Rebecca August 14 2023

Rebecca was born with wanderlust, guts, and a love of culture. Before she was even 24, she spent 9 months in Senegal, backpacked through 7 countries in West Africa, and traveled solo for a year through South and Southeast Asia (including a job at a reggae bar in Malaysia). Since then, independent travel has remained a steady priority in her life.

She gets her entrepreneurial spirit from her parents, and after trying out a couple small scale importing operations she discovered rugs. The creation of Kush Rugs has allowed her to fulfill her vision of supporting traditional industries while bringing home to share the crafts that inspire her. All while traveling!

Perfect PDX Day:
At least 3 leisurely cups of coffee. Long walk with Jeff (see below) some place where there's trees and flowers and birds. Home cooked brekkie with her backyard chicken eggs. A good hot yoga class, some gardening, dinner and an awesome bottle of Italian red at Pizzeria Otto with her family.

Dream Trip:
Starting in Alaska, she’d travel across the Aleutian islands, traversing the Bering Strait to Kamchatka. Maybe a week on that peninsula and then an overland journey down the eastern coast of Russia to Vladivostok to hop on the Trans-Siberian express. All the way to Moscow. She’s been dreaming of this trip for 15 years!

Cats or Dogs?
There's no substitute for the loyalty, smarts, dedication, and pure joy of dogs. She loves them. All of them.

Brian August 14 2023

When Brian moved from Chicago to Portland, he answered an ad in the Oregonian for a rug washer and fell in love. Twenty plus years later, he's still romanced by the craft of rugs. Outside of the gallery, he loves to spend time with family, reading, and singing karaoke. Oh, and some say he plays a mean game of ping pong.

PDX Day: Four cups of black coffee, a work out, followed by a leisurely brunch. (There is more coffee.) In the afternoon, a family adventure. That evening Grandpa watches the kiddo, so Brian and his wife can dine out. The night is capped off by belting out karaoke. (Ideally there is a nap in there somewhere.)

Dream Trip: Brian loves to travel to source rugs! He loves the people, the food, and the adventure of searching out the perfect piece, or the right partner to make an original Kush design. Outside of work trips, he is most relaxed on a quiet island under a palapa, half reading, half sleeping, the lulling sounds of the ocean in the air. Zzz...

Cats or dogs? Ummm… both! Brian has a Blue Tick hound named Maggie who is an expert napper. Nora, a Lynx Point Balinese. Nora, aka ‘the Duchess” will play fetch, however puddy’s main talent is cuddling. The newest addition is Shoji who likes to eat everyone else food.

Sean August 14 2023

A Houston native with a background in fashion and personal styling, Sean was one of those kids who would constantly rearrange and paint his bedroom. After a stint as a personal stylist, he moved to Portland in 2014 where he has enjoyed working in interiors ever since. Design in any form is vital to his being, he loves working with clients and helping them find that perfect piece. Custom rugs are a personal favorite because it allows him the freedom to help design the perfect rug for any space - whether it's a living room or a hotel lobby.

Perfect PDX Day:
Start the day with a couple of Americanos and his all time favorite breakfast sandwich at The Hazel Room in SE Portland. The "Bacon Is My Jam" is absolutely his jam. Follow that with a day of bouncing around the city, finally either cooking dinner with friends and baking something for dessert or going out for a giant plate of sushi or bowl of pho. Throw in an episode or ten of Frasier at the end of the day-- perfect!

Dream Trip:
Taking a train around Europe absorbing the history and painterly scenes, stopping at all of his pied de terre along the way. With Beyonce.

Cats or Dogs?
Dogs by far. He loves their individual personalities and couldn't live without both of his doggos!

Michael August 14 2023

Born and raised right in the heart of Portland, Michael was introduced to design at an early age by his mom, an avid antiquer. Most weekends involved traveling to flea markets and estate sales on the search for antique vanity sets, perfume bottles, art nouveau side tables, and very often, Persian rugs. Upon receiving a business degree from Portland State University, an opportunity to work with a high-end residential architect influenced his decision to follow his passion for design which led him back to school for his interior design degree.

After graduating from The Art Institute of Portland, Michael spent the last 10 years in the commercial furniture industry designing and collaborating with designers on commercial and hospitality spaces. Working and collaborating with clients and colleagues is where you’ll find Michael at his happiest. He strives to build lasting relationships with his clients and become a true partner by ensuring projects finish on time and within budget.

Perfect PDX Day: Waking up bright and early to discover a cool and sunny Portland morning. After enjoying a cup of French press coffee (preferably a bold dark roast) on the back patio, Michael takes his dog, Pippa, on a walk through the neighborhood, stopping by to visit Pippa’s best friend Potato on the way back home. Then it’s off to a workout and meeting up with friends for brunch and good conversation. Afterwards, an afternoon hike with Pippa from Lower Macleay Park up to Witches Castle to admire Portland’s natural beauty.The day wouldn’t be perfect if it didn’t involve a little baking, so Michael would bake a cheesecake to share with friends and family. After dinner with his twin brother at one of their favorite restaurants of the moment, the day would end snuggled up on the couch with Pippa to watch a good sci-fi movie.

Dream Trip: A trip to South America has always been on Michael’s bucket list. First stop, Columbia, to take in the nightlife and Caribbean beaches. Then, pass through Ecuador to the Galapagos for the amazing wildlife native to the volcanic islands. Afterwards is Peru for the street food and art scene. The trip to Peru wouldn’t be complete without a hike to Machu Picchu to take in the Incan ruins and incredible views. After Peru is Brazil and stops in Rio de Janeiro and São Paolo. After checking out Iguazú Falls, the trip would end in Buenos Aires, the city Michael most wishes to visit for its rich cultural history and architecture. After filling up on way too much good wine and food (steak, steak and more steak), it’s time to get on a plane for the long flight back home.

Cats, or Dogs: This is a no-brainer… Dogs for sure! Michael is the proud owner of a grey and white Boston Terrier puppy named Pippa and shares custody of a puggle named Jackson with his twin brother. They love going on walks together and capturing everyone’s attention with their cuteness

Joseph August 14 2023

 

Joseph came upon interiors and décor at an early age. While helping run a Design Trade showroom with his family in Southern California, he found a love for interiors and working with the design community. Bespoke became a passion, and sustainability a priority, during his 20 years representing furniture and accessory companies. Joseph moved to Portland in 2019 to be with family, and Portland has become home. He prides himself on his close relationships with his clients, encouraging creativity while focusing on detail and integrity.

Perfect PDX Day: Starts with a morning hike with his wife and dogs enjoying sunshine, a cool breeze, and crunching leaves under foot. Into the city for a relaxing brunch with family at Hunnymilk or Victoria, followed by flipping through record bins at Music Millennium or 2nd Avenue where Joseph will randomly find a rare title to cross off his list. Next, a trip to a local market to enjoy the festivities and see Portland’s small businesses thrive. Finally, time in the kitchen cooking one of their favorite meals as a family before enjoying a board game or movie together.

Dream Trip: A European Vacation! Joseph likes to see all sides of the places he visits, so the trip would be full of spontaneity and wrong turns. He would start at the Fjords of Scandinavia and head to the southern tip of Italy, catching as much live music, art, architecture, and cuisine as possible in every corner. Including the Cannes Film Festival in the curriculum would not hurt either. After all this, the bucket list is almost complete...

Cats or Dogs: Joseph loves all animals, but is a lifetime Dog Dad. He's had the privilege of loving many pups, from Siberian Huskies to Bulldogs, but regardless of breed, he can’t get enough of their unconditionally loving personalities.

Dan August 14 2023

​​Dan has gained an immense love and appreciation for both natural and built environments. This appreciation led them to major in interior design and minor in sustainability. Mixing these two passions together, Dan very slowly waded into the world of slow fashion by making and designing knitwear for friends, family and themselves. Their connection to handmade fiber arts has seamlessly flowed into their passion for rugs and the people who make them.

Perfect PDX Day: Being gently awoken by their dog, Charlie, who is doing some big stretches in anticipation of a long walk. It is a crisp fall morning with lots of crunchy leaf sounds as they walk to get a latte from Either Or Coffee and, of course, a treat for Charlie.The rest of the day is spent snuggled up on the couch knitting and watching movies or listening to an audiobook. For dinner Dan would order just about one of everything vegan from Monsoon Thai to share with their family.

Dream trip: Dan’s current dream is to do a big cross-country trip with their spouse and dog. They want to get a little camper van and drive all over and camp out in little hidden nature spots. Doing long hikes in our National Parks and sleeping under the stars sounds so dreamy. Also, Dan wouldn’t say no to seeing the World's Largest whatever if it happens to be along their route.

Cats or Dogs: As much as I love cats, I have to say dogs! Dan especially has a soft spot for bully breeds. Their sweet dog, Charlie, is a pitbull mix and the biggest baby. He loves to wear sweaters and pretend he’s a lap dog even though he weighs 60+ lbs.

Shanna August 14 2023

Shanna grew up in the Pacific Northwest and moved to Portland in 2012. She has always loved fashion and design, and began her career as a designer manager and luxury salesperson in the fashion industry. For the past seven years, Shanna has applied her love of organization and planning to various positions within the Portland design community. Shanna's aesthetic is informed by her love of modern and minimalist style. Her home remains cozy, simplistic and tidy.

Perfect PDX Day: Taking a walk with my family and our dog Bella, grabbing coffee at Sterling and eating sushi from Takahashi for dinner.

Dream Trip: Taking my family to the French countryside and renting a small cottage. Drinking espresso on the patio and venturing into Lyon to shop.

Cats or Dogs: Both! My tabby Winnie is such a gentle, cuddly sweetheart. And my rescue dog Bella is fiercely loyal and makes me laugh.

Krista August 14 2023

Krista is a graphic designer and illustrator, and while she has called Oregon home for most of her life, her eastern Idaho roots run deep. She has a background in fine arts, and studied textiles and printmaking in college before working as a textile designer for numerous apparel companies.

Krista’s design aesthetic is inspired by the colors and textures of the natural world, which she has expressed throughout her life in illustrations, ceramics, and floral design. This aesthetic, along with her love of art and culture, finds the perfect balance in rug design: Krista loves the challenge of incorporating natural fibers and timeless traditions to represent new ideas.

Perfect Pdx Day: My perfect day would be to wake up to a sunny Portland day and spend the morning working in my garden. After that, I would walk down to the nearby Vietnamese cafe for a bahn mi and iced egg coffee, then head up to Mt Tabor with my dog for a little hike and then stop by the Montavilla antique mall to see if there are any fun treasures to take home. To wrap it all up, dinner with my family at home, my husband grilling something amazing, and some homemade ice cream.

Dream Trip: My dream trip would be to rent a beach house with my family on the Adriatic Coast for a couple of weeks. We would swim in the ocean everyday and explore the coastal towns and islands and wander, absorbing all the culture and history in that region, and amazing architecture, art and food.

Cats or Dogs: While I love and have one of each, my little puppy bear is one of my biggest loves. I can't imagine life without her!

Anthony August 14 2023

Jeff August 14 2023

Jeff hails from California. Like so many before him, he thought he could make it big there, that he would be a star. Alas, rejection after rejection started to cast a pall over his naturally joyful heart. Living on the streets of LA isn't easy for a small brown dog, so one day he followed a group of kids to elementary school, figuring they'd give him some love. Jeff adores kids. In the playground of the school he was swooped up by animal control and taken to a shelter. He didn't like the California shelter, but luckily he was sent to the Oregon Humane Society on a bus and he wasn't even there one day before he found his new family.

Jeff loves his job. He works at Kush nearly every day and has been promoted multiple times. Officially VP of marketing, currently he sidelines as photography assistant / model, and head greeter.

Perfect PDX Day:
Trip to the park for some running and some fetch, treats, naps, snacks, fetch, scratches, naps, trip to see his dog pals, running around with them, fetch, dinner, naps, scratches, treats, snuggles, bed (more snuggles).

Dream Trip:
Veracruz, Mexico, for the food, culture, and beaches.

Cats or Dogs?
Unfortunately, Jeff’s family has two cats and this has proven to be an ongoing struggle. But he’s always working on improving himself and his relationships, and he’s sure that one day those cats will just go away so that he can be his best self.