In a world that sometimes feels increasingly disconnected, the idea of community is more important than ever. That’s where Gnomies comes in. Born from a whimsical encounter, Gnomies is more than just a brand—it’s a mission to bring people together, spark creativity, and celebrate storytelling.

Let me share the story of how it all began.

The Birth of an Idea

Before Gnomies was even a concept, I, Eli Gabriel Moreno, spent my days volunteering at a spiritual shop called CC Sees Your Guiding Light. My time there was filled with inventory work, cleaning, and even practicing Reiki when needed. It was a space of learning and connection, and one day, during a drum circle, I experienced something extraordinary.

As I closed my eyes, I saw a gnome dancing gleefully in my mind. This wasn’t just a fleeting vision; it was profound. In the days that followed, I delved into the knowledge I’d gained at the shop to understand the experience. That’s when I heard the message loud and clear: spread the love of gnomes and community in the world. It hit me like a boulder to the face.

I realized that in a time where community seemed to be fading, I needed to create something to bring it back.

Laying the Foundation

From that moment on, I devoted myself to the idea of building a community-focused project. Through the following years, I taught myself the skills necessary to turn this vision into a reality. Then, in 2020, right at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gnomies took its first steps into the world under the name "Derry’s Workshop."

The name was a nod to the gnome who inspired me that fateful day. It was a challenging time to launch a community-centered initiative. With quarantine keeping people apart, the need for connection was more significant than ever. I began promoting my goal of fostering a sense of togetherness, even in isolation.

Discovering the Power of Storytelling

At that time, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) and tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) weren’t yet my primary focus. But I’ve always loved fantasy and storytelling—a passion that led me to explore these games. When my good friend Nick introduced me to D&D, it was like unlocking a new world. I became hyper-focused on learning everything about the game, and I quickly realized it was the perfect medium for building community.

However, I noticed some challenges within the hobby. Scheduling games and finding other players could be tough, especially in an increasingly online world. That’s when the idea evolved. It wasn’t just about a single gnome anymore; it was about a village. It was about Gnomies.

From Dream to Reality

Gnomies became more than a name; it became a symbol of togetherness, storytelling, and imagination. It’s a growing family, a community of people who share a love for creating and sharing grand stories. Whether through tabletop games, merchandise, or the welcoming spaces we’re building, Gnomies is here to bring people together.

As the founder of Gnomies, I promise to provide the best possible experience for all lovers of community and storytelling. We aim to create a safe and inclusive space where everyone can come together to tell their tales and forge lifelong bonds.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we’re not just building a brand—we’re building a village.