Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Birnie.
Hi Amanda, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I spent more than a decade as a photographer, specializing in weddings, portraits, and interiors. Through photographing beautiful homes, I became increasingly fascinated by interior design and especially by the way a great rug can completely transform a space.
In 2020, when the pandemic significantly impacted my photography business, I found myself at home with a newborn and a toddler, reevaluating what was next. Rather than seeing that season as a setback, I saw it as an opportunity to pursue something I had been passionate about for years. I invested about $3,000, started sourcing vintage rugs, and launched Curio Rugs from my home.
In the beginning, I did everything myself. Sourcing, photographing, marketing, customer service, and shipping. My photography background actually became a huge advantage because I understood how rugs fit into a space and how to help customers visualize them in their homes. What started as a small side project quickly gained momentum, and I realized there was a real frenzy for thoughtfully curated, one-of-a-kind vintage rugs.
What I love most about this business is that every rug has a story. These pieces are handmade, often decades old, and built to last for generations. In a world of fast furniture and mass production, I think people are craving items with character, history, and craftsmanship.
Looking back, Curio Rugs is really a story about taking an unexpected challenge and turning it into an opportunity. The pandemic forced me to pivot, but it also gave me the push I needed to build a business around something I genuinely love. Today, I’m incredibly grateful that what began in my basement and garage, has grown into a thriving company.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has actually been quite a smooth road. Knock on wood, but we have not faced any terrible challenges. We just keep working hard, giving our customers the best service possible, and keep on sourcing the best vintage and modern rugs out there 😉
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are Curio rugs and we are known for our hight stock of beautifully curated vintage and modern made rugs. We work 50/50 with trade and general public. We are known for our fair pricing, our amazing customer service, and as “the rug gals” 🙂
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I am terrible at making decisions about my own home. I can make them quickly for others, but when it comes to furnishing my own home, I struggle because I feel like the bar is set so high being surrounded by so many amazing designers!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.curiorugs.com
- Instagram: @curio_rugs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/curiorugs/
