Meet Andrea Carazo | Textile Designer and founder of Casa Edel

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrea Carazo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am from Guatemala, a country rich in culture, craftsmanship, and history. I’ve always been a hands-on person and grew up surrounded by traditional textiles and artisanal techniques, which naturally made me appreciate handmade craftsmanship. However, despite being immersed in this rich heritage, I realized there was a lack of education around these crafts.

It wasn’t until I moved to San Francisco for my undergraduate degree that I truly discovered my passion for textiles. I took a weaving class in college and immediately felt a deep connection to the pedal loom—it just really clicked. It was funny to realize that I had to leave my hometown to fully understand the significance of textiles in my life.

Coming from a business-oriented family, I always knew I wanted to create something of my own. After working for companies of all sizes in the U.S., I felt a strong calling to return home and contribute to the preservation and innovation of artisanal techniques. That desire has shaped my journey, allowing me to work closely with artisans to create meaningful, high-quality textiles that bridge tradition and contemporary design.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is called Casa Edel. We are both a handcrafted contemporary textile studio and a brand focused on preserving and innovating traditional textiles through artisanal techniques. We collaborate with artisans in Guatemala to create high-quality, handcrafted textiles that combine tradition with modern design. What sets us apart is our commitment to working closely with artisans, not only to create beautiful pieces but also to foster a sense of pride in their craft. We value sustainability, quality, and the stories behind every piece of fabric we produce. We want to tell stories through our products and be the brand that people use to celebrate the moments that bring them together around the table.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with our team. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how they grow, learn, and take pride in their work. Blending traditional techniques with contemporary design is an exciting challenge, and it’s what keeps me going every day.

Getting to where I am today has certainly not been easy. The lack of education around artisanal techniques and the challenges of running a business in a developing country have presented constant obstacles. Because of the nature of our work, which is literally handmade, we face our fair share of challenges. Problems come up all the time, but I’ve learned that part of the process is learning to solve them. I’ve come to accept that these things are just a normal part of the journey, and I approach these challenges as opportunities for growth. It’s important to stay resourceful, persistent, and surround myself with a solid support system of mentors and people who share my values.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of patience and resilience. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s crucial to stay focused on your vision, even when things get tough. Also, I’ve learned that collaboration is key—learning to listen to your team is important, and creating a sense of mutual respect and trust has been essential to our success.

What I want the world to know about Casa Edel is that we are a brand that deeply values the people behind our products. We’re committed to preserving traditional techniques while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with textiles. Our journey is rooted in the belief that artisan-made products can be both meaningful and sustainable, and I’m excited to continue growing and sharing this vision with the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles and I wanted to show them the best time ever, here’s what our week-long itinerary would look like:

Day 1: We’ll start the week by diving into the artsy, local side of LA in Echo Park. We’ll begin with a morning hike at Elysian Park and the Echo Park area, followed by a pit stop at Canyon Coffee for a late breakfast and coffee. The day will continue with visits to small shops like Otherwild, Ali Golden, Sunset Shop, Lake, Myrtle, and Cactus Store. After walking around and exploring the area, we’ll head to Guisados for some mouthwatering Mexican food. Later, we’ll grab some afternoon coffee and dessert at Dinette, and to finish the day, we’ll go bar hopping, starting at El Prado, moving to Bar Bandini, and ending at 1642 Beer and Wine.

Day 2: Beach Day For a classic LA experience, we’ll head to Santa Monica for a sunny beach day. We’ll grab coffee at Café Bolívar and then rent bikes or walk along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail. Afterward, we’ll stop by Bay Cities for one of the best sandwiches in LA. For the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a sunset drink at Bodega Wine, a laid-back spot for a cocktail and a perfect view of the beach.

Day 3: We’ll spend the morning hiking to Griffith Observatory via the scenic Ferndell path, which it has breathtaking views of the city and the iconic Hollywood Sign. After the hike, we’ll grab some bites at Trails Cafe, an outdoor spot perfect for a laid-back meal. In the evening, we’ll catch a live show at the Hollywood Bowl, if there’s a great performance on that night.

Day 4: We’ll start the day with breakfast at LA Mill Coffee and check out Broome Street General Store in Silver Lake. From there, we’ll explore the neighborhood, stopping by local shops, galleries, and record stores. For dinner, we’ll head to Pine & Crane for delicious food, and then unwind with drinks at Edendale, a cozy neighborhood bar with a relaxed vibe.

Day 5: No trip to LA is complete without a touch of luxury. We’ll spend the morning shopping or window shopping on Rodeo Drive, followed by a coffee break at Urth Caffé, a popular local spot. Afterward, we’ll visit the Getty Center, a stunning museum with beautiful gardens and panoramic views of the city.

Day 6: LA has some of the best food spots. We’ll indulge in some of the best ethnic food the city has to offer. We’ll go to Guelaguetza for incredible Oaxacan food or grab Nashville-style hot chicken at Howlin’ Ray’s. Afterward, we’ll explore the LA County Museum of Art (LACMA) and admire the iconic Urban Light installation.

Day 7: On our final day, we’ll relax with a laid-back afternoon at The Standard Downtown, enjoying the rooftop pool and soaking in the views. To wrap up our trip, we’ll head to Bestia, an excellent Italian spot in the Arts District, for a delicious dinner to end our week in style.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who have played a role in my journey, but for this specific shoutout, I’d love to dedicate it to my team, specifically the artisans I work with. Their knowledge, skill, and dedication to their craft inspire me every day and push me to keep learning and creating.

I also have to thank my family for their constant support—coming from a business-oriented family gave me the confidence to take the leap and start my own company. And, of course, my mentors and friends who have offered guidance, encouragement, and honest advice along the way. Being an entrepreneur is challenging, and not every day is easy. There have been many times when I’ve wanted to give up on my dream because of the obstacles that come up, but I’ve learned to be selective about the people I surround myself with—they are my support system.

Building something meaningful is never a solo journey, and I’m grateful for everyone who has been a part of mine.

Website: https://casaedel.com

Instagram: @casa_edel

Other: TikTok: casa_edel

Image Credits
Photo Credits: Juan Brenner, Ivan García, Joshua Díaz, Denise Pimentel