Meet Nedim Korkmaz | Founder & Main Curator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nedim Korkmaz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nedim, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I was born on a vintage rug in the mountains surrounding present day Turkey. Growing up in a nomadic Kurdish family, I was surrounded by my Mother & Grandmother weaving rugs, and sharing the knowledge of the motifs with my sisters. The passing on of ancestral meaning behind the different designs – the how & why of them – fascinated me. This is the inspiration behind Nomadic Vintage PDX – sharing the artistry of Kurdish tribal weavers, their intentionality behind choosing each motif & what it represents.
I travel the Anatolian region, and ethically source rugs from different tribal families.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My creative process is a little different. When I curate my rugs from Anatolia, I envision them in homes here. Most of the rugs I curate are rich in history – of the region and, of the families that have created memories on them. When a client lays them out in their favorite spot, and sends me pictures telling me how much they love the rug – it brings me so much joy. That one rug becomes a bridge between different cultures, & time.

I don’t sell my rugs in a typical salesman way – I share my Kurdish culture. My clients love the way I explain the significance of the motifs, and the differences in artistry.

Was my journey easy? Yes, in terms of the friends I’ve made along the way. No, in terms of the hardships. Was it worth it? Completely. The journey has made who I am today. The challenges have taught me to be generous, humble, and how to love unconditionally.

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 history. What I want the world to know is that it is possible to turn your obstacles into stepping stones to success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When Saim visits me in Portland, this is where I would take him:

– Hiking on my favorite Columbia Gorge trail, making sure to visit the Vista House
– I love the ocean, and driving along the coast is one of my favorite things to do. Saim has to feel the shocking cold of the Pacific Ocean 🙂
– It won’t be a Portland trip without experiencing the food cart culture. Abu Omar on Washington & 2nd has the best kebabs
– To cap off the trip, dancing to the magical fusion music of DJ Anjali, Portland’s favorite DJ

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I started Nomadic Vintage PDX in August of 2018 with $300 in the bank. My biggest shoutout is to the people of Portland, Oregon, and the small businesses. They welcomed me as an immigrant wholeheartedly. I felt accepted, and gained the confidence to share my Kurdish culture & artistry through my rugs. There are many people, friends, who have a part in my continuous success. Particularly, the folks at Micro Enterprise of State of Oregon (MESO), Hollywood Lux (Tiger Lily Tattoo), Hey Doc Clinic, Urbanite and, Portland Flea.

Instagram: @nomadicvintagepdx

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/furniture/Nomadicvintagepdx

Image Credits
Mason Trinca @mason_trinca | www.masontrinca.com