Today we’d like to introduce you to Houston Llew.
Hi Houston , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started Houston Llew in 2008 during the Great Recession, working out of a small garage in Atlanta. At the time, I was experimenting with vitreous enamel on copper — a centuries-old technique of firing glass onto metal. I didn’t set out to build a company; I set out to make something meaningful. I wanted to create art that brought happiness, hope, and light into people’s homes during a time when the world felt heavy.
The first Spiritiles were born from that intention. I paired luminous enamel imagery with uplifting quotes wrapped around the edges, combining visual art with storytelling. That combination really resonated with people. Collectors began connecting not just with the imagery, but with the words — the milestones, friendships, and aspirations reflected in each piece.
What began as a one-man experiment slowly grew into a studio built on craftsmanship, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Today, every Spiritile is still handmade using American-sourced copper and glass, kiln-fired at 1500 degrees, and finished by highly trained artisans in our Charleston studio. While we’ve grown, the heart of it hasn’t changed: we create art that celebrates life’s hopeful moments.
We’ve been intentional about building this business through partnerships with independent brick-and-mortar retailers. We don’t sell direct or through third-party platforms because we believe in preserving the value of the work and supporting local communities. That philosophy has helped us build a loyal collector base who truly engage with the art — picking it up, reading the story, feeling the texture.
From a garage in 2008 to becoming one of the leading artists working in vitreous enamel in the United States, the journey has been fueled by experimentation, resilience, and listening closely to our collectors. At its core, Houston Llew is still about one simple mission: creating art that inspires happiness and connection.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not a smooth road — and honestly, I think that’s part of what shaped us.
We started in 2008 during the Great Recession, which in hindsight was both the worst and best time to launch. Discretionary spending was down, retailers were cautious, and I was introducing a product that most people didn’t understand — vitreous enamel on copper isn’t exactly a common medium. I was asking stores and collectors to take a chance on something unfamiliar.
In the early days, it was pure experimentation. I was teaching myself the chemistry of glass and metal — and there were plenty of failures. Kiln disasters. Cracked pieces. Color reactions I didn’t expect. There’s no shortcut in enamel; you learn by doing, and sometimes by ruining a batch.
As we grew, the challenges shifted. Moving from being a solo artist to leading a team was a big transition. Craftsmanship at scale is hard. We had to figure out how to maintain quality and soul while increasing production. Building systems without losing heart. Teaching a centuries-old technique to new artisans. That required patience and a commitment to continuous improvement.
There have also been market challenges. The art and gift industries shift. Collector behavior changes. Retail environments evolve. We’ve had to be disciplined about releases and retirements, protect our brand value, and stay true to our philosophy of supporting independent retailers instead of chasing every sales channel.
And then there’s the personal side — entrepreneurship can be isolating. There were seasons of doubt. Moments where I wondered if we were growing too slowly or taking the harder road by sticking to our principles. But every challenge forced clarity: Who are we? What do we stand for? What are we unwilling to compromise?
Looking back, I wouldn’t call it smooth — but I would call it meaningful. Every struggle strengthened our craftsmanship, our culture, and our conviction. The cracks, much like the natural crazing in our enamel, actually make the work more beautiful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
That’s a great question — and one I’ve had the privilege of refining over the years.
At Houston Llew, I create handcrafted enamel artwork called Spiritiles. Each piece begins as a copper canvas layered with finely ground glass, then kiln-fired at 1500 degrees to fuse the glass to the metal. After firing, the surface is rolled to create natural crazing — those delicate cracks that magnify the luminescence of the glass. The flat panel is then wrapped around a wooden frame, and a quote or story is wrapped around the edges.
What we specialize in is the intersection of fine craft and storytelling. Spiritiles aren’t just images — they’re moments. They commemorate milestones, celebrate friendships, honor family, encourage bravery, and capture hope. We’ve built a collection that people return to again and again because they see themselves — or someone they love — in the work.
We’re known for working in vitreous enamel at scale, which is rare. It’s a centuries-old technique typically used in one-of-a-kind fine art or jewelry. We’ve developed a way to maintain the integrity of that craft while creating collectible works that are still handmade and deeply personal. Every Spiritile is unique because of the nature of the glass and the firing process, yet consistent enough to live within a larger collection.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the artwork — it’s the community around it. We’ve built a loyal base of collectors and strong partnerships with independent brick-and-mortar retailers across the country. We don’t sell direct to consumers or through third-party platforms because we believe in preserving the value of the art and supporting local stores. That’s a harder path, but it aligns with our values.
I’m also proud of the team. What started in a garage is now a studio of highly trained artisans in Charleston, all working together to honor craftsmanship and continuous improvement. Watching others master this medium and carry the torch forward is incredibly rewarding.
What sets us apart is really three things:
The medium — vitreous enamel on copper is luminous, durable, and timeless.
The storytelling — the quotes wrapped around the edges create an emotional connection beyond the visual.
The philosophy — we’ve built the business intentionally, choosing long-term value and relationships over short-term volume.
At the end of the day, we create art that is meant to be held, read, gifted, and lived with. That combination of light, craft, and meaning is what defines us — and what I’m most proud of.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
That’s such a grounding question.
One of my favorite childhood memories is being outside until the light started to fade — that golden hour when the world feels softer and full of possibility. Whether it was exploring the woods, riding bikes, or just being near the water, there was this sense of freedom and imagination that felt endless. No agenda, no pressure — just curiosity and wonder.
I remember the feeling more than the specifics: the air shifting at dusk, the quiet hum of evening settling in, and that subtle awareness that something magical existed in ordinary moments. Looking back, I think that sense of wonder shaped me deeply. It taught me to notice light, texture, mood — all things that show up in my work today.
There’s something about childhood that holds both simplicity and depth. You’re not trying to impress anyone. You’re just present. And I think, in many ways, Spiritiles are my way of preserving that feeling — capturing a moment of hope, friendship, adventure, or love and holding it still long enough for someone else to feel it too.
It’s interesting how the memories that stay with us aren’t always the big events — they’re the quiet ones that felt full. Those are the ones I try to honor in the work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.houstonllew.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houstonllew
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houstonllew
