Every so often, you come across a story that sticks with you. That’s how I felt when I saw a TikTok made by a young woman named Aryan Rahmati, talking about her parents’ shop here in Fresno. The video wasn’t flashy or promotional. It was heartfelt. Honest. It was about her parents Feraidoon “Fred” Hazin and Parnian “Parni” Rahmati and the life they’ve built through decades of hard work and quiet dedication.
Their business, Fresno Rug Center, has been a labor of love for as long as Aryan can remember. And now, she’s doing everything she can to help her parents get the recognition they’ve never asked for but so clearly deserve. I had the chance to speak with Aryan and learn more about her family’s journey. What follows is their story, in her words.
A Legacy That Started with a Nine-Year-Old Weaver
“My dad grew up around rugs in Afghanistan, he was actually a child weaver by the age of nine,” Aryan shared. “So the love, the experience, the knowledge… it’s been there from the very beginning.”
After immigrating to the U.S., Aryan’s parents saved every dollar they could in their twenties. Just a few years in, they opened a small studio in Pacific Grove, California, with a focus on antiques. “They didn’t have much capital,” she said, “so they’d buy a rug and sell it the same day just to keep the business afloat.”
Before the business, her dad worked as a busboy and gardener, and her mom was a hairdresser all while pregnant and managing everything at home. “They didn’t have much,” Aryan told me, “but they slowly created their own space.”
Growing a Business, One Rug at a Time
Aryan doesn’t remember those earliest, toughest years firsthand, but her parents’ stories have stayed with her. “They initially couldn’t afford to keep inventory, so they had to hustle, buy a rug and sell it the same day. Eventually, they saved enough to keep stock and not have to grind quite as hard every single day.”
Today, Fresno Rug Center is known for its high-quality, handwoven rugs, many of which come directly from their factory in Afghanistan. “Each piece is made using natural vegetable dyes from local resources there,” she said. “Every rug is unique and tells its own story.”
But it’s not just the rugs that make this business special. “What really sets us apart is my dad,” Aryan said proudly. “He’s a walking encyclopedia of rug history and craftsmanship. His care and integrity show in everything he does.”
Customer Care That’s Personal and Unmatched
Aryan has always admired her parents’ commitment to treating every customer like family — but the accolades don’t stop with her. Their glowing online reviews tell the same story. One customer wrote, “Thank you Pari for your help with choosing my 5×7 machine-made rug! Professional service, kind and patient! Very happy with my choice!” Another shared, “It was to our good fortune that we found Fred and team at Fresno Rug Center… FRC cleaned five rugs in all, and each came back beautifully cleaned and fresh.” Customers consistently praise their care and professionalism, from helping with rug selection to in-home delivery, rug cleaning, and high-quality custom-cut padding. Another review simply said it best: “Wonderfully professional, congenial, high-touch service.” The impact they’ve made on others over the years is evident and deeply appreciated.
More Than Décor, These Rugs Carry History
Aryan wants people to understand that rugs are more than beautiful floor coverings. “They’re cultural artifacts. There are generations of history, technique, and symbolism woven into every piece.”
Her father has spent decades keeping that tradition alive. “He works nonstop every day of the week, traveling and managing every detail.”
Growing up in the shop, Aryan remembers finding joy in the ordinary. “My brother and I used to play hide and seek after school, crawling between stacks of rugs like it was a park. There was a cozy comfort to the space, even when money was tight. It always felt like home.”
The Heart Behind the Hustle
So what keeps her parents going?
“For my dad, it’s pure love for the art. It’s in his blood. And for both of them, it’s also about providing for their family and honoring where they come from.”
That deep sense of purpose hasn’t gone unnoticed. Thanks to Aryan’s recent TikTok, a new wave of customers has reached out, some even saying they’d drive hours to support the shop.
“Even this interview means a lot to us,” Aryan said. “It reminded us that people are good, and that if you show up with heart, others will meet you there.”
Looking Ahead, with Gratitude
Aryan’s hope is simple. “I’d love to see my parents sell most of their inventory and finally take a break. My dad will probably never fully retire he loves his work too much, but I want them to travel, enjoy life, and rest.”
And for anyone who walks through their doors?
“I want people to know they’ll be taken care of. My parents treat every customer like family. They’ll spend hours, even days helping someone find the right rug. They deserve the same love and loyalty they’ve given to others for 30+ years.”
While the retail side of things may be winding down, Fresno Rug Center’s cleaning and repair services will continue to stay strong. And right now, they’re offering up to 60% off their beautiful rug collection until it’s sold through. “If you have a beloved rug that needs care, they’d love to work with you,” Aryan added. “And to anyone who’s liked a post, left a comment, or walked through our door—thank you.”
Visit Fresno Rug Center
48 E Herndon Ave. (Blackstone & Herndon)
Open Monday – Saturday, 11-6
www.fresnorugcenter.com
This is more than a shop. It’s a family’s story — woven into every thread.
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