Today we’d like to introduce you to Nedim Korkmaz.
Hi Nedim, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
One of the vivid memories I have is of my Mother and Grandmother going into the mountains to collect herbs and flowers for dying our rugs. I was born on a vintage rug in the mountains surrounding present-day Turkey. Growing up in a Nomadic Kurdish family, I spent many hours listening to my Mother and Grandmother share ancestral knowledge with my sisters – about motifs on the rugs, their meanings, and their reasons for weaving them into the rugs.
This is the inspiration behind Nomadic Vintage Rugs- sharing the artistry of Kurdish tribal weavers and their intentionality behind choosing each motif & what it represents.
When I moved to the United States, I worked in different industries. Whenever I’d see a handmade Kurdish rug, it made me nostalgic and would bring back fond memories of my Mother, Grandmother, and my childhood spent in weaving rugs. In 2018, I was inspired to share my Kurdish Nomadic culture with the Pacific Northwest. I started my company with just 100 handcrafted pillowcases. They sold out in a matter of days! That gave me the confidence to bring in more. One thing led to another, and here I am – living my dream of having my own beautiful shop. This is a place where you can come and experience Kurdish hospitality while you shop for a magical rug.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The challenges I had were being away from family and how to navigate the system here. I never imagined as a child that I will be hundreds of miles away from my tribal land. That a little Kurdish boy will overcome all odds to open a rug store in Portland, Oregon, and share his Kurdish culture. What I want the world to know is that it is possible to turn your obstacles into stepping stones to success.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Nomadic Vintage Rugs is a curated collection of exquisite Anatolian, one-of-a-kind handcrafted rugs. I pride myself on the kind of service I provide. When you come into my shop, there is no pressure on buying. I love sharing my Kurdish Nomadic culture with you, and what you will get is an experience where you will be transported into the stories that are woven into the authentic rugs. Although an in-person experience is better, you can also shop my Anatolian rugs while in your living room. I do virtual appointments and offer reasonable shipping nationwide.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Be authentic, to yourself, and in your interactions with others.
Contact Info:
- Website: nomadicvintagerugs.com
- Instagram: @nomadicvintagepdx
- Facebook: @nomadicvintagepdx
Image Credits
Jessican vanterpool IG @filsocial
