About us

 

Olá, we are Julia & Nelson – welcome to alma barru!

We’re happy you’re here! We’re Julia and Nelson, the founders of alma barru. Our passion? Handmade treasures from Portugal – sustainably made, fairly produced, and crafted with love.

Our story begins in the small streets of southern Portugal, Nelson's home country. There, we discovered beautiful ceramics in traditional potteries that immediately inspired us. The craftsmanship, the unique designs, and the stories behind each piece truly moved us. So we decided to bring this artisanal tradition to Switzerland – and that’s how alma barru was born.

Our philosophy: Craftsmanship with soul

The name alma barru is no coincidence: “alma” means soul, and “barro” (pronounced barru in Portuguese) stands for clay – and that’s exactly what we want to convey: heartfelt products that tell a story.

We work directly with small, family-run potteries and local businesses in Portugal, many of them led by amazing women who have been refining and passing down their craft for generations. Each piece is made with great care – from traditional brown clay ceramics to fine porcelain and stoneware tableware, as well as handcrafted ceramic jewelry, baskets, and textiles. Sustainability is especially important to us: most of our materials are vegan, and fair working conditions are our top priority.

Portugal for your home

With alma barru, we aim to offer more than just handmade products – we want to bring a true piece of Portugal to Switzerland, full of warmth and tradition. Every item tells its own story. Maybe it will soon become part of yours?

We hope you enjoy exploring and feel inspired!

Julia & Nelson