Today we’d like to introduce you to Mario And Susana Torres.
Hi Mario and Susana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
We are a blended family of 6, 3 Beautiful daughters Araina 27, Jackie 26, Celeste 21 and 1 handsome son Nick 19, my wife Susy and I (Mario). We have known each other since high school, after high school we had our families and moved on with our lives. As life happened, for me I became a young single father of 3 kids Araina, Celeste and Nick and ended up in my mom’s house. I am very appreciative for my mom and brother, who are a huge part of my support system in raising my kids, while I provided for them. Several years later, 10/27/2017 Susy and I reconnected, got Engaged in 10/28/2022 and got Married October 28, 2023. Now we are getting ready to Celebrate our 2nd Anniversary as husband and wife.
It was my idea and passion to open up a Toy Store; I am very passionate not just about LEGO but also the pop culture that it ties in with the community. I want to bring more LEGO exposure to the community and all its possibilities. I also just wanted to change my life from doing manual labor and working for others to working for myself, “Legacy”
We had our Engagement Party for Halloween 2023 and was introduced to the business by a friend; we went to training in Utah and from there I knew this was something I wanted to pursue. I then met more and more amazing friends who allowed me the opportunity to grow with their stores. I met Ryan Spaulding from BAM Irvine and together I helped him set up and open his store in April 2023, which was a success! I also helped and worked with Miguel Zuniga from BAM Lomita who opened his store in July 2023, also a success!
After, working with Ryan I met Betty and Rob Porquez from BAM Pasadena. They heard I had helped Ryan from Irvine set up and open his store, which led to them asking me to assist them with setting up and opening their store as well. In May 2024 BAM Pasadena opened their doors to the community and wonderful turnout!
In August, I began my own construction for my own store, checking out different locations and we finally settled for BAM Lawndale. I opened the store with my partners, my mom Rosa, my brother Gabe and my wife Susy, my wife and I manage the store on a daily basis. We build and have fun every day!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Our transition was not like we thought it would be. There is a lot more to running a business then you realize and if you are not prepared, wait!
We started out great; we had selected our location and were beginning to train with our team. A few months into our training, our team was changed. We felt like we were going backwards and not accomplishing anything, delay, after delay until we realized our team members were not all on the same page. The other challenge is being financially stable, without the proper income you will have many struggles
Moving forward, we met and added additional team members who helped with our Grand Opening and guided us to where we are at now.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m creative in my own way, I’m not an artist, creator or other professional image people look up to, I just like to create within my own environment.
The fact that I’m able to collect the nostalgic pieces and create my own builds with LEGO using the intricate parts and pieces fulfills my love for that era. I just love the nostalgia of old things such as movies, music, toys and now LEGO. The creativity behind LEGO and what you can do with it is unimaginable.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Frequent OUR store, help promote our Party Room as Venue for any party needs, promote our events, attend our community events, invite new and likeminded people and talk about LEGO.
We are always looking to partner with our local community!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bricksandminifigs.com/lawndale-ca/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksandminifigslawndale/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNiA-9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFZVVZCZGgyY3hZYktZSlhuAR6DeVfEV1IvefvEOltUrf9RO96uurNahca-Tli6JgWqj8Od7ipR0NDLMFLfBg_aem_mVt1NXxoeuWuglEReNWAIQ
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Bricks-Minifigs-Lawndale/61555687740917/#
Image Credits
Jacquelyn C. Flores, [email protected]
