Our story

Hello and welcome to Tessuto,

I’m Claudia (Di Cesare) Hartley, the founder of this newly established independent representative firm dedicated to great design.

My career began in the travel industry during the rise of cruise lines. As a District Sales Manager, I called on travel agencies to fill our sailing dates—or “sell beds,” as we used to say. Business was thriving—until it wasn’t. When the company was acquired by a larger line, I suddenly found myself searching for my next step.

Determined to find a place where I could build relationships and grow business, I was introduced to the commercial office industry during the dot-com boom, as companies and office spaces were rapidly expanding in Boston. In this new world, I discovered interior design.

For 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of working as a trusted professional, spending most of those years pioneering a top-tier textile line in Boston and New England. Becoming an entrepreneur was always on the horizon, and when the opportunity presented itself to start my own business, I jumped right in.

Tessuto means fabric in Italian. My Italian heritage and upbringing shaped the person I am today, and the name is the perfect fit for my brand. Surrounded by color and pattern all my life, I believe materials bring a space to life.

Please join me on this journey—together, we can create exceptional spaces.

Con affetto,
Claudia