The Carpet Guy, Josh Guzman, may share a surname with the drug baron Joaquin Guzman (“El Chapo”), but the only thing that he is dealing in is rugs, but keep your eyes peeled – he may be head of the local rug cartel! Jokes aside, Josh has found his passion in interior design, history and culture, and has found a way to live his passion every day.

Before Joshua became The Carpet Guy, he was a full-time teacher. Initially he started as a middle and high school teacher, but then he was teaching university students. He has actually been selling carpets in the US for 6 years through his company called Kazimah Carpets. Before his most recent university position, he was able to juggle both his business and teaching students. However, when he changed to teaching at a new university, he found that he had to pick between teaching and his business; he decided to follow his heart! Although it was not an easy decision for him since he loves teaching and his students, he feels very good about it!

This family man with his wife Jackie, and three kids, Jorge, Joaquin and Jada, has been in Kuwait for a total of 7 years. And having been ‘the carpet guy’ since 2017, Josh now has a partner, Bader Al Majed, who is his finance guru, Arabic translator and Kuwait facing coordinator of the brand. In the future, they would like to add some more people but for now it’s just the two amigos.
Josh tells us that “since I can remember, I have been fascinated with history and culture. Some of my earliest memories are the feelings I had when I would see an old building or piece of furniture. I have never liked new stuff. I also have a deep passion for beauty. Beauty in nature, design, art, and of course carpets! I got bit by the carpet bug at Mubarakiya in 2015! So it’s exciting that my first physical shop will be in the same Souk!”

He continued to share how he is ALWAYS on the hunt. “I love perusing what I call the “junk section” at Friday Market where you have to have a really trained eye to find diamonds in the rough. Much of what’s at the Friday market is broken, so you either have to consider the cost and value in repairs or just leave the items that aren’t worth saving. I have even bought carpets off the floor of a fabric store before! They were gorgeous, and I made the owner an offer he couldn’t refuse even though they weren’t for sale! I am an avid online shopper. I have made really amazing connections with dealers and weavers in Turkey, Morocco, Iran, Pakistan and other parts of the Middle East.”

Josh’s dream is to start importing antiques and vintage furniture from the US, but he is waiting to see how serious people in Kuwait are for vintage before he makes that commitment! Anytime he has to answer the question of “is this used?” a little part of his dream dies inside. He hopes that he will find the right customers who will appreciate the value of vintage and antique pieces. He says the fact that a piece has lasted for 50 years or more means it has intrinsic value, and that if you take good care of a piece, it can be resold when you are ready for something different.

When on his hunts, Josh looks for furniture that has good style. It doesn’t matter the era the piece is from. What is more important to him is the shape, the materials and whether or not he can see the piece looking fab in a new home.

Josh gives us some advice on buying furniture, he tells us “my biggest piece of advice ever is to buy furniture that can be upcycled now or in 50 years when you no longer own it. There is so much waste in the home decor industry. It hurts my heart. Buy solid wood, buy metal, do not buy furniture made of cheap materials.” The other tip he gives us is to choose “the one [piece] that makes your heart sing. I will say this over and over again, listen to your heart. If you see something you love, don’t hesitate, it’s very likely you won’t find another just like it! People will see something on my page that’s sold and ask if I can get another. Usually that’s impossible. One of a kind pieces are very hard to source again.”

Having explored Kuwaiti culture, Josh wants to combat the common belief that traditional sadu weaving is outdated. He explains that Sadu is an incredibly important part of the history and modern life of the Middle East and that he finds it to be such a beautiful style and I wish more young people would pick up the craft and continue the tradition.

Recently, Josh and his partner secured a small space inside the same building as Good Cup coffee in Souk Al Hareem in Mubarakiya. He explains that it’s an incredible 1940s business complex that has been sympathetically restored and looks amazing! They are hoping to open the shop in Ramadan or shortly after.

TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE
How would your mother describe you in one word?
I asked, she said Creative.

How would you describe your mother in one word?
Loving.

What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?
One of my students once asked for the meaning of the word “definition”.

What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
I’m a planner. Spontaneity gives me anxiety.

What is your theme song?
October Sky by Yebba.

What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?
Kash5a – love this word.

Where would you like to live?
Kuwait.

What is your dream retirement location?
Merida, Mexico in the Yucatán Peninsula.

What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?
Golden Rule! “Do unto others as you would have them do to you!” This is a hard one!

Which animal best describes your perfect partner, be it in business, or in life?
Tiger – I like a strong personality partner to deal with my strong personality! Lol.

Do you miss anything from your childhood and if so, what is it?
Southern Californian Mexican food.

If you could change your name, to what would you change it?
Jarrah – my favorite Arabic name.

How would you describe your handshake, in one word?
Assertive.

What is the toughest part of your character?
Not knowing when to stop talking.

Who is your favorite historical figure?
Martin Luther King Jr.

What in the world do you least desire?
Beige home décor.

What do you think is lacking in the world, which [if there were more of it] would make the world a better place?
Selflessness – caring for others without the concern for a reward.

Why do you think most people who do, like you?
I’m funny.

Finish this sentence: “Happiness is…” Living in a home full of love & carpets.

To stay up to date with what The Carpet Guy is up to and what exciting pieces he has for sale, follow him on Instagram @thecarpetguykw. He also does interior styling if you are looking to add some style to your spaces!