Today we’d like to introduce you to Ronda Wenger.
Hi Ronda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hi, I’m Ronda, and this is the story of RoRo’s Retro. In 2022, my job ended, and I took it as a sign to move my mom out of the memory care facility she was living in and care for her full time. Once my mom moved in with my boyfriend and me, I started having difficulty finding activities she enjoyed doing and found puzzles, playing bingo, or anything to do with senior citizens was not interesting to her. As my family has always been passionate about music, I decided to try listening to some of our favorite artists and old albums together. It quickly became an activity that my mom, boyfriend, and I all enjoyed.
As someone with a deep appreciation for music and art, not to mention now on a new budget, I decided to get creative with my gift-giving at Christmas time. We re-purposed old records that were no longer playable and turned their album covers into journals and sketchbooks. They were a hit with everyone who received them, and they encouraged us to keep making them. Soon after, we were invited to sell the notebooks at an art show at my favorite gallery, Riches Art Gallery on E. 6th Street. My mom, boyfriend, and I worked together as we listened to music, making enough notebooks to sell at our first art show. We still needed to find a way to recycle the vinyl records, so we began re-purposing the albums’ center and up-cycling them into drink coasters.
The three of us were thrilled after our first show that people appreciate our work as much as we enjoy creating it! From there, we were invited to sell at other events, including Antone’s and two shows during SXSW. After five recent shows in Austin, we’re thrilled that our work resonates with people. It’s been a humbling and exciting journey, and we’re grateful for the support that’s allowed us to take our passion to the next level. We’re now proud to announce that we’ve launched a website, making it easier for other music lovers to find and purchase our album cover notebooks and vinyl record coasters from all over. It’s been an exciting journey, and we’re grateful for the support we’ve received.
Our products have a universal appeal that attracts a diverse range of people. Some younger customers may only sometimes recognize the artists, but they are captivated by the stunning album artwork and nostalgic feel. On the other hand, some customers are thrilled when they spot their favorite artists or bands on our notebooks or coasters. Many leave with multiple items because they can’t decide on just one. It’s the ultimate compliment when they buy our products as gifts for others.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest challenge for me was making some tough life decisions. My mom has always been my best friend, and it was tough on both of us when she got sick. Watching her health decline while living in Memory Care had been heartbreaking. Although property management was a career I cherished for over three decades, the stress and long hours kept me from the freedom and time I needed to care for my mom correctly.
Losing my job was unexpected and stressful, but it was a blessing in disguise. It served as a wake-up call that led me to prioritize what truly matters – family. With this newfound time and energy, I can devote myself entirely to caring for my mom. Moreover, our shared love for music has taken on a new purpose as we work together to re-purpose something we both grew up on and love-vinyl records. And best of all, I finally get to put my heart and soul into my mom, just as I had been putting it into my job for years. There’s simply no other way I’d rather spend my time.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a small business that values recycling, creativity, community, and family. We take pride in breathing new life into vintage vinyl records that would otherwise go to waste. Our album cover notebooks and drink coasters are made from album covers that have seen better days and vinyl records that are no longer playable- whether scratched, broken, or warped. By re-purposing, our products offer a sustainable and creative solution for those who care about the environment and appreciate the beauty of vintage album art. We’re excited to share our passion and invite you to join us.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
“We’re often asked how we came up with the name RoRo’s Retro. The answer is quite simple. When my niece and nephew were young, they had trouble pronouncing my name ‘Ronda’ and instead called me RoRo. The name quickly caught on with family and friends. As someone passionate about everything vintage and retro, the name RoRo’s Retro felt like a perfect fit for our brand.”
Pricing:
- Album Cover Notebooks/Journals $25
- Vinyl Record Drink Coasters $10
Contact Info:
- Website: rorosretro.com
- Instagram: @roros.retro
Image Credits
The Mighty Orq
