Nicola had been living in Madrid for about six months when Ottavio arrived in Spain after eight years away.
They thought they were just old friends
reconnecting over coffee and long walks through the city. Little did they know, they would not only rekindle their romance but also build something entirely new together: The Artisan Lab.
At the time, Nicola was settling into her apartment
She was searching for pieces that would make it feel like home. As a longtime design magazine enthusiast, she began stacking her favorite issues, tearing out pages and piecing together a mood board.
The vision?
Shades of terracotta, rich textures, and a space that told a story with every object placed inside it. Unbeknownst to her, this mood board would become the aesthetic foundation of the brand she and Ottavio would create together.
That summer, Ottavio gifted Nicola several ‘Intango’ baskets
The baskets were woven with intricate patterns and rich heritage. He told her the story of the ladies behind the baskets and something inside her clicked. She was moved by their stories, but also moved by their talent and the community of artisans they had built.
She placed them around her home
and suddenly, the space transformed. There was something special about these pieces. They weren’t just decor; they carried history, craftsmanship, and human connection. As friends and family came to visit her in Madrid, they realised that their was a real interest in these pieces and they believe their power to transform a space into something deeply personal and meaningful should be shared with the world.
And so, The Artisan Lab was born.
From the very beginning, they knew this was more than just a business; it was a commitment to artistry, transparency, and empowerment. These values became their compass, shaping every decision, from the artisans they partnered with to the way they shared each piece's story.
Today, Nicola and Ottavio continue to seek out meaningful ways
to bring these ideas to life—through their artisans, their growing community, and the stories they tell. The Artisan Lab isn’t just about beautiful objects; it’s about celebrating craft, culture, and the people behind it all.
Living out our brand values
About a year ago, as they began this journey, they brainstormed what this project meant to them as founders. Art, transparency, and empowerment emerged as the core values of The Artisan Lab.
Nicola and Ottavio constantly seek new and meaningful ways to connect with these ideas—both through their artisans and on a personal level—ensuring that the lab remains a force for both creative expression and social change.
What is the Art in Artisan?
An artisan can be described as someone who is skilled at making things by hand. Our definition also encompasses the need to preserve heritage and culture.
Art in artisan means celebrating the art of ritual as weaving, self-expression through hand craftsmanship that creates the connection between the past and present through the ancient art of weaving.
Through storytelling, our goal is to create a connection between our customers and our artisans. As we believe there is no greater art than creating a community that transcends age, language and geographical boundaries.
Our definition of empowerment
For us, empowerment is the process of developing strength and confidence to take charge of one’s life and rights.
At The Artisan Lab, this involves uplifting rural communities through ethical business practices, maintaining high standards of quality, and fostering trustful, long-term relationships that ensure steady income for our artisans.
It also means connecting projects with communities, encouraging them to recognise their skills and seize opportunities. Ultimately, empowerment is about nurturing artisans' creative instincts, instilling confidence in their unique talents, and allowing customers to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who craft these handmade items.
What transparency means to us
Transparency is our approach to telling our artisans’ stories, it’s rooted in the materials that make our products and the process undertaken by each artisan, serving as the foundation of our supply chain.
The Artisan Lab works alongside the artisans and the head of cooperatives to bring our products closer to our customers- we are committed to cutting out intermediaries/ the middleman so we can reinvest in our artisans/ communities. Basketry and storytelling are inextricably linked.
Our focus on visual storytelling involves sharing the personal stories of our artisans as well as sharing weaving techniques, their cultural significance, and the thought process behind each design. We strive to deepen your understanding of the story behind your purchases, and most importantly, of the community that skillfully crafted them.
A note from the founder
I’ve always been drawn to stories and the only thing that has kept my insatiable curiosity at bay was being able to dip in and out of narratives that transported me to faraway lands. For me, design and storytelling are inseparable—you can’t have one without the other.
In a world of mass production, it’s easy for objects to become mere fillers, taking up space rather than adding meaning. But the best pieces spark conversation.
Whatever you choose to purchase from The Artisan Lab, I truly hope each one invites dialogue—about the artisan behind it, the ways you’ve styled it in your home, or simply the joy of decorating with intention.
Nicola Tracey
