What happens when a love for art, sustainability, and soulful living collide? You get Caitlyn Child—and her work with Fireclay Tile is proof that design can be radically beautiful and rooted in deep intention.
Today’s guest is Caitlyn Child, the Vice President of Sales at Fireclay Tile, a certified B-Corp and pioneer in handmade, sustainability-focused tile. But Caitlyn isn’t just in sales—she’s in the business of storytelling through space. And she’s here to show us how thoughtful materials, slow design, and a passion for people can transform more than just a home… they can shift the way we live and connect.
How Caitlyn Turned Her Creative Roots Into a Purpose-Led Career
From antique-hunting childhoods to art history studies to a decade in social work (!), Caitlyn’s journey wasn’t linear—but it was aligned. She eventually found her way to Fireclay after studying architecture and falling in love with the tactile, earthy nature of clay.
Now, she’s helping lead a company that’s redefining what it means to build sustainably in a waste-heavy industry.
Why Fireclay Isn’t Just Another Tile Company
When we say Fireclay is doing things differently, we mean it. This isn’t just another trendy brand trying to ride the green wave. They were the first tile company to use lead-free glazes back in 1986, and they’ve stayed true to their roots ever since. Every single tile is handmade to order in California and Washington, using domestically sourced minerals, recycled water, and reclaimed materials.
They’re not just carbon-neutral—they’re designing beauty from the ground up with intention, artistry, and innovation.
What Makes Handmade Tile So Magical
Caitlyn walked me through all the nuances that make handmade tile special—from natural variation in oxides to the way light hits a glaze. You can literally feel the difference. Their tiles tell a story: of mineral-rich soil, of skilled hands, of conscious choices.
We talk about the emotional, artistic, and even spiritual connection people have with materials that come from the Earth. And how Fireclay partners with designers to translate that energy into custom, intentional work.
When Design Becomes a Healing Practice
Why This Conversation Matters
Highlights We Cover:
Come Join Us!
Connect with Caitlyn + Fireclay
One Last Thing…