO Harry Potter birthday parties, we even did a LEGO cops and robbers birthday party. So if they have an idea, I can make it happen,” said Deanna.

Lalwani said that his employees are not meant to be pushy salespeople, but fans who are knowledgeable in LEGO and its community.

“We really don’t have salespeople that are pushy. We like people who love LEGO, and that’s something that a lot of people enjoy. A lot of people come here when it’s not crowded and love to talk to the employees. They know a lot more about LEGO than us, so a lot of people come in after them,” he said.

An employee at Bricks & Minifigs since April and a LEGO hobbyist since age three, Jim’s passion for LEGO brought him to the store’s grand opening last year, and behind the counter for its anniversary. He supports the store’s mission, which is rooted in bringing people together.

“It’s a small family-owned business, and I really believe in what they stand for. It brings families and friends together, and communities, especially this one,” he said.

Jim has been able to see the store grow for the better since its first day open to the public.

“It’s really taken off at least in the past year. I know for sure, the day I came here, it wasn’t very crowded, but now it’s brimming with people in and out the door,” he said.

Bricks & Minifigs Herndon is able to connect people across all generations through their love of LEGO, and will continue to foster a welcoming environment.

“We do education with LEGO, we sell LEGO, we hire people who love LEGO, and we buy LEGO. So, whether you are three years old or 80 years old, we have something for you,” said Lalwani.

Bricks & Minifigs Herndon is located at 1064 Elden St in Herndon, VA. Visit https://bricksandminifigs.com/herndon-va/ to learn more.