Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Reitmeyer.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ryan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started working in rugs when I was in college and needed a part-time job. Working in this business I quickly fell in love with the craftsmanship and the stories behind each object. After completing my undergraduate degree in economics from UT Austin I knew that I needed to further explore this interest in carpets and textiles so I applied to a graduate program at the Bard Graduate Center in New York. I study historical carpets and textiles at Bard and completed a studio program in textile design at the Danish Design School in Copenhagen.
After graduate school, I went on to work for a number of design houses in New York where I learned the hands-on experience of designing and manufacturing handmade rugs. New York was pure magic, but Houston called and after I got married, my wife and I moved back to Houston to start our family. Few cities reward hard work like Houston and after working in the design community for 11 years I felt confident that I had the experience to start out on my own.
I chose the name “Retorra” because “Ryan Reitmeyer Rugs” sounds terrible and, more importantly, it is a name that comes from Latin and means yarn. I believe that all great objects come from superior raw materials and in order to make compelling and exciting rugs, you must use great yarn. I try to be inventive in my material selection incorporating plant fibers like sunpat with silk and wool into my carpets.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think that there are always ups and downs in starting a new business. The biggest obstacle has been timing. My carpets take a long time to produce, each piece is made by hand and some of the very intricate patterns require upwards of 6 months to complete. I work with some brilliant manufacturers but they are still constrained by the fact that great carpets take time to produce.
Luckily I have been able to represent some incredible work any other designers. Jan Kath, who is one of the most talented carpet designers in the business has partnered with me and I am carrying their line exclusively in the region. Jan’s rugs are visually stunning and are more like paintings than carpets. His work complements and enhances what I am doing. It has been a brilliant relationship.
Retorra – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I seek to make the best area rugs of the highest production standards. My designs are inspired by everything, I love life and love the investigation that comes inherent in anything from traveling to India to hiking a national park to building an outside water garden for my kids’ pet turtle.
The most important thing in business, I believe is to stay curious. I hope that my company becomes known for original work of excellent quality sold with a deeper understanding of the process than any competitor.
I am proud of the carpets that we make. I know the people who make my carpets and I believe in their skill and their craft. I am proud to stand behind one of my carpets and speak fluently of the process from raw yarn to finished area rug. This level of accountability over the production has given me a great sense of fulfillment.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Debbie Milman, the graphic designer is a huge inspiration for me. I enjoy her podcast and her general outlook on life. In an interview I once heard her explain that if you show up to your job with a “thank god it’s Friday” attitude then you are in the wrong job. For me, success is defined by having a job that you never want to retire from. I have that now.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3637 West Alabama St. #450
- Website: retorra.com
- Phone: 832-925-8564
- Email: info@retorra.com
- Instagram: @retorrarugs.com
- Facebook: retorra
Image Credit:
Lauren Marek
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
