Who We Are

Hi! We’re Christopher and Nathalie, the husband-and-wife team behind Casa Makulay. Our story is all about creativity, family, and celebrating our heritage.

Christopher is a proud mestizo with roots in Manila through his grandparents. Born and raised in San Diego, he grew up navigating a unique cultural identity, never feeling like he fully belonged in one space. However, his experiences have shaped his passion for storytelling, especially through branding and typography. With a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design from the Art Institute, Christopher has spent years honing his craft, creating visual identities that bring ideas to life.

I, on the other hand, was born and raised in the vibrant city of Mexico City before moving to San Diego at 13 years old. Like Christopher, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design from the Art Institute, which is where our love story began. Bright colors, bold patterns, and crafting have always been my passion. Whether I’m sketching designs or creating crafts with our 7-year-old daughter, I find joy in blending heritage and artistry in everything I do.

These days, we run a laser machine business making custom signs for small businesses and pour our passion into Casa Makulay. 

ABOUT THE NAME

Casa Makulay blends two cultures in its very name — Casa, meaning “house” or “home” in Spanish, and Makulay, meaning “colorful” in Tagalog. Together, they reflect a space where Filipino and Mexican roots come together in vibrant harmony. It’s a celebration of heritage, creativity, and the joy of filling every home with color, warmth, and story.