Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicholas Barreiro.
Hi Nicholas, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2012, Clay Imports was founded and developed by brothers Zac and Nick Barreiro out of a love for tile, an appreciation for craftsmanship, and a passion for international travel. By building a team of exceptional people and collaborating with world-class artisans, we offer an authentic selection of handcrafted tiles and home goods consisting of high-quality materials and stunning designs. To this end, we aim to inspire outstanding spaces through customizable tile design and clay architectural products.
Our initial focus was on sourcing and distributing only small batches of fine clay tiles made in Mexico. However, our love and passion for artisanal products prompted us to expand our vision to offer tiles sourced from different parts of the world. Now, our tile collection comprises innovative encaustic patterns on clay tiles from Dolores Hidalgo, timeless cement tiles from Vietnam, decorative terrazzo tiles from Turkey, or our very own Mex Zellige tiles made exclusively in Austin’s sister city: Saltillo, Mexico.
Clay Imports collaborates with exceptional talent from around the world to keep our products fresh and interesting. We work with graphic and textile designers, illustrators, ceramists among an array of other artists working with different mediums to help them realize and disperse their artistry through our handcrafted tiles and Homegoods. Our main goal is to pair designers from different communities with tile makers from around the world. If you are a designer interested in collaborating with us, we invite and encourage you to contact us to help you bring your aspiring visions to life.
The New School Equipal Collection. Equipal furniture dates back to the Aztec Empire in Mexico. Today, authentic equipales are handmade in Zacoalco de Torres, Jalisco, a small town located south of Guadalajara. As a commitment to the original design concept of equipales from over 500 years ago, our New School Equipal collection is solely composed of 100% natural and biodegradable products, such as locally sourced leather, Mexican rosewood, and waxed cotton twine, all in the heart of Zacoalco de Torres. Furthermore, our furniture is available in select water-based colors, vegan options, and custom sizes.
Clay Imports is dedicated to exploring and sharing handcrafted goods between and within countries around the world. To this end, we have worked in collaboration with artisans in Mexico to launch a series of ceramic articles, such as mugs, bowls, and jars, that can transfigure your living spaces. Our Poco Collection features tableware made of reclaimed clay and glazes, creating unique ceramic pieces contributing to sustainability and reducing production waste. Whether you’re in the market for practical household items or imaginative sculptural pieces, Clay Imports offers ceramics for all.
Available in different sizes, our pendant lampshades enhance the overall aesthetics of any place while serving a practical purpose to lessen the intensity of light. Our small team in Jalisco has handcrafted these shades by using local, top-quality tule and carrizo plants with keen attention to every detail. As a result, our exceptional collection, made with love and respect for artisanry and tradition, is designed to last a lifetime in your home or commercial spaces.
Our passion for international travel inspires us to collaborate with artists from around the world who handcraft incredible works of art. This is why we partnered with Austin-based furniture maker and travel professional Allison Launius of Stampworthy Goods. In 2018 she launched Stampworthy Travels as a way to bring customers closer to the artists, designers, and weavers that produce and source all of her materials. Together, we curated Tile Travels: an immersive ceramics and design trip to our tile-making facilities in San Miguel de Allende, a beautiful city is known for its Mexican Baroque architecture and thriving arts scene.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Sometimes the road is really smooth. When I feel that the road is smooth, that’s usually a sign that Clay Imports and I are not growing nor developing. I believe that challenges, obstacles and even struggles are all part of sustainable growth. I have learned to embrace these things.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Clay Imports specializes in designing and making handmade tile. Our headquarters is in Austin and our main ceramics studio is in San Miguel de Allende, México. Clau Imports is expanding it’s product selection to include handmade ceramic tableware and other HomeGoods, such as furniture.
Clay Imports does sell “standard”, in stock products. However, we love making custom tile for people! Clay Imports is the most affordable and quickest source for custom tile!
Any big plans?
Ok, so long terms goals for Clay Imports, we love making custom tile for people and currently, about 50% of what we sell is custom made. We really see custom, made to order, is the future of the tile industry. Considering this, we are developing the next level of tile production tech. Equipment that makes it possible to produce custom-made tiles, unbelievably quickly.
Imagine walking into a tile store, designing your custom tile and walking out with it, all for the same price as purchasing an off the shelf product.
Contact Info:
- Email: Contact@clayimports.com
- Website: ClayImports.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/clayimports?utm_medium=copy_link
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clayimportsaustin/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCahJR8UElba9x17q6hmq76Q
