Today we’d like to introduce you to Leonardo Martins.
Hi Leonardo, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My wife, Raphaela Falconi, and I have always been music enthusiasts. In 2015, after collecting records for a few years, we decided to start selling them online to buyers in Brazil. Our business then, Classic Rock Brazil Store, did well, as we bought records here and shipped them out to our home country.
This scheme continued until 2020 when we also started selling records in the United States under the name “Bossa N’ Roll Records.” By combining our favorite genre of Brazilian music with Rock n’ Roll, we’re able to introduce our customers to Brazilian soul music. We achieved this by signing up for pop-up markets, attracting many customers who constantly asked when we would open a physical store. This dream came true in June of 2021; we established a brick-and-mortar store in Maitland, close to Winter Park.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Opening Bossa N’ Roll Records hasn’t been easy. As immigrants, we had to re-learn everything and adapt to American business culture. On top of this, our store opened its doors mid-pandemic. Records are collectibles, not essential items, like hand sanitizers, masks, food, or gas. During these times, people are still struggling economically and aren’t prioritizing records, and it’s completely understandable. It’s also been rather difficult to find vintage records in good condition, those we feel satisfied in selling to our customers.; this will always be a challenge for record stores around the world.
We’ve been impressed with Bossa ‘N Roll Records, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business, and I have 17 years of experience in marketing and selling. During these 17 years, I worked with many companies, such as banks and telephone, iron, and steel markets. Still, my goal has always been to sell the thing I love the most: Records. At Bossa ‘N Roll Records, I curate old and new records, my specialty and knowledge being Rock ‘n Roll and Brazilian music. My wife and I have a deep understanding of Brazilian music, and we love to share this part of our culture with our customers. Our store is super comfortable, and it allows us to exchange numerous thoughts between our clients and us. And of course, the quality of our products and fair prices make our little store in Maitland a must-visit location!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My wife and I have to thank God for everything we’ve been able to achieve until this point, along with our supportive family and friends. Lastly, we also have our loyal customers to thank. Without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We appreciate every one of you!
Contact Info:
- Email: bossanrolllrecords@gmail.com
- Website: www.bossanrollrecords.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bossanrollrecords/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bossanrollrecords
Image Credits
Leonardo Martins
Fabim Oliveira
April 5, 2022 at 10:06 pm
Bossa ‘N Roll Records is the best place for the vinil lovers and Leonardo and Rafaela have a huge know-how as well as being lovely people.
=)