We recently connected with Jezarely Miguel and have shared our conversation below.
Jezarely, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The idea of Matiz was not so much an epiphany as it was a realization, a calling that seemed to grow louder and more insistent in such short time. Although I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, my roots are grounded in Oaxaca, a place deeply rich in culture, enamored by the magic of its crafts, colors, textures, and the unrivaled beauty of its handmade textiles.
During the pandemic, when life had slowed down, my mind was actively thinking of my career path and life goals. There was a disconnection, a longing for the warmth and vibrancy of Oaxaca. And most importantly, the opportunity to educate others of my love and admiration for this state.
That’s when it hit me. There was a gap in the market for sustainable, ethically sourced, and beautifully crafted textiles that told a story, a story of Oaxaca, a story of Mexico. I realized that there was a way to bridge the gap between my background in interior design and my passion for my homeland’s crafts.
The emotions were a mix of excitement and fear. Excitement because I knew I had hit upon an idea that could bring me closer to my roots and allow me to share my culture with the world. Fear because venturing into the unknown is always daunting. However, the thought of creating something meaningful, something that would benefit not just me but my team of artisans and the environment, was too compelling to resist.
The logic behind Matiz was simple and clear: people are increasingly seeking out sustainable, ethically made products that have a story. I knew that there was a market for the kind of products that Matiz would offer. But more than that, I believed that the world needed to see the beauty of Oaxaca’s handmade craft.
I was solving a problem that perhaps not many people even realized existed. I was offering a unique approach by blending traditional artisan crafts with modern design sensibilities. What got me most excited was the thought of making a difference – to the artisans whose crafts would get the recognition they deserved, to the environment by promoting sustainable practices, and to the consumers who would get to experience the beauty of Oaxaca’s crafts.
In essence, Matiz was born out of a desire to reconnect with my roots, to celebrate and share the beauty of Oaxacan crafts through informative and intentional designs, and to contribute to a more sustainable world. It wasn’t just about starting a business; it was about starting a movement. And that’s what makes Matiz more than just a brand; it’s a mission. And that’s the story of how Matiz came to be.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My background stems from the commercial interior design industry where I developed an appreciation for sustainability, story telling, and conceptual development, especially after working on the Concourse E Extension project at the Portland International Airport. I was pushed to think outside the box, to think of the end user, and to develop purpose behind our designs.
That said, I knew I desired to continue my creative journey with my expertise and passions by establishing Matiz, a brand that centers around Oaxaca through storytelling and the creation of designs that are both beautiful and educational. Through our designs, Matiz aims to transport people into the vibrant world of Oaxaca, sharing the stories, traditions, and artistic expressions of the region.
The brand’s designs are not only visually captivating but also serve as a means of educating and raising awareness about Oaxacan culture. By incorporating elements of storytelling into our collections, Matiz strives to foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of the art forms and traditions that make Oaxaca so special.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
When I first began Matiz, I began with any market and trade show I could find. Showing up in person made all the difference for Matiz. I was able to go in full depth on why Matiz began, what it stood for, and provide the story telling element to our rug collections. As the founder and designer, I could tell that people appreciated seeing me at the forefront. I’d get told that they could see and feel my excitement, that they believed on the values, and they appreciated what was being done to represent Oaxaca to its best potential. In addition
We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.
Matiz works with a team of artisans in Oaxaca, where all our wool textiles are produced from start to finish. Considering that the idea sparked in the middle of the pandemic, traveling abroad was banned and all source of communication was held virtually, I had to use any source I could to connect with artisans in Oaxaca. I began with virtual video calls where I interviewed multiple families in search of the right fit. I asked about their current production abilities, their present and future goals as a workshop, and whether they found the idea of partnering with a brand exciting. After multiple interviews with artisans, I circled back with the first family I felt most connected with and felt a sense of trust with. To this day, I’ve continued my partnership with my artisans through clear and concise communication. I also aim to include my team to any exciting achievement we surpass, as Matiz wouldn’t be present through its team effort and all the hard working hands that make the brand it is today. All this to say, I always recommend others to not rush into finding a vendor. Take your time, have clear questions and answers for yourself and them, understand if your values and goals align, build a trusting relationship through clear communication, and always include them in any victories.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.matizco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matizco_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jezarely-jessy-miguel-47b48110a/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@matizco_
Image Credits
Diana Mata