Casa y Cocina can be considered Artelexia’s full circle moment. Growing up Mexican-American on both sides of the border, I had access to all of México’s cultural and artistic offerings. As I developed a love for gatherings, travel, and design later in life, I felt inspired to share the vibrant traditions of my Mexico with the world through Artelexia. 12 years in, my team and I have transformed what was once a stall at the Little Italy Farmer’s Market into a growing business that engages the customer beyond the product: community events, creative workshops, fundraising, and nurturing up-and-coming artists.

Over the years, as Artelexia grew to embrace an eclectic array of products in response to the boom of emerging local Latinx artists, the corner of our store dedicated to our favorite stone and glassware became smaller and smaller. But really, it was this corner of our store that started it all: a curation of handcrafted home and tabletop items that liven up the two spaces that are so emblematic of Mexican traditions and culture: la Casa y la Cocina.

Casa y Cocina revives my original penchant for traditional Mexican designs and craftsmanship by bringing you the best in home and kitchen decor, plus a sampling of Mexican small batch delicacies and gourmet food products. It is a microcosm of Mexico’s vibrant craft capitals and everything I’ve come to fall in love with during travels and buying trips, all while recreating the quaint village-shop vibes of European general stores and the bustle of the Mexican mercado.

Just like Artelexia, it is a space that primarily gives visibility to Mexican artisans and Latinx-owned small businesses, but also celebrates designs from all over the world. For years, you’ve followed how my love for decor has transformed my living spaces; now it's my turn to share it with you.

-Elexia De La Parra Owner & Founder