I want people to know that dreamers, who came up from nothing when they started this company, turned it into something and made it bigger than what they probably would have ever even thought and expected it to be. would
— Kaleb Smith

Step inside Creative Tile in Fresno, and it quickly becomes clear—this isn’t your average tile showroom. It’s a space where design meets passion, where artistry and craftsmanship come together to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Known for their ever-evolving displays and hands-on expertise, the team at Creative Tile brings a contagious enthusiasm to every project, whether you’re a homeowner starting a DIY remodel or an interior designer sourcing material for a large-scale build. Theirs is a legacy that began 25 years ago, on August 15th, when Creative Tile opened its doors and invited the Central Valley to experience the art of tile in an entirely new way.

The creative energy behind it all comes from the mother-son duo, owners Tara and Kaleb Smith, whose passion for tile and dedication to building genuine connections with customers shape every corner of the showroom. “We love what we do—that’s the difference,” they’ll tell you, and it shows. “This is our 25th year in business,” beams Tara, President and Chief Financial Officer of Creative Tile. “We were just a family that had a vision. No corporate backing, no deep pockets—just blood, sweat, and tears. We are the epitome of hard work, determination, and not taking ‘no’ for an answer.” Kaleb, who grew up immersed in the business and those same values, now serves as Vice President and Store Manager, officially stepping into the role five years ago to help guide the company’s continued growth.

What the Smiths have built is now one of the most recognizable names in tile supply—but it all began with humble beginnings. Creative Tile started as a small corner within what is now their expansive 17,000-square-foot showroom, initially selling only pool tile, as the business originally focused on pool tile installation. “We sold a work truck for $10,000 and we bought some inventory to sell pool tile. Then as the years went on, we decided that there was a need in Fresno for a showroom that carried not just your basic lines of tile, but lines that were unique and different that people were traveling outside of the Fresno area to find,” Tara recounts.

Today, Creative is more than just a source for tile and natural stone—they are a trusted partner to designers, contractors, and customers who value not only beautiful products but also deep knowledge and installation experience. With globally sourced brands like Walker Zanger, Artistic Tile, Oceanside Glass, and Pratt & Larson, Creative Tile merges high-end design with competitive pricing, making style and quality accessible for any scale of project or level of expertise. Whether renovating a kitchen, enhancing a patio, or crafting a statement piece, Creative Tile’s collection breadth empowers customers to bring virtually any creative concept to life.

Creative Tile offers an impressively diverse array of collection types, ensuring there’s something for every design vision. Their curated categories include Porcelain Slabs for sleek, modern surfaces, Pattern Mosaics that add intricate flair and texture, and the artisanal beauty of Zellige Moroccan Tile. For vintage charm, they feature Cement & Encaustic collections, while Decorative Porcelain and Terrazzo bring bold style and timeless elegance. The showroom also showcases traditional Flooring, vibrant Glass, sturdy Stone, and unique materials like Metal, Painted Tile, Pebble, Shell, and solutions for Swimming Pool Materials and Landscaping.

Kaleb is primarily responsible for the meticulously crafted display boards and interactive exhibits that define the Creative Tile showroom experience—each one hand-cut and assembled by him. Unlike most tile stores that simply stack boxes for customers to browse, “We design our tiles to be on the wall like an art gallery,” Kaleb explains. “We want clients to come in and, regardless of the size of the job, we want people to see and be inspired by just even how we display it, which I think really is what sets us apart.” From setting materials to installation tools, customers can find everything they need under one roof, all while being warmly welcomed by Creative Tile’s outstanding warehouse team the moment they arrive.

A quarter of a century in business naturally comes with its share of challenges. “We have, in 25 years, faced so many adversities and trials that didn’t just affect us economically or pandemically, but also our family,” Tara reflects. “We’ve gone through and weathered many storms, and we’re still here—standing and thriving.” The 2007/2008 market crash forced Creative to close their newly opened Visalia location. “But we protected Fresno as much as we could, and we always kept our employees,” she adds, going so far as to sell personal assets just to make payroll during the toughest times.

The pandemic brought a new wave of challenges—along with an unexpected silver lining. After successfully protesting city threats to shut their doors over code enforcement, “We were able to turn 2020 into one of our most successful years because we were catering to people in a way that they felt safe and they felt good,” Tara says of Creative’s customer-first approach. “Nobody could travel, so people were spending money on remodels,” Kaleb adds. “And they were coming here because people needed their homes. It was a necessity. That set us apart, too.” That same year, Creative Tile strengthened its digital footprint by launching a fully shoppable website, now shipping to customers across the United States.

“Every single day, Creative Tile is a new adventure,” Tara relishes. “There’re always new experiences, new people coming in with different projects. So, it’s a really exciting place to work and to be a part of. We never get bored!” The Smiths and their team are deeply attuned to the ideas, inspirations, and requests brought in by clients, using that input to stay ahead of emerging trends and evolving design aesthetics in the tile world. “That keeps us fired up,” Kaleb shares. “Our shop is always going forward. It’s never going backwards.”

The duo emphasizes that no project is too small for Creative Tile, as they take pride in offering the same level of quality and attention to every customer regardless of their experience or scope of work. “It’s about relationships with people and networking and trying to build that trust with people, because at the end of the day, it’s about what people say about you, and it’s about what they feel when they walk into the space,” Tara acknowledges, recognizing that word of mouth is key to their ongoing success and strong referral base. “That’s how Creative Tile is still here after 25 years—because of that type of organic service that we offer and how we make people feel when they come in.”

“When I talk about legacy,” Kaleb begins, “I want people to know that dreamers, who came up from nothing when they started this company, turned it into something and made it bigger than what they probably would have ever even thought and expected it to be.” Tara and Kaleb’s shared vision for Creative Tile is deeply rooted in building something that lasts far beyond the present moment. “Everything that we do on a daily basis is not just for today. It is for the future. It is for the next generation,” Tara ensures. “Everything that I do behind the scenes financially, how make decisions financially for the company, how I push the company forward financially, is all in consideration of the next.”

From the beginning, it was Tara’s vision for Creative Tile to be a generational endeavor—one that would provide not only a sense of place and purpose for her own family, but also for the families of those who work alongside them. “Our future, and the legacy of Creative, is our family. And when I say our family, it’s not just my son and my daughter and my grandchildren—it’s also my employees,” she says. “My employees are an extension of our family.” Eight families make up the Creative Tile team, and many of those members have been with the company for over 20 years and span two generations.

As Creative Tile celebrates 25 years of innovation, resilience, and heartfelt connection, its legacy continues to flourish—one tile at a time. Tara and Kaleb are the tile Smiths that have built more than a showroom—they’ve created a space where design dreams take shape and relationships are forged. No project is too small for their attention and expertise. “Creative is unique to the Valley not only because of the products that we sell, but the service and the care that goes into every single sale and relationship that we build,” Tara asserts. “We take it personally. This is not just a job—this is our life.” Whether you’re seeking ideas, materials, or expert guidance, Creative Tile welcomes you to stop by, say hello, and enjoy a stroll through their ever-changing showroom—where every square foot tells a story.

Editorial Director Lauran Barisic
Photographer Ellie Koleen
Stylist Alma Wolverton
Hair Melissa Souza
Makeup Mattie Garcia
Grooming Samuel Haworth
Jewelry Orloff Jewelers
Kaleb’s wardrobe provided by Patrick James.