HIDDEN GEMS • Carrillo Pottery

THE OSIDER SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022

CARRILLO POTTERY

WORDS: JAMEY STONE PHOTOS: ZACH CORDNER Owners Joe and Nancy Carrillo

The best part about finding a hidden gem is that sometimes they’re hiding in plain sight. Carrillo Pottery is the perfect example of just that. Although they’ve been in business since 1997, they moved from Carlsbad to Oceanside in 2021. The kicker is that they moved in to the local landmark Anita’s house on Coast Highway. Most of us will always think of the space as the home for great Mexican food, but now it’s something much different. When you walk in the front door, you’ll be greeted by their “family friendly” vibe and eclectic offerings. What once started with owner Johnny Carrillo’s father importing clay strawberry pots from Mexico in the early 1960s has grown into a bountiful storefront offering a vast selection of pottery, tapestry, folk art, Turkish rugs, and custom furniture from faraway places ranging from Vietnam, Italy, Germany, Thailand, India, and Mexico. The walls house amazing murals by local artist Shaun Dominguez (@artbydomo) and you’ll always be greeted by Joe, his wife Nancy, or sons Cole and Tait, and store manager Taylor Verga.

This is truly a family affair. Joe and Nancy are proud Oceanside residents and raised their kids right up the street. In 2003, they also started the Life’s Rad clothing brand, which is also available at the shop. Joe started the brand after a conversation with his wife regarding the love for the store and raising their kids here in North County, and life going well at the time. That’s when the light went on, and he had to make a Life’s Rad t-shirt to share his lust for the life they made so amazingly well together.

I highly recommend checking out this amazing gem. I guarantee that you’ll leave with something really special for your house. Maybe even a new Life’s Rad shirt of your very own.

Carrillo Pottery 309 South Coast Highway (760) 805-6908 carrllopottery.com @carrillopotteryliving @lifesradco