We are Julia and Ximena, two self-employed artisans from Aachen, who would like to combine their two labels - Claj Design and ZQTL ceramics - into one art studio. Because like so many things in life: It's more fun together!

Julia
Hey, I'm Julia. I come from Bonn, have roots in Siberia and have lived in Aachen for six years. As a trained painter and varnisher, I have always loved handicrafts and the fact of creating something with my own hands. What started as a balance to my architecture studies is now my absolute passion. In 2021, I founded my small company called "Claj design". Since then, I have been lovingly handcrafting my unique pieces. I want to give every wearer of my jewellery that feeling of uniqueness, because every piece of jewellery I make is unique and there is no second one. Among other things, I would like to use the "Kunststube" to share my love of this craft with you in the form of courses.

Ximena
Hola, I am Ximena. Mexico is my birthplace, Aachen is my home - and ZQTL is where my heart is. In 2020, I founded my small business after discovering my love for clay out of a professional and personal crisis. From engineer to artisan, I have since been making my unique pieces 100% by hand, with passion and patience. My ceramics are inspired by the beauty of the female body. With my works I want to celebrate self-love. For me, working with clay is a kind of therapy and allows my creativity to grow. Since 2022 I have been giving pottery classes in my home studio in Aachen to show interested people how cool this ancient craft is. With "Kunststube" I would like to reach even more people and inspire them for ceramics.

You can find out more about my story and that of ZQTL ceramics on my website ( https://zqtl.de/ueber-mich ) and in these interview ( https://mit-ton.de/blogs/news/zqtl-perfect-imperfect-handmade-ceramics ).