Casa 401 is on a mission to present high-quality pieces from brands, designers and entrepreneurs from Colombia and Latin America to the Lehigh Valley. Owners Andrea Rincon and Duvan Ayala are committed to supporting sustainable and eco-friendly consumerism through ethical sourcing practices. Read on to learn more about what's in store.
Andrea, tell us about the journey to opening Casa 401!
I was born and raised in Colombia and moved to the United States 18 years ago. I focused my studies on the visual arts and art education field. My interest in entrepreneurship and Latin American artisans and makers became more evident after I helped found and manage a successful e-commerce and brick-and-mortar business in Easton for several years.
I am passionate about photography, education and Latin American cultural heritage. I focus my efforts on bringing awareness to the diverse talents of other creatives, makers and entrepreneurs from my native country. Casa 401 was born as an initiative to present high-quality pieces from emerging brands and independent designers from Colombia and Latin America to the Lehigh Valley through a unique shopping experience.
Explain the meaning behind the business's name.
The name Casa 401 is full of meaning.
My whole childhood in Colombia I lived in apartment 410. Then, when I moved to Downtown Easton, I lived in apartment building 401 #4–1. The business phone number has 401 in it. Under the astrology scope, 401 is also full of mystical astrological meaning: associated with the first house (also known as the ascendant) that represents the individual's self-image, personality and physical appearance, and the fourth house, on the other hand, that relates to the home, family and emotional foundations, as well as one's inner sense of security and stability.
The name “Casa” is a representation of not only my heritage, my country and my home, but also it is a direct connection with the values for which I stand: to bring and support small businesses that have made an honest and conscious decision to help reduce the environmental impact of their brands for a better future for all, for the world: everyone's “casa” at last.
Generally speaking, what can shoppers expect to find in store?
Casa 401 is a type of retail store that is designed to offer customers a unique and immersive shopping experience. Unlike traditional retail stores, which typically focus on selling a specific type of product, Casa 401 is characterized by a carefully curated selection of items from Colombian brands that reflect the importance of ethical consumerism and slow fashion and are hard to find anywhere else.
Our store offers a modern interior design, with carefully arranged displays that showcase the products in a way that emphasizes their quality, craftsmanship and uniqueness. This includes everything from men's and women's clothing, to accessories, footwear, home goods and personal care.
More specifically, tell us about the products!
Currently, we are working with approximately 20 different independent designers, starting entrepreneurs and everything in between. We have clothing made out of hemp, modal, silk, linen and repurposed cotton, and shoes and accessories made out of recycled plastic fibers (PET), repurposed rubber, raw canvas, wooden utensils, 3-D DIY paper sculptures, peltre cups and spoons, hand-painted raw denim pants, all-natural ointments packaged in biodegradable orange peel, handmade keychains, stunning underwear and more!
We offer a carefully curated selection of pieces that have a story to tell, often one of a kind, made in small batches with locally sourced materials, multifunctional, eco-friendly, ethically sourced or handcrafted.
What are some of the best sellers?
Over the summer we sold out twice of our foldable fans, ointments, men's shirts, multi-way dresses and wooden spoons. Customers also love the crocheted keychains, animal stickers and paper sculptures.
Casa 401 is home to Queso at Casa, a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Tell us about how the two coexist!
Casa 401 and Queso at Casa are often described as unique and different from every other shop in the area. We want to promote ethical consumerism and that means creating a welcoming shop in which all senses are integrated. At Queso at Casa you will get the great smell of melted cheese, sweet crêpes and coffee brewing.
At Casa 401 you will engage in unique displays, sweet aromas from candles and unique racks with one-of-a-kind products. We designed the shop ourselves so you will find many unique and clever ways in which we used materials such as vintage windows or wooden cutting boards to decorate.
What goals do you have for Casa 401?
I hope to continue to expand the number of designers we work with and that people who visit us continue to fall in love and support ethical and honest businesses. I believe in building meaningful connections between our customers and the objects, so my goal is to continue to highlight stories of the dedication, passion and expertise that go into each piece.
Are there any upcoming events or offerings that you're looking forward to this winter?
We are excited to bring our winter collections, which will offer stunning embroidered pieces as well as unisex ponchos, pashminas and hand-stamped cotton dresses and pants.
We are also looking forward to expanding our hours and opening six days a week. Follow us to stay updated.
16 N. 3rd St., Easton | 484.401.7586 | casa401.com
Published as “Get the Goods” in the January 2024 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
