Even in a market driven by the economics of mass production and cheap imports, The Empty Nest owner Cynthia Lindenman has developed a thriving niche market serving customers still willing to pay for excellence in design and quality in workmanship. Focusing on products for upscale gallery gift-shops, gourmet shops and wineries, the skilled artists at
The Empty Nest find themselves working long hours to meet the growing demand for their high quality line of products.

"Our products are designed to attract the attention of customers looking for functional gifts that reflect unique artistic design and excellent craftsmanship. Every item in our line is individually hand painted by a skilled artist. Every piece is signed by the artist, reflecting pride and the seal of ultimate quality control."

Working as a freelance designer and artist to pay her way through college, Cindy purchased the business from its owner three years later, and expanded the small home based business making "write-on-wipe-off" tile noteboards to a facility with over 4000 square feet and multiple product lines. Today, the California based company employs over eighteen artists, administrative staff and warehouse employees.

"Inherent in our products is great design, which we refresh each year. Our designers and artists review dozens of prelimilnary sketches for new products, selecting the ones that will not only reflect the artistic excellence, but will also permit the translation of the artwork to the tile with the full expression of color and texture. We begin with a specially bisque tile. The selection is also critical because the artist must accommodate for irregularities and imperfection in the natural tile. Using a watercolor technique coupled with a raised paint to add dimension, the artist completes the design. Color selections are not an accident. We want our chocolate truffles good enough to eat and our wines suggestive of a casual afternoon with good friends. Each tile is carefully inspected before it is fired at a temperature just under 2000F with a clear glaze to protect and seal the artwork. The final product is then assembled using genuine oak frames."

The Empty Nest has exhibited in profssional trade shows for almost 10 years, including the Dallas International Gift Show, Atlanta's Americasmart, San Francisco Gift Show, the Seattle Gift Show and the Rosen Group's Philadelphia Buyer's Market.