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ISSUE 146 | 2025

Raúl Serrano

Talking about “Mosaicos y Marmolera CLAROS” means talking about a story written with effort, sacrifice, and family love. More than 45 years ago, at a time when tools were scarce and resources limited, a man and a woman united their dreams to build a company that today stands as a symbol of trust and quality in Bolivia. In this interview, Don Nelicio Claros Díaz, founder of Marmolera Claros together with his wife, Doña María Castro de Claros, shares not only the company’s journey but also the life lessons that have marked an entire family.

1Who was the founder of Marmolera CLAROS, when was it established, and what was the company’s initial goal at the national level?

My wife, María Castro de Claros, and I are the founders. More than 45 years ago, we decided to embark on this path together. We started with simple tools and great hope. Our goal was always clear: to provide Bolivian families with quality materials to beautify their homes and buildings. It wasn’t just about selling marble or granite, but about leaving a piece of effort and dedication in every project.

2What has been the company’s most significant experience throughout all these years?

The most valuable experience has been seeing how a dream born within the family grew into a respected company nationwide. Every satisfied customer, every completed project, is a source of pride. But above all, the most meaningful part has been passing on to our children and collaborators the values of honest work, keeping one’s word, and constant effort.

“Nowadays, it is not enough to offer a good product: one must also offer responsibility toward the environment.”

3How do you manage the waste generated in the production of countertops and mosaics to prevent pollution and encourage recycling?

The stone remnants left from the cuts are classified and reused—sometimes in mosaics, other times as aggregates for countertops. Stone is noble and deserves to be fully utilized.

4From your more than 45 years of experience in the field, how do you view the importance of adapting to the growing environmental demands of the national and international market?

Nowadays, it is not enough to offer a good product: one must also offer responsibility toward the environment. Adapting is not an option, it is a necessity. Personally, I have always believed that those who do not adapt are left behind. That is why at Mosaicos y Marmolera CLAROS we seek to evolve with time, taking care of what surrounds us.

5What message would you leave to the new generations who dream of becoming entrepreneurs?

Building this company was a path of sacrifice, perseverance, and faith. I remember the days when we barely had the essentials, but the desire to work and move forward was never lacking. Together with my wife, through hard work and trust in God, we gradually built what today is Mosaicos y Marmolera CLAROS. My message is simple: dreams are built with honest work, perseverance, and love for what you do. There is no easy or quick success; what truly lasts is what is built step by step, with patience and commitment. And a piece of advice that has always guided me is this: “never trust blindly in anyone; be cautious and prudent, because not everyone who approaches does so with good intentions. Trust must be earned through actions, not words. That prudence will help you safeguard what you build and protect your efforts.” That is the legacy I hope my family and the new generations will always carry with them.

“My message is simple: dreams are built with honest work, perseverance, and love for what you do.”