‘Rug Guy’ builds own business
Your home is a reflection of who you are. Let it shine, just like your own custom rug.
The artistic minded Falfurrias, Texas, native Mat Perez lives life with a fearless soul and a passion to succeed in this life without working the typical nine to five.
The challenges that come with being a full-time college student are no match for Perez. With building his own business at the age of 22, the gifted creator expresses his artistic abilities by creating custom rugs.
While attending Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK), many of Perez’s days are spent gearing towards graduation, along with finding time to produce custom rug designs.
“Pursuing a business takes a lot of time and a lot of passion. I don’t feel as if creating rugs is work for me but more of something I love to do. I take pride in knowing my hard work is appreciated by so many others. Having to find a balance between my education and my business is sometimes a struggle,” Perez said. “It comes down to how I can manage my time of studying and creating rugs. The result of every design is amazing. My heart truly goes into every project I work on.”
Since coming off a part-time job working for Hobby Lobby, inspiration struck the mind of Perez after finding a shared love for interior design with his girlfriend.
After constant weeks of research and learning the ropes of building a brand, Perez would go on to create his own business known as Custom Threads established in July 2021.
By this time, many would know him as the “rug guy.”
“The minute I dove headfirst into creating my first custom rug, the feedback was insane. Customers were messaging my social media accounts asking how they can order, what designs I could make and at what price I would sell my products for. It was a dream, to be honest,” Perez said. “I am thankful for my girlfriend who never stopped believing in my abilities and a great friend of mine named Kevin Pendleton who really helped guide me in the right direction. Without these people I would not be where I am today.”
Hayley Morin, a student at TAMUK, said Perez’s talents are unmatched.
“When I hear that people have their own business or want to start their own brand, it truly amazes me. The commitment and time that comes with starting one also means having a lot of motivation. When I notice Mat posting his work on social media it instantly amazes me how he can manage school and a business. Along with creating amazing rugs that so many customers love,” Morin said. “Mat is an awesome person who is extremely talented at what he does. He is the kind of person who motivates others and knows how to brighten up a room.”
Plenty of customers and friends of Perez can agree of the potential the young creator carries.
Trent Payne, a student-athlete at TAMUK, said the passion Perez pours into his work does not go unnoticed.
“I became friends with Mat right before he decided to make Custom Threads and seeing him not only as a friend, but a young entrepreneur has made me respect him more as a person. Mat puts countless hours into his craft and genuinely cares about his customers and that’s why I think he deserves to succeed,” Payne said.
The meaning behind Custom Threads is far greater than the idea of a customized rug.
Perez hopes to allow people to strive for what they are passionate about. Regardless of the fear to fail or the time it may take for you to accomplish your goals, Perez dreams that his journey helps motivate those he may come across in life.
Visit Custom Threads on Twitter @MatPerez7.