As the daughter of a rug wholesaler, I have vivid childhood memories of visiting customers with my father, sitting on a stack of rugs while the men attended to business. There were rarely women present in these spaces—but it wasn’t until I joined the industry years later that this struck me as odd.
“Aside from traditional artisan jobs such as carding, spinning, and weaving, men have historically assumed most roles within the rug industry.“ JENNIFER SAMAD
Aside from traditional artisan jobs such as carding, spinning, and weaving, men have historically assumed most roles within the rug industry. From manufacturing and importing to wholesale and retail, it’s safe to say this is still the case today. Nonetheless, from my experience attending trade shows and working with rug dealers around the country, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many strong and interesting women who work hard and care deeply about rugs. Their vision, creativity and drive have spurred a refreshing shift towards creating a more dynamic and inclusive environment. Thus, we’re celebrating notable women who are making their mark on the rug industry, while inspiring the next generation in the process. From business owners to directors of sales and operations, each of these women shares an affinity for exceptional rugs and offers their unique perspectives and struggles navigating a primarily male-dominated landscape.
Bonnie Sutton Owner and Managing Director Knots Rugs – London, UK
“While showing at Domotex, we have had many occasions when buyers would ask for the man that owned the company! They couldn’t believe that a woman could be capable of owning and running her own rug company.“ BONNIE SUTTON
What has been your experience as a female leader in a predominately male industry?
It’s been a challenging but rewarding journey making beautiful hand-knotted rugs in a predominately male industry. It took some time for us to establish the brand and to be taken seriously as a female-led rug company. While showing at Domotex, we have had many occasions when rug buyers would visit our stand asking for the man that owned the company! They couldn’t believe that a woman could be capable of owning and running her own rug company. They seemed to think that women only bought rugs, not made them. Thankfully, this has changed over the years as more women have come into the industry, but those attitudes are still out there. Juggling a young family while traveling and developing the business has also presented its own challenges but has made the success, we have had all the more rewarding.
What aspect of your job gives you the most satisfaction?
The most satisfaction I have is when we see our new collections arrive for the first time and witness how the meticulous attention to detail, we have put into the designs is reflected in the amazing execution by our production teams in Nepal and Jaipur. We are so lucky to have such talented artisans that interpret our work and with whom we've developed such strong relationships over the years. It’s also very rewarding knowing that we are contributing to keeping this ancient art of weaving alive.
What do you find most challenging about your job?
As we are a small company, juggling all the aspects of the business is a challenge while trying to stay ahead of the game in terms of innovation and design. You must wear many hats. Getting across the message that hand-knotted rugs are the best choice regarding sustainability in an ever-competitive market. We are a fair-trade company and as partners of Label Step, we adhere to the standards they set. The market is somewhat saturated by lower-priced products. Communicating that real sustainability lies in the longevity of the product, and the investment that involves, is central to what we are about as a company.
Who do you draw inspiration from?
We draw inspiration from everything around us—from fine art, nature and our organic environment to sights seen in our daily life and glimpses of patterns on a wall. Based in London, we are surrounded by visual information and inspiration. It’s not unusual for the paint brushes to come out on a Saturday as we process what we have seen through the week. We collaborate with artists and designers and specialize in interpreting and recreating abstract art into high-end rugs. We also work a lot with texture and materials to create interesting flatweaves full of rustic charm.
What career advice would you share with the next generation of women entering the industry?
Just go for it, don’t hold back, always follow your dreams, and show the rug industry what you can do.
Anna Grace Augusto Owner of Augusto Fine Rugs – Boise, Idaho
“The spirit of service inside and outside the business is a formula I assign high value to.“ ANNA GRACE AUGUSTO
What has been your experience as a female leader in a predominately male industry?
My experience as a female leader in an otherwise male-dominated industry has mostly been positive. The industry is shifting with an increasing number of women on the owner side of the business. I can feel the shift. Early in my career, I did experience subtle displays of doubt in my capacity to excel at an owner level. This subtle doubt showed up in different ways at different times in my journey. There appeared to be a general perception that, perhaps because of my gender or age at the time, there was not the level of commitment or seriousness required to ensure long-term success. I imagine most women navigating in the rug industry, or any industry at large, have had this experience. With time and increased awareness, our industry seems to be adapting and embracing the shift.
What aspect of your job gives you the most satisfaction?
Personal connection to our client experience is my favorite aspect of what I do. I have initially structured my business to be boutique and personal.
What do you find most challenging about your job?
The overall logistics in our industry are a challenge. I often feel at odds with the client experience I desire to deliver and the reality of the logistics that can impact our projects. A lot of resources and energy are funneled into trying to coordinate a balance between expectations and the realities of shipping, lead-times, damaged items etc. We work diligently to attempt to get in front of many of these complications, yet much of it still remains outside our control.
Who do you draw inspiration from? There are so many talented individuals in our industry.
I admire those who focus on creating and producing their own designs or taking on challenging projects. On the personal side, I draw inspiration from my parents. They were also business owners. They owned a funeral business in the small town in Idaho where I grew up. At an early age, I witnessed the joy and reward coupled with the relentless commitment and work required to manage a business. In addition, both of my parents were deeply involved in serving our local community. The spirit of service inside and outside the business is a formula I assign high value to. I have found service to be the key to a successful and fulfilled life.
What career advice would you share with the next generation of women entering the industry?
There are going to be many people offering advice on what you should and should not do in your business. While it is important to listen to others’ input and experiences, I have found that I must chart my own course. It is vital to have a keen sense of what you personally want out of life, and then move into what that looks like in your business. For me, this sense must be more complex than simply making money. With this developed compass, I can make the small and big decisions in my business with confidence and know that I am moving in the right direction.
Renu Giri Vice President at Oriental Designer Rugs – Atlanta, GA
“Success is perhaps 90% hard work and maybe 10% intelligence. Always be ready to learn as this process never ends, even in your 70s or 80s.” RENU GIRI
What has been your experience as a female leader in a predominately male industry?
Yes, this is a male-dominated business and things were difficult initially. But I got a lot of support from Benny, who helped me in my journey from a mere homemaker to a businesswoman. If you know your job and go the extra mile for your customers, they will appreciate you. In my over 30 years of experience, most people have welcomed and encouraged me.
What aspect of your job gives you the most satisfaction?
I love making receivables… just kidding! Actually, doing rug selection and anticipating the trends—both in the short term and long run—gives me the most satisfaction.
What do you find most challenging about your job?
Persuading our dealers to try new styles, colors, patterns, etc.—especially the ones that I feel are going to be tomorrow’s best sellers. This industry has been steeped in traditional handmade rugs, making it sometimes hard to change this conservative mindset.
Who do you draw inspiration from? My mother-in-law!
After my husband’s passing away at an early age, she was the one who encouraged me to stand on my own feet. What career advice would you share with the next generation of women entering the industry? Success is perhaps 90% hard work and maybe 10% intelligence. Always be ready to learn as this process never ends, even in your 70s or 80s. If you are knowledgeable and look after your customers well, they will come around to admire you, despite being a female.
Andrea Moomjy Co-owner of Wool & Silk Cedar Grove, NJ
“Be bold, be fearless, and most importantly, trust your gut. My few regrets have been when I didn’t follow my intuition and listened to someone who told me I couldn’t do something.” ANDREA MOOMJY
What has been your experience as a female leader in a predominately male industry?
I was born into the rug industry and have many memories of this world that has informed a lot of my life. As a child, my dad used to take me on home installation inspections as our weekend activity. I guess looking back it was a little odd and unusual, but I loved it. When I started working for my father in my 20s in New York City, the industry was very different. My sister and I were one of very few women in the business. I realize women across several industries at that time found this a challenge. While it was noticeable, I never found it to be an obstacle. The rug business is small and family-oriented. My colleagues were always very welcoming and took my opinions sincerely. To this day, I believe you have to exercise a sense of firmness and confidence as a woman in competitive workspaces, and that’s okay.
What aspect of your job gives you the most satisfaction?
Since most of my time during the week is dedicated to looking after the business end of our company, I enjoy when I get to engage in the more creative aspects of our work. Reviewing new products, working with my daughter on photoshoots, selecting colors, amongst other tasks are particularly gratifying. The artistic element of rugs is what drew me to the industry as a young woman so I try to always stay connected to that.
What do you find most challenging about your job?
The culture of the industry and the way people do business has changed over the years and continues to evolve even now, and as a business owner you have to be willing to adapt with those changes. This can be a challenge as you can never really get too settled in your comfort zone. Who do you draw inspiration from? I was recently on a fashion designer’s website. She was older than me yet so stylish and fresh. She was cooking, spending time with family, making great original work. Those are the sort of women that inspire me. There’s really no one person. I think it’s wonderful to be able to be dynamic and passionate in whatever you are doing at that moment.
What career advice would you share with the next generation of women entering the industry?
Be bold, be fearless, and most importantly, trust your gut. My few regrets have been when I didn’t follow my intuition and listened to someone who told me I couldn’t do something. Be open to advice, but don't ignore your inner wisdom.
Diana Samuels Director of Operations at Harounian Rugs International (HRI) – NEW YORK, NY
“Despite the challenges, women leaders in predominantly male industries bring unique perspectives, innovative ideas, and valuable contributions to their organizations. “ DIANA SAMUELS
What has been your experience as a female leader in a predominately male industry?
Women leaders may find themselves in the minority, with fewer female colleagues or role models to look up to. This lack of representation can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation or the need to work harder to gain recognition and respect. Female leaders in male-dominated industries may face stereotypes and biases that assume men are more suited for leadership roles. Overcoming these biases and proving their competence can be an initial hurdle. Despite the challenges, women leaders in predominantly male industries bring unique perspectives, innovative ideas, and valuable contributions to their organizations. They inspire change and pave the way for more diversity and inclusion, benefiting both the industry and society.
What aspect of your job gives you the most satisfaction?
I am responsible for overseeing various departments, working closely with our sales team and ensuring optimal productivity and performance across the organization. One role that I enjoy the most is overseeing the buying and product development process, in which I ensure that the company acquires high-quality and diverse rugs to meet the needs of today’s market and preferences of its customers.
What do you find most challenging about your job?
Producing, buying, and transporting high-quality rugs involves intricate manufacturing processes and logistics. Ensuring quality control, consistency in design, stock availability, durability, and overall quality throughout the production cycle can be challenging, particularly when dealing with various suppliers, materials, and manufacturing techniques which are sometimes sourced from different countries. Staying informed about evolving consumer trends, design preferences, and lifestyle changes is crucial in the rug and carpet industry. Anticipating and adapting to shifts in consumer demand can be challenging, but it is essential to stay relevant and meet customers’ changing needs. Also, there is an increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products. Addressing sustainability concerns, such as using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and adopting sustainable manufacturing practices can present challenges for companies in the rug and home décor space.
Who do you draw inspiration from?
I often draw inspiration from our customers and our sales team to create new and exclusive products and exploring different textures and materials, as they can be made from natural fibers like wool, silk, eco-friendly, or utilizing unique weaving techniques. I also draw inspiration from nature and natural elements, architectural styles, art and design movements. Understanding cultural influences is also key as different cultures around the world have unique rug and carpet weaving traditions. I often find inspiration in the rich heritage and craftsmanship of these cultures, incorporating traditional motifs, patterns, and color palettes into today’s fashion and classic and signature styles.
What career advice would you share with the next generation of women entering the industry?
Invest in acquiring a solid foundation of skills relevant to the industry. This can include design skills, knowledge of textiles and materials, proficiency in technology, digital platforms, software, and familiarity with manufacturing processes. Continuously improve and update your skills to stay competitive and adaptable in a rapidly evolving industry.
Wendy Reiss VP of Sales and National Accounts AT KAS Rugs, Inc. Somerset, NJ
“The rug industry’s future needs more youth, both female and male, to embrace it and take it to the next level.“ WENDY REISS
What has been your experience as a female leader in a predominately male industry?
I started as a rug buyer over 25 years ago. I remember my first day on the job was at the Atlanta market and I was surrounded by a lot of gentlemen in suits. I decided my time in this industry was going to go one of two ways: Either I was going to get run over or I was going to grab the bull by the horns. I am now a part of a company with many female leaders and role models. I love seeing more women involved in this industry and I look up to many (both male and female) who have made such an impact on me throughout the years.
What aspect of your job gives you the most satisfaction?
Working with such an incredible team of people: from corporate and management to the sales representatives out in the field, all of it gives me great joy. I learn something from one of them each day. What a wonderful and engaging group of individuals! What do you find most challenging about your job? It really depends on the day, month, and year, doesn’t it? I feel like we are in an ever-changing world in this industry and the home industry in general. So much has changed in just the last few years since covid, and in the 5 years and 10 years before that. Being one step ahead is always the goal and challenge.
Who do you draw inspiration from?
Besides the wonderful people I work with, I would have to say my Mom and Dad, who have owned their own businesses my whole life (and still do—my Dad turns 80 this year) and who have instilled a work ethic in me since a young age.
What career advice would you share with the next generation of women entering the industry?
Having worked in the rug industry now for over 25 years (in retail and management, then in buying and merchandising, then in wholesale), I would say that although it is challenging and ever-changing, the rug industry has brought a lot of joy and a never-ending desire to learn. Don’t be intimidated by it and learn all you can about the history, people, stories, and traditions they derive from. The rug industry’s future needs more youth, both female and male, to embrace it and take it to the next level. As women, we are often passionate about the important things in our life and rugs have been one of those things for me. This has made it an incredible career.
IMAGES COURTESY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE COMPANIES
