Spotlight On: Nepal Rugs and Carpets
West Palm Beach, Florida
John London of Nepal Rugs and Carpets says that, from the first, he wanted to appeal to clients who would appreciate handmade Tibetan rugs that are not only breathtakingly beautiful but completely "green." "They're trimmed by hand and sun dried," he says, explaining the care that goes into his opulent carpets. They are woven, twisted and hooked into unique designs from soybean, bamboo, banana, cactus, nettle and other exotic plant fibers.
Given his love of natural products, his deep concern for the environment and his desire to end child labor in the rug industry, John sought GoodWeave certification. "I just wanted to make sure that our business was giving back to the community. GoodWeave helps us to do that!"
With a solid background in business and several generations of flooring sales in his family, John branched out four years ago and started his own rug company. He was excited about combining his business savvy with his love of beautiful, natural objects. And he’s been happy ever since. "You get to use your imagination more this way, and I am surprised at just how artistic rugs are."
John is fascinated with the craftsmanship and attention to detail of the weavers in Nepal. The unusual rugs Nepal Rugs and Carpets makes are purchased by design firms, art lovers and clients who want green and sustainable materials.
As a person from a sales background, John never expected to become deeply interested in the artistic elements of the rug business. But he did. "I like the idea of the different colorations and subtlety of plant and vegetable dyes," he says, while describing his recent favorite, the "Moth Rug"—a riot of purples, violets and bright shades of teal depicting a three-foot moth eating part of the rug. Its whimsy and uniqueness "capture his imagination."
John's clients respond to the beauty and intricacy of his rugs, and many of them are equally concerned with issues of the environment and child labor. There are still are some clients who don't seem moved by those concerns, but John says the many who do care make him optimistic about the future. "I hope to make them all care one day." As for his colleagues in the industry, he is sure that, as more and more importers join the GoodWeave team, the industry will become stronger.
To view Nepal Rugs and Carpets designs, visit www.nepalrugsandcarpets.com.
