about us

Viscera
est. 2014

Viscera is an Oakland-based design house. We believe in owning fewer better things, we strive to create jewelry and apothecary that become a joyful part of your everyday. We're designers and creators first and draw inspiration from cities and the people in them who make them unique. 
Read our Manifesto 

We love all things design and small business. Our sister company, Viscera Studio, works with other small businesses to help them grow by creating strategy, branding + identity, photography, and retail design. Viscera Studio's goal is Visualizing Beautiful Ideas. 
Visit Viscera Studio 

  

Ari Takata-Vasquez founded Viscera and is the creative director behind the brand. Ari has a background in architecture and urban design and uses her wide-ranging design background to bring a new approach to jewelry and clothing. 

@AriMadeArt
MORE ABOUT ARI

Who Makes It? 

 

That's a great question! 

In the five-plus years since we've been opened, I've been asked this question more times than I can count, and it's one of my favorites! I love being able to share the stories of the people who make the things that become a part of your everyday living. Everything here has a story. We've always been dedicated to sourcing all American-made goods and, in recent years, we've been focusing more on local, west-coast producers. 

Last week, I was asked "how many of your products are made by women or people of color?" and, up until then I hadn't really given it much thought, but the answer is almost everything. This happened organically-- there wasn't some quota that we set up to ensure diverse suppliers, we didn't change our standards, but we looked in our own backyard, to our community, and saw there's a wealth of talent right here. This is what real representation looks like. So when you shop at Viscera, be proud to know that you are support our local economy, artists, makers, and crafts-people just by shopping here.