Sergiu Acsinte – Between the Tradition of Leathercraft and the Modern Vision of Entrepreneurship

Sergiu Acsinte, founder of Botiga Leather and Sales Associate at nZEB Expo, shares his entrepreneurial journey, his balance between family and business, and how his passion for leather turned into an authentic brand.

Sergiu Acsinte — father, CEO and owner of Botiga Leather, and Sales Associate at nZEB Expo — is a devoted family man and an entrepreneur who combines the tradition and craftsmanship of leatherwork with the dynamism of the business world, always seeking balance between roots and new opportunities.

C&B: How would you describe yourself in one sentence, to make those who don’t know you curious?

Sergiu Acsinte: Just one sentence? Impossible! But let’s try: I am a passionate entrepreneur, a father and a devoted family man, dedicated to growing a business in leather, Alcantara, adhesives, and other materials for workshops that refurbish car interiors, as well as in the ambitious field of construction, where I learn daily about energy efficiency and human interactions.

C&B: If we were to trace a narrative thread through your career or business, what were the key moments that defined you?

Sergiu Acsinte: I can identify two such moments. First, the day I found the courage to become an entrepreneur and launched Botiga Leather. That moment represented the bridge between my passion for leather and the opportunity to bring value to manufacturers. Later, joining The Concept team was another defining step, as it allowed me to amplify my vision and learn from the best practices in the market, consolidating my position and development in everything that defines my career.

C&B: What has been the most difficult moment in your journey so far, and how did you overcome it?

Sergiu Acsinte: As an entrepreneur, I’ve faced many difficult moments — from financial challenges and the effects of the economic crisis to times when the shortage of materials seemed to block every plan. I’ve made mistakes, sometimes costly ones, but those mistakes taught me to grow and continuously develop. I understood that success doesn’t come only from having a good product, but also from educating your market, knowing your audience, and communicating authentically with them. Each obstacle became a valuable lesson that helped me move forward stronger and better prepared.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?

Sergiu Acsinte: The dream that has always guided me was to turn my passion for leather into a lasting story — not only through quality products but also through respect for manufacturers and the desire to bring back the beauty of a noble material that stands the test of time.

In 2000, my father bought a tannery, and since then I’ve been surrounded by leather. At first, I was involved in production, then in sales, and in 2013 I started my own company that imports natural leather, adhesives, and other materials for the leather industry (footwear, leather goods, upholstery, and clothing).

In short, we help factories and small entrepreneurs who use leather in production save time and money when sourcing materials. We do this by optimizing the procurement process for our clients through the foreign suppliers we represent in Romania and through our local stock.

C&B: How did you look at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you’ve transformed over time?

Sergiu Acsinte: At the beginning, I was an entrepreneur who questioned every decision I made. But through both successes and failures, I learned that self-confidence is one of the greatest assets in business.

Today, I feel much more prepared to see challenges as opportunities, to take risks when needed, and to find solutions even when the road seems blocked. I’ve transformed from someone who feared mistakes into an entrepreneur who knows that they’re part of the growth process and that success is built step by step, through perseverance and continuous learning.

C&B: If we were to meet your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?

Sergiu Acsinte: I believe my team and collaborators would say that I’m the man passionate about leather — the one who can tell different types of leather apart even with his eyes closed. They’d probably describe me as curious and eager to learn, because research, reading, and discovering new things are part of my daily routine. I like to believe that this constant desire to learn and improve is reflected both in my work and in the way I try to inspire those around me.

C&B: What is the most important decision you’ve made that changed your trajectory?

Sergiu Acsinte: The most important decision I’ve made was to walk a double path — to be both an entrepreneur and a part of The Concept team. Entrepreneurship has given me the freedom to create, build, and turn my passion for leather into a business, while my activity in real estate and energy efficiency has helped me think strategically and long term.

At The Concept, I spent two years in high-end property brokerage, then a year working with an investor (Hubix), where my role was to bring deals to his table. Since this year (2025), I’ve been focusing on growing nZEB Expo, the largest construction-focused event in Romania. Our goal is to make it the biggest in the region, bringing exhibitors from all over the world.

C&B: How did you build your leadership style or decision-making process? Was it natural or learned?

Sergiu Acsinte: I believe that to some extent, we’re born with certain leadership skills, but if we don’t refine them through experience and continuous learning, they fade away. In my case, my leadership style didn’t appear overnight — it was built gradually through mistakes, successes, and the courage to listen and understand the people around me. It was a process where I learned that decisions aren’t made only with the mind, but also with the heart, and that a true leader never stops learning and growing.

C&B: What do you think differentiates your business or professional approach from others in the industry?

Sergiu Acsinte: I believe the difference lies in passion and perseverance. For me, leather is not just a material, but a living story that deserves respect and appreciation.

My professional approach is based on patience, attention to detail, and the desire to offer clients more than just a product — an authentic experience. Perseverance has helped me overcome the inevitable challenges in this industry, while passion has been the driving force that has kept me connected to my work.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and what moments bring you the most satisfaction?

Sergiu Acsinte: A typical day for me is divided among several roles that bring different kinds of fulfillment: the time spent at Botiga Leather reconnects me with my passion for leather.

At the same time, my activity alongside my colleagues at The Concept and nZEB Expo gives me the energy of collaboration and idea exchange — where I continuously learn and help build impactful projects. And in the evening, the most awaited moment of the day is when I get home and spend quality time with my family — the balance and motivation that give meaning to everything else I do.

C&B: What values or principles guide you in what you do, and how do you apply them every day?

The values that guide me are integrity, respect, and authenticity in relationships. I believe that only when you act with integrity and treat every collaboration seriously can you build lasting and trustworthy relationships.

C&B: How did the idea of starting this business and naming it come to you?

Sergiu Acsinte: The idea of founding Botiga Leather came from my passion for leather and the desire to bring quality materials to the market — materials that inspire and support the leather industry. Before the pandemic, Botiga Leather mainly served footwear manufacturers; during the pandemic, I focused more on artisans, as their number grew with people spending more time at home. Now, I aim to expand the business by offering workshops that refurbish cars premium-quality leather, Alcantara, fabrics, and adhesives.

C&B: If you could send a message to those following your example, what would it be?

Sergiu Acsinte: My message to those following my example is to never give up, even when the road seems hard or full of obstacles. As I mentioned earlier, mistakes and failures are part of the process, but every lesson learned brings you closer to your goals. Perseverance, patience, and the desire for continuous learning are what differentiate a fulfilled dream from an abandoned one.

Sergiu Acsinte’s story is one of balance, courage, and passion. Between his love for family and his dedication to the craft of leatherwork, he has managed to build his own path — one where tradition intertwines beautifully with innovation and a modern entrepreneurial vision.