By: Shaz Zeeshan

A professional career, especially in today’s world, is rarely a linear path. With shifting market conditions, evolving passions, and the emergence of new opportunities, many individuals find themselves stepping away from a well-established career to explore something entirely different. This is the case for countless entrepreneurs, who pivot from the familiar to chase a new passion, idea, or way of life.

For Virginia resident and George Mason University graduate Mohammad Chanaa, his entrepreneurial journey was sparked by personal passion and old memories. After completing his studies in Biology, Microbiology, and Sociology, Chanaa entered the healthcare industry as an EMT and community volunteer. Over time, he became the Clinical Lead at a well-known outpatient cardiology practice, earning a reputation for compassionate, restorative care. Recently, however, Chanaa’s passion for restoration has found a new direction: electronics and film restoration, particularly vintage cameras.

“I’ve always enjoyed taking things apart just to see how they work—and more importantly, figuring out how to reassemble them, often in a better condition than before,” Chanaa explains. “What began with basic electronics repairs and experimenting with old gadgets soon evolved into a deep appreciation for vintage cameras and the stories they hold.”

A Passionate Snapshot, Restored

The project that ignited his interest in restoration was the rediscovery of several old rolls of film, forgotten in storage. Taken during a trip to Lebanon years earlier, these six rolls had been misplaced. Driven by his interest in the technology and the desire to preserve the memories captured on film, Chanaa set out to learn the process of restoring expired film and recovering old photographs. This fascination with restoration, however, extended far beyond just film and camera technology. Mohammad Chanaa’s curiosity and passion for tinkering led him to explore other types of restoration projects.

“There’s something incredibly satisfying about reviving memories that might have otherwise remained lost,” he says. “I also enjoy working on typewriters and various electronics—not just for the joy of repairing them but for the experience of seeing forgotten items function as they once did.”

It is this love for bringing old items back to life, whether for personal satisfaction or resale, that now defines Chanaa’s career. As a healthcare provider, his focus is on empathetic care that helps individuals heal. As a hobbyist and emerging entrepreneur, his work is infused with the same sense of joy in restoring the old and making it useful again. Despite his full-time job in healthcare, Chanaa dedicates his downtime to pursuing this hobby-turned-business—whether he’s browsing flea markets, attending estate sales, or sifting through auctions for unique finds.

“I often stop into a few stores to look for donated items or simply to be inspired by what I might see,” Chanaa says. “At home, I focus on cleaning and repairing the items I’ve found, as well as shipping out any items purchased online.”

Collection, Restoration, Resale

Mohammad Chanaa finds satisfaction in the repair and restoration process, but part of that satisfaction comes from knowing that the items he restores are fully functional and ready for use. This passion has evolved into a business, MoCollects, which operates both online and at local markets. The business is rooted in his love for technology and collecting, and part of that passion means ensuring that every item he sells is carefully tested and fully functional before it is shipped or sold.

“Platforms like eBay and flea markets often feature ‘untested’ cameras, which could mean anything from cameras that have not been physically tested to ones being sold in a broken state without proper disclosure,” Chanaa explains. “Having started my own film camera journey as a teenage buyer on a budget, I’ve been on the receiving end of this problem more than once—left with broken cameras that I couldn’t fix at the time.”

If he was going to pursue this hobby and business further, Chanaa felt it was important to stand out for the right reasons. For him, that meant operating with transparency, clear communication, and solid documentation. He only sells technology that he has personally tested and ensures that each buyer fully understands the condition of the camera and the refund policy. He regularly shares videos of the cleaning and repair process on MoCollects’ YouTube and Instagram profiles. While not every item can be resold—some are simply too damaged to repair—those who purchase from MoCollects can feel confident in the quality of their items.

“Honesty is essential for building strong relationships with both customers and vendors,” Chanaa says. “It’s what keeps people coming back to me, even if it’s just to chat or ask questions about something they bought before. There’s nothing more fulfilling than discussing my craft, even when it doesn’t lead to a sale.”

Learning by Doing

Chanaa’s lifelong love of learning has been a key asset in both his professional life and his side projects. He has always believed in trying new things and accepting that failure is part of the learning process. For him, this approach is invaluable in acquiring new skills. He encourages others to start small and build up their abilities—beginning with simpler tasks, such as repairing battery corrosion, before taking on more complex repairs, like fixing broken gears or jammed shutters in cameras.

“More often than not, when ‘fixing things,’ your mindset is more important than what you already know. Assessing a situation, identifying a problem, and attempting a solution are critical skills,” Chanaa explains. “This mindset helps you apply what you’ve learned to a range of different devices or situations.”

This same willingness to learn has been invaluable as he navigates the challenges of running an independent business. Many of the items he works with are either sentimental heirlooms or rare pieces of technology that have personal meaning but may not appeal to a broader market. In addition, the market for his products is competitive, with both discerning customers and peer vendors who prioritize customer satisfaction. However, Chanaa has managed these challenges with thoughtfulness, compassion, and a positive outlook.

“Maintaining a positive attitude in a competitive environment like a flea market is crucial,” he says. “The best advice I can offer is to truly love what you do, and to learn as much as you can about your craft. Putting genuine care and respect into your work is the best way to build a loyal customer base and a good reputation.”