About Us
Welcome to Metztli!
Hi amiguis💕 we're so happy you're here! We are a small, Latina-owned business located in Richmond, California. We opened our tiendita in August 2023, bringing handcrafted products from Tonalá, Jalisco, to share with the community.
By “we” and “our,” I really mean me—because this is a one-woman show! So, here’s a little bit about me, how Metztli came to be, and why it’s so special.
Meet the Owner
Hi! My name is Natalie, and I’m the owner of Metztli 🌙🖤✨
Born and raised in the Bay Area, I’ve lived in Richmond for half of my life. I graduated from Cal State East Bay with a degree in Business Administration with a General Management Concentration—but don’t let that fool you, I’m learning as I go!
My family has been in Jalisco (on both sides) for over four generations, and our roots run deep. Growing up, the moment school let out, we were on a plane to Mexico. The day before school started, we were on a plane back home. My parents instilled a deep love for our motherland and culture. My father was always proud of his Indigenous roots and rich brown skin, while my mother, with her fair complexion and green eyes, never missed a chance to put on a Pedro Infante movie or blast Mexican music. To me, they represented the beautiful, albeit sad, mix of Mexico—our Indigenous ancestors and our European ones.
Because of them, I love my culture.
At Metztli, we carry traditional home and kitchen goods handcrafted by artisans from Tonalá and Tlaquepaque. We also collaborate with local vendors and Latino/a-owned businesses, giving them a space to showcase their products.
The goal of my tiendita is to blend tradition with the new generation—a fusion of our ancestors and our future. In my store, you’ll find everything from handmade, traditional pottery and textiles to millenial/zennial art, stickers, cups, and clothing. A way for our older generations to feel the nostalgic reminder of home, and a way for our newer generations to connect their roots and keep our cultura alive. Together we are stronger. United, we make our ancestors proud.
Porque somos de aquí Y de allá 🤎
THE LOGO & THE NAME
The name
Mētztli (Nahuatl: [metstɬi]; also spelled Meztli or Metzi, literally meaning “Moon”)In Aztec mythology, Mētztli was a god or goddess of the moon, the night, and farmers.
For some of us, it's difficult to trace the exact Indigenous tribe our ancestors belonged. When choosing a name for my store, I wanted it to be in my language. But Spanish isn’t Mexico’s native tongue, is it? So, I looked into Indigenous languages. The two most widely spoken are Nahuatl and Maya. After researching my region, I learned that Nahuatl was spoken in some of its tribes, so I chose a Nahuatl name. I’ve always been enamored with the Moon, so the name Metztli was a no brainer.
The Logo
My incredibly talented brother (also a CSUEB student!) designed the logo.
The feathered serpent on the upper left of the crescent moon represents Quetzalcoatl, a key figure in Mesoamerican culture.
The bottom half of the crescent features Forget-Me-Nots and roots, reminding us never to forget our culture, ancestors, and where we come from.
The fire symbolizes strength and transformation.
A Little Bit About Tonalá
Tonalá, Jalisco, has been a center of artisan craftsmanship since pre-Hispanic times. The name Tonalá comes from the Nahuatl word Tonallan, meaning “where the sun rises.” Before the Spanish arrived, the region was home to Indigenous groups like the Cocas, known for their pottery and handcrafted goods.
To this day, Tonalá is famous for its rich artisan traditions, including:
• Barro Bruñido (Burnished Clay): Hand-polished, brightly painted pottery.
• Barro Canelo: Clay pottery with a natural cinnamon-brown hue.
• Glassblowing: Recycled glass is transformed into vibrant, hand-blown pieces.
• Woven textiles: Handcrafted by skilled artisans using traditional looms.
One of the biggest draws to Tonalá is its tianguis (open-air market), which takes place every Thursday and Sunday. This market has existed for centuries, dating back to the region’s Indigenous roots. Vendors fill the streets, selling everything from handmade pottery and textiles to wooden toys and metalwork.
Tonalá isn’t just a place—it’s a living, breathing representation of Mexico’s artisanal heritage, and I’m honored to bring a little piece of it to you through Metztli.