In a record, the magic happens within the grooves—the ups, the downs, and the spaces in between. As I sit here reflecting on nearly ten years of Curious Collections, I realize my own life has followed that same rhythm.
I started this shop a decade ago as a single mom, fueled by an inheritance I had no idea what to do with and a desire to build something for my children. Since then, we’ve been through it all together. You were there when I fought Stage 3 breast cancer. You were there when the world shut down for a pandemic. And you were there as I navigated a battle with metastatic bone cancer. Through every treatment and every trial, this shop—and your faces—kept me moving.
Now, it’s time for our next great transition.
In mid-July, Curious Collections is moving to our "forever home." We’ve found a vintage service station in a beautiful, developing corridor of 29th St in Bryan, Texas [less than a mile from our current space], and we are transforming it into The Record Garage.
I want to be clear: this move is a gift. While the timeline is short—we have just 60 days to move a decade of music—it is the opportunity I have been dreaming of. This new space allows us to grow in ways our current four walls simply won't permit. It gives us the room to breathe, to expand, and to build a "3rd space" that is truly our own.
We aren't just moving boxes; we are transplanting the soul of this business.
We are enclosing the double carport to create a climate-controlled, industrial-chic corridor of vinyl. It’s a space where you can get lost in the stacks, protected from the Texas heat but still connected to that gritty, vintage garage vibe. Inside the main garage, we’ll be brewing our own coffee, creating a space for you to sit, listen, and refuel. This move is a "phased expansion." We’re starting with the essentials in July and gradually growing into our full vision of a collaborative record store and cafe.
We aren’t leaving the old space with a heavy heart; I’m leaving it with a full one. We’ve had a wonderful run where we are, and I am so grateful for the years spent in the hidden corner of North Rosemary. But "The Record Garage" is where we finally get to park our dreams and stay a while.
Thank you for trusting me with your music, your stories, and your community for the last ten years. I can’t wait to see you to visit our newly expanded Curious Collections at The Record Garage on 29th St in Bryan, TX.
Mary Jean
Owner, Curious Collections