Meet Corey Grapevine | Co-owner , Llama Mama Rugs

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

Hi Corey, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor to our success is our unwavering attention to detail. Every aspect of our work, from ensuring each line is placed precisely and the correct colors are used, to making sure each piece is trimmed perfectly, reflects our commitment to excellence. We also pay meticulous attention to the smaller details, such as including certificates of authenticity, which add value and credibility to our products.

Our dedication to these standards means that we do not hesitate to scrap and remake pieces that do not meet our stringent criteria. If a product isn’t something I would personally buy, I don’t expect anyone else to accept it either. This rigorous quality control ensures that our customers receive only the best, fostering trust and satisfaction.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
We are textile artists specializing in creating unique and high-quality fandom rugs. The completion of each rug and seeing the finished result is what excites us the most. Taking a step back and just looking like – “dang, I did that!” It’s incredibly rewarding to receive feedback from our customers, especially when they share photos of our art in their homes or kind words when they visit our booth.

What sets us apart from others is our commitment to quality. We never rush our work, no matter how busy we are. Instead, we are willing to put in extra hours to ensure that each piece meets the high standards our customers expect. This dedication to excellence is what keeps our customers coming back.

Our journey began as a hobby to pass the time during the pandemic. As more people saw our work and requested their own pieces, we found ourselves overwhelmed with requests. Transitioning from a hobby to a business brought its own set of challenges. We had to quickly learn new skills such as website building, marketing, and bookkeeping, areas in which we had no prior experience. Through trial and error, we’ve managed to navigate these obstacles and keep our business thriving.

The lessons we’ve learned along the way include the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and maintaining a steadfast commitment to quality. We want the world to know that our brand is built on passion, dedication, and an unwavering focus on delivering exceptional art.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting the area for a week, I’d make sure they had an unforgettable time exploring the best our region has to offer. Here’s a little itinerary to highlight the most fun, interesting, and exciting places and experiences:

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome Dinner
Dinner at Dog Haus, Tempe: Start the trip with a delicious meal at Dog Haus in Tempe, known for its gourmet hot dogs, sausages, and burgers.

Day 2: Exploring Tempe and Phoenix
Morning: Tour the city of Tempe, including checking out Mill Ave and A mountain.
Lunch: Enjoy a meal at The Lodge in downtown Tempe.
Afternoon: Head to Phoenix and explore the Desert Botanical Garden.
Evening: Experience the vibrant First Friday on Roosevelt Row, a monthly 10 block art walk featuring artists, vendors, and local musicians.

Day 3: Sedona
Morning: Drive to Sedona, famous for its stunning red rock formations.
Afternoon: Hike to the hidden cave and check out Crescent Moon.
Evening: Dinner at The Hudson followed by stargazing.

Day 4: Grand Canyon
Full Day: Take a road trip to the Grand Canyon. Spend the day exploring the South Rim, taking in the majestic views, and hiking a bit of the Bright Angel Trail.

Day 5: Flagstaff and Northern Arizona
Morning: Drive to Williams and check out Bearizona.
Afternoon: Visit Meteor Crater and the Lowell Observatory then explore downtown Flagstaff.
Evening: Dinner at Brix and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

Day 6: Jerome and Prescott
Morning: Head to Jerome, a historic mining town turned artsy community.
Afternoon: Explore the shops, galleries, and the haunted Grand Hotel.
Evening: Travel to Prescott, have dinner somewhere on whiskey row, and maybe catch a local live music performance.

Day 7: Relaxation and Farewell
Morning: Relax by the pool.
Afternoon: Visit Old Town Scottsdale for some shopping and art galleries.
Evening: Have a farewell dinner at Fogo De Chao.

Throughout the trip, we’d experience the diversity and beauty of Arizona’s landscapes, from the bustling city scenes and artistic hubs to the tranquil and majestic natural wonders. It’s more than just a desert; it’s a state full of unique experiences and stunning scenery.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our customers, followers, family, event coordinators, and vendors. Without your support, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Each of you has played a vital role in our success, and we are deeply grateful for your contributions. Thank you for being part of our journey!

Website: https://Llamamamarugs.com

Instagram: https://Instagram.com/llamamamarugs

Facebook: https://Facebook.com/llamamamarugs