Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Ocana.
Hi Melanie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Seventeen years ago, my husband and I became business partners and started dating at the same time. It happened just like that! Living in south Texas, I found a way to sell a specialty handmade Mexican tile, Saltillo tile, on eBay. I sold tile during the day online while he ran his (different) business. At night, our dates included tacos and packing pallets of tile until beyond midnight. It was true love.
Fast forward 17 years later, we’ve developed Rustico Tile & Stone to be the largest producer, importer, and wholesale distributor for various types of Mexican tile and stone. Based in Leander, TX, we’re primarily an online business (RusticoTile.com), and our products ship worldwide.
Our tile production business has led to other businesses that we operate, including construction and real estate investments.
During that span of 17 years, Ray and I were married, had two children, and became a foster family in Liberty Hill, TX. We’ve also raised several 4-legged fur babies! As you’ll see in our company Instagram posts, Max is our Bernese Mountain Dog and office dog. Max and I are a certified therapy dog team and enjoy volunteering at local schools and assisted living centers.
God has had His fingerprints on my path every step of the way. So while our life is busy and full of challenges, it also abounds with joy as we pursue opportunities before us.
I’m currently developing a nonprofit organization, Dwelling Place, that will serve the foster/adopt/kinship community in hill country areas. I’d love to engage with anyone who wants to be part of this adventure with me!
And… I no longer sell tile on eBay!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing about my journey has been “easy.” From the onset, I learned everything about online marketing when it was in its infancy. I also knew nothing about manufacturing handmade Mexican tile and stone or shipping 2,500-pound pallets of tile worldwide via freight. Now, I’m a (near) expert in all those areas. My business path has been entirely grass-roots.
Pair the business adventures with doing life and business with my husband. There’s a fine line between being business partners and married people. Throw in the challenges of being an entrepreneur mom who didn’t have the luxury of taking maternity leaves. My kids have nursed with me on forklifts, slept on a cushion of bubble wrap on warehouse floors, and now take notes for me as I take work calls while driving in the car. I’m certainly not perfect and create many chaotic moments for my family. But I’m confident my children are learning what it means to have grit, empathy, and commitment in any pursuit.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Rustico Tile & Stone?
Rustico Tile & Stone is the largest handmade Mexican tile and stone producer. With our headquarters in Leander, TX, we ship worldwide from our south Texas warehouse. Our product lines include: Saltillo tile (a type of terracotta floor tile).
Encaustic-style Cement tile.
Painted Talavera tiles.
Cantera stone.
We’re different from others because we’re not a brick-and-mortar tile supply shop. People find us online (RusticoTile.com), and our customer service staff takes over. So while we’re the dominating presence in our market, our industry is very niche. We care deeply about the artisans in Mexico who produce our products. And we care deeply about being part of our customers creating beautiful spaces.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is knowing I’ve worked hard and served my customers & community with passion and integrity. It’s an honor to be able to employ and lead people. It’s an immense honor that people would want to follow my lead. And ultimately, success is also about finding contentment and gratitude in that process of serving others.
Contact Info:
- Email: melanie@rusticotile.com
- Website: https://rusticotile.com
- Instagram: @rusticotile
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RusticoTileandStone
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/rusticotile
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCifgtUJs-wpag2_VrjB0QDw
- Other: https://dwelling-place.org
