We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maria Jose Meza & Brais Barros. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maria Jose Meza & Brais Barros below.
Hi Maria Jose Meza & Brais Barros, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
Maria and I resided in Lima, Peru, each pursuing our careers—she as a real estate agent and myself as a service manager in a prominent company. While life was steady, we felt the urge for change, a desire to embark on a joint venture, and a longing for a fresh start in the United States. With conviction, we made the decision to leave our jobs and relocate to Florida.
Our aspirations aligned: Maria’s love for design, color, and aesthetics complemented my interest in public relations and organizational skills. We envisioned a business that embodied life, happiness, stories, traditions, and sustainability. Hence, Table of Clay emerged—an enterprise rooted in our passions and a sense of adventure, taking shape in Tampa, Florida.
At Table of Clay, we take immense pride in curating an exquisite assortment of vibrant, culturally rich art and furniture. Beyond mere adornments, each handcrafted piece encapsulates a unique narrative—a testament to our commitment to sharing stories from the depths of Inka’s history, interwoven with a profound connection to nature. We invite you to explore and embrace these treasures that bear the essence of heritage and craftsmanship.
Maria Jose Meza & Brais Barros, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
We take great pride in offering a stunning collection of colorful and ethnic art and furniture. Each piece goes beyond being a mere decoration; it holds a unique story within its handmade craftsmanship, carrying a piece of INKA’s history and a profound connection to nature that we eagerly wish to share with you.
Our journey into creating artisanal hand-woven fabrics in the Peruvian Andes involves blending traditional techniques, cultural heritage, and expert craftsmanship. Passed down through generations, these fabrics symbolize the rich history of the Inca civilization and hold deep cultural significance.
These fabrics aren’t just functional; they are intricate pieces of cultural artistry that embody the history and traditions of Andean communities. The patterns and symbols intricately woven into these fabrics carry profound meanings, narrating stories of the past and bridging the present with the heritage of the Inca civilization. Preserving these traditional techniques amidst modernization is crucial; some artisans strive to uphold these methods, while others blend contemporary elements into their designs.
Table of Clay emerged from a shared dream between Maria Jose and Brais, spanning from Spain to Peru. Our journey took us across Lima’s picturesque landscapes to the breathtaking mountains of the Peruvian Andes, where we discovered these extraordinary fabrics and exquisite artistry. It has been an incredible adventure.
Our commitment is to offer you handpicked,elegant, authentic, and ethically sourced treasures. We are dedicated to preserving the environment and supporting local artisans, ensuring that our products not only enrich your soul but also contribute positively to the world. Whether you’re a passionate rug collector, an art enthusiast, or seeking to add beauty to your home, we warmly invite you to embark on this enchanting journey with us. Thank you for being a part of our story.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Our journey with Table of Clay has been a testament to resilience. The hurdles we’ve overcome have been numerous but instrumental in shaping our determination. As owners, we made bold decisions—quitting secure jobs, uprooting our family (including two kids and a dog) to move countries, and investing our savings into our fledgling company.
Getting acquainted with the business landscape, attracting our first customers, and adapting to a new business mentality were initial challenges. Nights blurred into days as we toiled tirelessly, exploring unfamiliar territories and tasks. Each step was uncharted, demanding us to stretch beyond our comfort zones.
However, amidst the uncertainty, our persistence paid off. The breakthrough came when we celebrated our first sales. It was a moment that validated our perseverance and resilience through the trials and tribulations that paved the path to our success. Witnessing the satisfaction of our customers with our products became our driving force, reaffirming that our dedication and resilience were worth every challenge faced along the way.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
We wanted to start our own business, leaving aside our jobs, in order to pursue the dream of dedicating ourselves to what truly impassions us. On Maria Jose’s side, it’s about design and decoration, and on Brais’ side, it’s about business relations. Our children have grown up, and we decided that it was the perfect time to do this. We are adventurers, and we wanted to seek new horizons. Both of us have always been drawn to the USA, despite having the opportunity to go to any country in Europe or Latin America. We looked for a legal way to do it, and we found the possibility through an investment visa. We want to contribute a bit of our culture, history, tradition, and color to American society, while also generating employment through our business for both Peruvian and American workers.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tableofclay.com
- Instagram: table_of_clay
- Facebook: Table of Clay
- Linkedin: Table of Clay