Interview: María Estrada, Founder of Casa Maricruz
The Post Supply connected with María Estrada to learn more about her visions for Casa Maricruz and how her company supports artisans in a way that can change the world.
TPS: Casa Maricruz blends a range of design and aesthetics that feels so fresh and new to use while also honoring the old. Can you tell us about your design inspiration and what you are hoping to accomplish with this brand?
At Casa Maricruz, we are deeply inspired by Spain’s rich artisanal heritage, and our mission is to preserve these traditional crafts while giving them a fresh, contemporary twist. Unfortunately, every day more and more artisan workshops are closing down because they struggle to survive in today’s fast-paced, digital market. This is why we strive to introduce these crafts to new markets, ensuring that their legacy continues. Whether it’s reaching younger generations or international customers, we aim to help artisans keep their traditions alive by adapting them to modern tastes, while still preserving their essence.
In a globalized world where identity is often lost, we see immense value in safeguarding what makes us unique. For example, pottery in Granada is a centuries-old craft that the Moors introduced to Spain during the 8th century, a tradition that has been carried on to this day. By working with these artisans, we help ensure that their legacy and knowledge continue to thrive. Through this approach, whether it’s ceramics, linens, wood, glass, or candles, we hope to perpetuate these traditions, opening them up to new opportunities without losing their original essence.
TPS: We know you work with makers across Spain that have a special relationship to the work that they do. We would love to hear some more about who is making your stunning products!
Our artisans are the backbone of Casa Maricruz. We collaborate with traditional craftsmen throughout Spain, all of whom have inherited their techniques from generations before them. For example, the ceramicists of Granada, whose methods were brought to Spain by the Moors in the 8th century, are still making pottery the same way their ancestors did. We also work with artisans from the island of Mallorca who specialize in traditional handwoven linens and beautiful blown glass. These crafts, like the linens from Mallorca, have become iconic symbols of the island’s identity.
In today’s fast-paced, globalized market, many of these artisans face the challenge of positioning themselves in a world that operates very differently from the one their traditions were born into. This is where Casa Maricruz plays a crucial role. By helping these artisans adapt to new markets, whether through digital channels or expanding their reach internationally, we ensure their unique skills and heritage can thrive in a world that often overlooks the importance of craftsmanship and identity.
TPS: What does it mean for you to be a business owner? How do you want your business to be a model for others and for a better way to operate in the world?
Being a business owner today, for me, means having the opportunity to leave a positive impact on the society we live in. And, unfortunately, we live in a consumer-driven society where people work to consume, and that’s the reality of how the system functions. With Casa Maricruz, we wanted to find a way to navigate this reality while staying true to our values. That’s why we offer an ethical product that not only preserves our cultural identity and traditions but also promotes values that are slowly being lost—values like patience, zero waste, and using materials from the Earth that can one day return to it.
There’s nothing more sustainable than a craft that has been sustained for hundreds of years. By promoting these artisanal techniques—whether it’s ceramics, handwoven linens, woodwork, or glass—we are not only offering beautiful, unique pieces, but also presenting craftsmanship as both an aesthetic and ethical choice. We believe that in a world where so much of what makes us unique is being lost, preserving these traditions is a way to protect what gives us identity.
Owning a business like Casa Maricruz is a form of artisanal activism for me. It’s about offering a solution to the challenges we face as a society, showing that tradition and sustainability can go hand in hand. In a world where consumption often comes at the cost of the environment and culture, we want to be an example of how a business can operate responsibly, contributing to a more thoughtful, sustainable, and culturally rich way of living.
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