Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Gillian.
Hi Amber, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always known I was going to be my own boss, I tell myself “If I can “DIY” then I’ll do it myself.” I was looking online for a rug, something that was me and would bring my space together, I could not find anything that I liked or that felt like me so I decided to create my own. I then said I can make this into a business and do this for everyone as well. I ordered all of the needed supplies, created my logo and website, went on YouTube, watched a few tutorial videos, and immediately got to work. With hard work and dedication, I am now a year and a half into Rugrat Lyfestyle, and It’s everything I thought it would be and more.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not always been a smooth road, starting a business during a pandemic is tough in itself. Then trying to bring customers in is a whole different battle. Buying all supplies, having a huge inventory, and not knowing when your next sale will be can get discouraging, but I never lost faith and continued to stay consistent.
We’ve been impressed with Rugrat Lyfestyle, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Rugrat is a black-owned one-woman operation hand-tufting rug business founded in Los Angeles, California in 2021. I’ve always felt like my room was not complete until I made it me. When your space represents you, it becomes your safe space, a place you can call yours. My mission is to help create that safe space for everyone.
Rugrat is a Lyfestyle. “It’s about creating rooms that are true to you, that reflect your personality and who you really are.” Your personal space is so important. Whether that be your home, office, or any other space it’s supposed to represent who YOU really are. Having a Rugrat means doing just that.
I offer a wide variety of rugs on my website from wall hangings to coaster sets and everything in between. I also do customs. For example, a customer can send me any image (logo, photo, etc.) and from there I’ll bring it to life by turning that into a rug.
I try my best to reach everyone and bring rugrat to you. Along with my website and flea markets, I have an online storefront on Instagram, Facebook, Etsy, and Depop.
What sets me apart from others is my passion and my willingness to constantly learn and create new ideas. I don’t believe anyone should start/run a business they’re not passionate about.
I am most proud of how far I’ve come and how consistent I’ve stayed throughout all of the unforeseen events of owning a business all on my own and my personal life.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I see Rugrat going so far. I have a few things lined up for the near & further future. I’m in the process of starting tufting workshops for the public. It is just me but once my business grows even bigger than it is now, I hope to have a team & a warehouse. Then bring Rugrat to a storefront in the city.
Contact Info:
- Website: rugratlyfestyle.com
- Instagram: rugratlyfestyle
