The Rug Mine

The Rug Mine Rugs that make you feel good in your space
Ethical | Sustainable | Handmade

Over a year. Two rounds of samples. One epic rug.Meet Claire — a bold 12x15 custom masterpiece, handwoven by a family of...
07/24/2025

Over a year. Two rounds of samples. One epic rug.
Meet Claire — a bold 12x15 custom masterpiece, handwoven by a family of six artisans in northern Afghanistan. 🧵

The clients and their designer had a very specific palette in mind — not just color families, but exact shades that needed to echo the surrounding fabrics, furniture, and natural light. That’s always a challenge when you’re working with hand-spun variegated wool and a team 10,000 miles away — but we’re here for it.

Two sets of samples, countless back-and-forths, and 120+ pounds of rug later… we delivered. And the result? A thrilled client, a glowing designer, and a room that finally felt complete.

✨Woven Lives: Stories of Afghan Rug Artisans✨Zahra is 24. She lives in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, with her three sisters an...
07/16/2025

✨Woven Lives: Stories of Afghan Rug Artisans✨

Zahra is 24. She lives in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, with her three sisters and parents. In a country where most young women have been shut out of schools and stripped of basic freedoms, Zahra found another way to keep moving forward—through her hands, re her focus, and her woven art.

She’s one of many artisans who partner with The Rug Mine to bring Afghan heritage to the world, one knot at a time. Her work is exacting, quiet, and deeply skilled—woven with precision, not improvisation. It offers not just income, but dignity.

“When I’m weaving, I feel uplifted,” Zahra says. “It gives me pride to share something beautiful from Afghanistan with the world. I still dream of becoming an architect, if schools reopen again for girls.”

Through Zahra’s hands—and hundreds like hers—generations of tradition live on: strong, steady, and stitched with hope.

Today, we’re doing something a little different.Most of the words you see on this page are ones we draft with our founde...
05/11/2025

Today, we’re doing something a little different.

Most of the words you see on this page are ones we draft with our founder — the incredible Nargis Habib. But today, on Mother’s Day, we’re taking the reins to celebrate her.

Nargis is the beating heart of The Rug Mine. A mother to three beautiful girls, she leads with fierce compassion, boundless strength, and a quiet determination that has transformed lives — not just in her home, but across Afghanistan.

Over the past five years, under her leadership, The Rug Mine has empowered more than 5,000 Afghan women — many of whom now rely on this work as their only source of income. In a time when women in Afghanistan have been systematically silenced and cut off from financial freedom, The Rug Mine has stood tall as a rare and critical lifeline.

Today, it is the largest private retailer in the USA (and possibly, the world) selling Afghan rugs exclusively at scale, honoring the artistry, heritage, and craftsmanship of Afghan culture — and it’s all thanks to Nargis’ vision.

She is not only preserving tradition, but reimagining it — with bold plans ahead for fair trade initiatives, deeper community impact, and new ways to uplift Afghan women through entrepreneurship and design.

To Nargis — the mother, the leader, the role model, and the soul of this movement — we thank you. We love you. And today, we celebrate you.

Happy Mother’s Day. ❤️

Eid Mubarak from my family to yours.Today we celebrated here in San Diego, surrounded by loved ones, good food, and so m...
03/31/2025

Eid Mubarak from my family to yours.

Today we celebrated here in San Diego, surrounded by loved ones, good food, and so much laughter. We had a beautiful mix of Afghan and Persian dishes—special thanks to my sister-in-law for the flavors of Iran and to my brother-in-law for absolutely mastering the koobideh kebab.

We even did a “secret” gift exchange, and the kids had a blast—pure joy. It reminded me of my childhood Eids in Afghanistan… that same feeling of magic, family, and warmth.

A heartfelt Eid Mubarak to the incredible artisans we’re honored to work with—your strength, creativity, and perseverance inspire me daily. This work wouldn’t exist without your hands and your stories.

Grateful for these moments. Grateful for the journey. Grateful for the roots that continue to ground and inspire me.

Wishing you all peace, connection, and beauty this Eid.

-Nargis

Some people embody strength, grace, and resilience so effortlessly that they become the light guiding your way—my mother...
03/08/2025

Some people embody strength, grace, and resilience so effortlessly that they become the light guiding your way—my mother is that person for me.

Today, on International Women’s Day, we also celebrate her birthday—a fitting tribute to a woman who has dedicated her life to empowering others. As a school teacher in Afghanistan for decades, she shaped countless young minds, laying the foundation for a brighter future. She’s fearless, brilliant, and unwavering in her commitment to her homeland—choosing to stay despite every opportunity to leave.

She raised six kids on an Afghan teacher’s salary of just $50 a month, yet somehow, we never felt the weight of it. Her resilience and sacrifices are the reason I’m here today, and the reason I’m committed to expanding The Rug Mine’s fair trade initiatives for Afghan women.

Thanks to technology, I get to see her almost every day through video chat, but today, I wish more than ever that I could hug her in person.

Happy Birthday, Mamaan Jaan—and Happy International Women’s Day to all the courageous women making an impact every single day. You inspire me beyond words.

“The Rug Mine gave me a voice I never thought I had—the power to provide for my family,” Parwana told me as she worked, ...
03/07/2025

“The Rug Mine gave me a voice I never thought I had—the power to provide for my family,” Parwana told me as she worked, her hands moving with skill passed down through generations. “Without The Rug Mine, we’d just eat bread if we got lucky. Now, we can put meat on the table, share a real meal, and truly celebrate Ramadan.”

Hearing these words stopped me in my tracks. This is what it’s all about—restoring dignity, creating opportunity, and changing lives one rug at a time. Every thread woven into these masterpieces carries the resilience of the artisans who make them. And with each purchase, you’re not just bringing home a rug—you’re helping rewrite someone’s story.

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My sister sent me a video (see story) of our high school in Herat—Amir Ali Sher Nawayee—and I wasn’t prepared for the wa...
02/01/2025

My sister sent me a video (see story) of our high school in Herat—Amir Ali Sher Nawayee—and I wasn’t prepared for the wave of emotions that followed. Tears blurred my vision as memories came rushing back. I could see myself running through those hallways, searching for my classroom, where friendships were born, laughter echoed, and teachers opened our minds to a world of possibilities. We never realized, back then, how sacred those moments were.

I dream of this school often—dreams where I’m running, door to door, desperately searching for my classroom. But every room I open is empty and cold, and I’m left wandering, gripped by the fear of being lost and late. I wake up feeling that same ache, knowing it’s tied to something deeper. Today, that school, once full of life, is abandoned—its classrooms and hallways silenced, just like the dreams of the millions of women and girls in Afghanistan.

My heart aches for them. My sisters. For the girls whose futures have been stolen by locked doors and opportunities denied. While I dream of empty classrooms, they live that reality every single day. I pray for the day when those hallways are alive again, when girls can freely chase their dreams, just as my daughters do here in America. My hope is that one day, generations of Afghan girls will walk through Amir Ali Sher Nawayee’s doors, their notebooks full of possibilities, their hearts full of hope, just like we did.

There’s something about a rug that tells a story—one that feels lived in and timeless. This Afghan-Moroccan rug from our...
01/31/2025

There’s something about a rug that tells a story—one that feels lived in and timeless. This Afghan-Moroccan rug from our Berber Bazaar collection is the perfect bridge between tradition and modernity. Its subtle geometric pattern and hand-knotted texture pull in the warmth of the artwork while grounding the sleek, minimal furniture in the room. The soft fringe detail adds just enough charm without overwhelming the space.

Here, in our client’s beautiful home, you can see how effortlessly this piece ties together the earthy tones of the decor, creating a serene and inviting living area. Whether paired with contemporary art or traditional design elements, this handcrafted beauty holds its own while complementing its surroundings—just as it’s meant to.

If you’re looking for a rug that tells its own story while elevating yours, our Berber Bazaar collection is the perfect place to start.

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In this precious snapshot, our artisans in Afghanistan are diligently crafting the “Shireen” rug—a testament not just to...
01/23/2025

In this precious snapshot, our artisans in Afghanistan are diligently crafting the “Shireen” rug—a testament not just to their skill, but their indomitable spirit. Each purchase supports these incredible women directly, offering fair compensation and support through our fair trade initiatives.

Reaching these artisans in remote villages is challenging, especially with increasing restrictions. Yet, these photos and their stories are crucial—they connect us and remind me of my mother, a resilient widow who raised six children on a mere teacher’s salary in Afghanistan.

By choosing The Rug Mine, you uplift these artisans, providing hope and support that extends far beyond a beautiful rug. Thank you for being part of this journey of empowerment and change.

-Nargis

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There’s something truly magical about seeing these rugs come to life in my client’s home! The deep, rich colors of the l...
01/17/2025

There’s something truly magical about seeing these rugs come to life in my client’s home! The deep, rich colors of the living room rug perfectly complement the vibrant artwork on the walls, while the soft, neutral tones in the dining room piece create a calming elegance. The hallway runner ties it all together beautifully, adding just the right touch of character. Every corner feels so warm and inviting—these rugs are more than decor—they’re stories woven into the heart of the home.

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As we bid farewell to a remarkable year, I’m filled with gratitude for every moment, especially the unwavering support f...
12/31/2024

As we bid farewell to a remarkable year, I’m filled with gratitude for every moment, especially the unwavering support from our beloved clients worldwide. This evening, surrounded by the soft golden glow of New Year’s Eve, I captured this stunning image of one of our newest handcrafted rugs—a symbol of the artistry and dedication that thrives at The Rug Mine.

This year has been a journey of growth and profound impact, particularly for our courageous Afghan artisans. Despite facing unprecedented challenges under severe restrictions, their resilience and spirit remain unbroken, inspiring us each day. Our commitment to these incredible women is stronger than ever, as we strive to enhance their lives and ensure their talents are celebrated across the globe.

Looking ahead, we are excited for the new horizons 2025 will bring. Just as the Renaissance ignited a flourishing of the arts in Italy through investment and appreciation, we continue to refine and innovate—pushing the boundaries of luxury, craftsmanship, and sustainability in every rug we create.

Thank you for being a part of our community, for believing in our mission, and for walking this path with us. Here’s to a future filled with hope, creativity, and continued impact. Happy New Year to all, and here’s to making even more meaningful connections in the years to come!

-Nargis, and The Rug Mine Team

Strolling through the Citadel of in the summer of 2012—when were free to study, to lead, and to heal. I still reme...
12/16/2024

Strolling through the Citadel of in the summer of 2012—when were free to study, to lead, and to heal. I still remember visiting several women doctors in Herat who ran their own clinics with dignity and skill, a testament to what Afghanistan’s women are capable of when given the to thrive.

This part of the Citadel—what’s known as a corridor of arches—felt timeless beneath my feet. Walking here, I couldn’t help but reflect on Herat’s rich history. Under Gawhar Shad, a visionary leader of the Empire, Herat became the beating heart of Islamic art, poetry, and culture. Her patronage transformed this city into a center of learning and beauty, where artisans, scholars, and architects thrived.

Today, Afghanistan is shrouded in —its women silenced, its artists pushed to the margins. But at The Rug Mine, we carry a small torch of light. Through the hands of women and , the same threads of history are woven into rugs that travel across the world, bringing the soul of Herat, , and beyond into homes far and wide.

This is more than art—it’s . It’s honoring the past, empowering the present, and safeguarding the future of a culture that refuses to be erased.

We will continue our mission relentlessly, one , one thread, one artisan at a time.

Address

San Diego, CA

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 6:30pm
Thursday 10am - 6:30pm
Friday 10am - 6:30pm
Saturday 10am - 6:30pm
Sunday 10am - 6:30pm

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+18586033124

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