Retro World: One Customer’s Return to Classic Gaming

Pete Watson, a real estate agent in his early forties, drives through Nampa, Idaho, on a bright summer afternoon. With an hour to spare before his next appointment, he spots a sign for “Retro World,” a video game store nestled on a quiet shopping strip. Intrigued and nostalgic, Pete pulls into the parking lot and steps inside.

As he walks through the door, Pete realizes he’s stepped into a time machine. The store is filled with shelves upon shelves of gaming consoles and cartridges from decades past. His eyes drift over a few PlayStations, a limited edition Xbox, and a collection of old games that stir fond memories. Suddenly, a flash of yellow catches his eye. He looks up to see a familiar controller hanging on the wall.

“Is this a DK64 Banana Yellow N64 controller?!” Pete exclaims softly. A smile spreads across his face as he remembers the countless hours he and his younger brother spent fighting over that very controller. Now, as he stands in Retro World, a wave of emotion washes over him. He’s overwhelmed by the nostalgia of those precious, carefree days spent with his brother, bonded by the magic of their shared adventures in gaming.

As Pete continues to browse Retro World, he marvels at the variety of gaming systems they have available. He smiles as he checks out other memorable gaming systems. The store is a treasure trove of gaming history, each console a milestone in the evolution of video games. Pete’s smile broadens as he spotsMortal Kombat, GoldenEye 007, and Doom among the N64 games on display. 

As memories come flooding back, Pete strikes up a conversation with the store owner, Steve Griffin II, curious to learn how a store like this got its start. Steve shares his story, explaining that he started Retro World in 2014 in Twin Falls under the name Retro Games & Entertainment. During this time, he was serving in the US Army National Guard from 2012 to 2020, and running the store part-time was a passion project.

Steve’s love for gaming was nurtured by his father, who owned Gamer’s World & Sports. Steve learned the ins and outs of the gaming business while working alongside him. Listening to Steve, Pete feels a connection, realizing that the store is a labor of love. Steve tells Pete that people like him, who cherish and remember the magic of these games, are why he loves his job.

Steve’s team works tirelessly to provide a stellar experience for every customer, pouring their hearts into making Retro World the greatest place to shop for games and fun. They are committed to excellence, striving to ensure that each visit is memorable and enjoyable. As they chat, Pete realizes that Steve isn’t just a store owner; he’s a fellow gamer who knows these games inside and out. Steve shares stories about introducing classic games to kids who have never heard of them, marveling at how some children don’t recognize an original Gameboy or even know what an Atari is. Steve takes pride in offering lower prices than the mainstream market, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the magic of retro gaming.

Forty-five minutes later, Pete leaves the store with a yellow N64 controller, an N64 console, four new games, and a newfound friendship with Steve. Excited, he immediately texts his little brother to plan a trip back to the store together. Retro World has reignited a spark, reminding Pete of the joy and simplicity of his youth. He can’t wait to relive those moments and create new memories with his brother, just like old times.

Laura Matjasich’s journey to becoming the owner of Majestic Aesthetics & Wellness is a remarkable story of transformation, driven by her passion for helping others and her dedication to excellence. With over 14 years of experience in the medical field, Laura is a board-certified nurse practitioner who began her career in ICU medicine and family/internal medicine. For more than nine years, she served as a frontline Code Blue Team nurse, managing the intense demands of critical care. In 2011, she discovered aesthetic medicine and was immediately captivated by the opportunity to positively impact people’s lives by enhancing their confidence and happiness. This new path offered her a refreshing change and a renewed sense of purpose, leading her to become a prominent figure in the aesthetics industry.

Laura received her extensive aesthetic training at the prestigious National Institute of Medical Aesthetics in Salt Lake City, Utah. Here, she trained with some of the top injectors in the country, and soon after, began practicing aesthetics in both Utah and Idaho. What started as a side hustle quickly became a passion, contrasting sharply with the demands of ICU nursing.

A pivotal moment occurred when a colleague brought a friend in for treatment, stressing that money was no object—only the quality of service mattered. Laura worked her magic, and when she handed the client a mirror, tears of joy streamed down the woman’s face as she exclaimed, “I have never felt so beautiful!” Once a high school dropout and drug addict, this client’s newfound confidence inspired her to complete her GED and open her own drug and addiction rehab facility. This experience was life-changing for both Laura and her client, solidifying Laura’s commitment to aesthetic medicine.

Laura realized that her work encompassed much more than physical beauty. She discovered that restoring self-image brought about significant positive changes in people’s lives. Their newfound confidence helped them improve relationships and become more productive. This revelation transformed “aesthetic work” into “wellness work” for Laura, making empowerment and positive change the true “things of beauty” she sought for her patients.

As she expanded her services for the Twin Falls community, Laura curated treatments that bridged aesthetics, anti-aging, and overall wellness. She takes a comprehensive medical approach to aesthetics, offering the latest advancements in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, sexual health and wellness, laser technology, and IV vitamin infusions. Her nursing background allows her to provide patients with an action plan to feel good from the “inside out” and the “outside in.”

Laura believes the best cosmetic treatments are those that are undetectable, focusing on natural and beautiful results rather than “overdone” or fake-looking outcomes. She takes a confident yet conservative approach, ensuring patients look refreshed and revitalized while remaining true to themselves. Her ability to listen and understand her patients’ desires, coupled with her masterful injection skills, has earned her a reputation for excellence.

Laura continues to enhance her skills through private training and ongoing education, staying current with the latest techniques and best practices. Recently named one of the most respected providers in the country by the Best Aesthetics Injectors in America National Directory, Laura is licensed to practice in Idaho, Utah, California, and Texas, offering virtual weight loss consultations using Sema/Tirz. Her dedication and expertise have earned Majestic Aesthetics top rankings in Idaho as well as national recognition.

As her practice grew, Laura transitioned from a small 125-square-foot room in a chiropractor’s office to renting a 2,400-square-foot location, and finally to owning a state-of-the-art 6,000-square-foot Medspa in Twin Falls. This new, premier location is now open, marking a significant milestone in her journey. Laura Matjasich’s story is a powerful reminder of how passion, dedication, and the desire to help others can lead to extraordinary success and fulfillment.

Fresh Off The Hook, a charming seafood restaurant in Boise, Idaho, stands out not just for its delicious dishes but for the heartwarming story behind its creation.

At just four years old, Danae Valle discovered her passion for hairstyling when she playfully clipped her brother’s hair. This early fascination blossomed as she grew older, and she created a “home salon” where she practiced her budding skills on family members. Danae knew she wanted to attend hair school, but as a recent high school graduate, she couldn’t afford the tuition. She was fortunate to earn a scholarship to a local school called Razzle Dazzle, but she still needed $500 to cover the remaining costs. In a twist of fate, Danae was competing in the Cherry Festival Pageant in Emmett at the same time and miraculously won the Miss Congeniality award, which came with a $500 prize—exactly what she needed.

Fast forward over 30 years, and Danae remains as passionate about hairstyling as she was when she was cutting hair for neighbors and friends. She is now the proud owner of V3 Hair Studio, and her passion and dedication are evident in every aspect of the business.

V3 Hair Studio is more than just a salon; it is a hub of creativity, community, and professional growth. The salon offers a range of services, including haircuts, color treatments, styling, and specialized hair treatments. Whether clients are looking for a simple trim, a complete makeover, or a trendy new style, V3 Hair Studio delivers exceptional results. The team of skilled stylists stays up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques, ensuring clients always receive the best possible care.

Danae’s dedication extends beyond her clients to mentoring her team of hairstylists. She meets regularly with each stylist to understand their aspirations, challenges, and goals. To Danae, her stylists are not just employees but essential members of her team, each contributing to the salon’s success and reputation. She invests in various initiatives to enhance their skills and maximize their potential. V3 Hair Studio regularly offers in-salon classes focused on color and haircutting techniques, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among the team. Danae also provides workshops and training sessions on customer service, communication, and leadership, equipping the stylists with the tools needed for both professional and personal success. By investing in their development, Danae demonstrates her appreciation for her employees as professionals, leading to increased trust and dedication within the organization.

Beyond providing exceptional hair services and treatments, the team at V3 Hair Studio is deeply committed to social impact and community giving. They are the main supporter for Hope for God’s Children, an orphanage in Uganda, donating thousands of dollars and pounds of clothing and supplies to provide shelter, education, and care for orphans. Additionally, V3 Hair Studio collaborates with Days for Girls, a local nonprofit that distributes menstrual and hygiene kits and offers education in third-world countries, empowering women globally.

Locally, V3 Hair Studio partners with organizations such as The Boys and Girls Club, Gr8ter, Women’s Ignite, and local schools, focusing on youth empowerment, community events, and supporting local causes. These efforts ensure V3 Hair Studio makes a positive impact both globally and within their community. 

With a heart for hairstyling that began in childhood and a journey marked by determination and serendipity, Danae Valle’s story embodies the essence of passion and perseverance. From her humble beginnings clipping hair at home to becoming the visionary behind V3 Hair Studio, Danae has cultivated not just a salon but a vibrant community hub where creativity thrives and professionalism shines. At V3 Hair Studio, clients experience more than exceptional haircare; they encounter a commitment to excellence and a dedication to community and global outreach. Danae’s leadership extends beyond styling chairs to nurturing her team and supporting causes close to her heart, ensuring that every visit to V3 Hair Studio leaves a lasting impression of beauty, compassion, and empowerment.

Joanne and her team have built a stellar reputation based on trust, reliability, and an unwavering commitment to quality service. They do more than just clean; they meticulously tackle every nook and cranny, ensuring no speck of dust is left behind. Each cleaner follows a detailed checklist encompassing over 40 tasks, guaranteeing thorough sanitation of bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. Their proven cleaning techniques and professional-grade products ensure that every high-touch surface is spotless.

Country Health Clinic remains dedicated to its mission of providing holistic healthcare that treats the whole body. Their integrative approach, combined with a compassionate and knowledgeable team, ensures that every patient receives the best possible care. With professionals like Stephanie on board, the clinic is well-equipped to continue offering top-notch healthcare services, making a positive impact on the lives of patients from near and far.

Parents are often surprised by how easy a dental appointment can be when children expect a positive experience. The philosophy at Coeur d’Alene Kids Dental is that an appointment is as easy as the child believes it will be. By fostering a fun environment, the team helps young patients feel brave and confident.

At the helm of That 1 Painter, Ruth brings more than just business acumen; she brings heart. She believes in treating every client’s home as she would her own— with respect, care, and a commitment to excellence.

CARSTAR Hayden, an auto body shop that repairs all makes and models, collaborates with most insurance companies and offers a nationwide warranty. They’re renowned for their comprehensive services, including dent repair, dent removal, and storm damage repair, They provided Troy with 24/7 accident support and towing assistance, quickly transporting his Tesla to their shop. CARSTAR Hayden assured Troy that his Tesla was in expert hands.

At Advanced Dental Care of Twin Falls, our vision has always been clear: “Creating smiles, changing lives.” Today, we want to share a story that truly encapsulates this vision—a story about hope, transformation, and the extraordinary power of a perfect smile.