TWAS SHOPS @ BALOOCHI RUGS
When I first met Hamid Ageorlo after he’d heard me on the air on community radio station CKLN over ten years ago. he had a dream; a dream to set up his own business.. And so in March of this year, he finally put thought into action and opened Baloochi Rugs with partner Kim Zagar. After searching for the perfect location all across the city, they finally settled on a quiet patch of the Beaches at 2220A Queen Street West.( right near “the GOOF” Chinese Restaurant)
I recently stopped by to see the new shop and chat with Hamid and Kim about their exciting venture. It’s an unassuming little shop, but inside is the wonderful world of Persian rugs. They sell hand knotted Persian tribal and vintage rugs made with all natural dyes, and only rugs that they love! As he says “I don’t want to sell rugs that I don’t want to look at all day!” Hamid has never looked back since he packed in his office job for this cozy haven, and who could blame him? He is surrounded by astonishingly beautiful pieces of art, he pulls them out to show anyone who comes in for a look, and invites you to sit on a big pile, listen to whatever world music he has wafting through the air and talk about this craft that dates back 2500 years in his native Iran, at length. When he’s not busy, he shuts up shop and takes his lunch down to the beach and talks with the neighbours.
The prices are surprisingly reasonable. So next time you are in the neighbourhood, pop in and check out this cozy neighbourhood shop. It’s a magical experience. Lise Watson
