Today we’d like to introduce you to Omari Martin.
Hi Omari , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2021, I was working at Target and realized I wasn’t making enough money to save or invest in opportunities that could improve my future. I started looking into different side hustles through podcasts and YouTube, but nothing really caught my attention. One day while scrolling Instagram, I came across a custom tufted rug and almost bought it. A few months later, I saw a video of someone actually making one, and that completely changed everything. I thought, “This is something I could really see myself doing as a business.”
I bought my first tufting kit in 2021, but there was very little information available at the time. I could only find a couple of YouTube videos showing how to build a frame, so I had to teach myself everything else through trial and error. After a few months of practice, I became more confident in my work and started getting my first rug commissions through word of mouth.
In 2022, I launched my Instagram to share my work with a larger audience. My original goal was simply to reach 10,000 followers, but by staying consistent and continuing to improve my craft, I’ve grown that community to over 50,000 followers across my social media platforms.
As I gained experience, I realized how difficult it had been to learn tufting when I started. That’s what inspired me to create educational resources for beginners. In 2024, I published The Tufting Handbook, a step-by-step guide that teaches the process I’ve developed over the years. I also created online video courses through my website to help aspiring creators learn the fundamentals with confidence and avoid many of the mistakes I made when I was first starting out.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I’ve always tried to keep a positive attitude because I know difficult seasons don’t last forever. I’ve experienced both the highs and lows of running a business. From slow periods to being so busy that I had to temporarily close my commissions because I couldn’t keep up with demand.
Some of my biggest challenges were actually personal rather than business-related. I took some time to focus on myself, and when I came back, I had a stronger mindset and a clearer vision. That experience taught me that the best thing you can do is keep moving forward one day at a time. Today, I’m grateful to create rugs for clients around the world while also teaching others the craft through my handbook and online courses.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a tufting artist, educator, and the founder of Way Too Tuft. I specialize in creating custom handmade rugs while also teaching others how to get started through my Tufting Handbook and online video courses. Over the last few years, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with clients around the world while helping aspiring creators learn the craft with confidence.
I’m probably best known for my custom rug work and for sharing my knowledge with others. As tufting has continued to grow, I’ve made it a goal to help make the craft more accessible by teaching the process I’ve developed over the years.
What I’m most proud of is becoming a published author. Writing The Tufting Handbook allowed me to put years of trial and error, lessons, and experience into one step-by-step guide. It was a long process that required a lot of trust and patience, but seeing it come to life has been one of the most rewarding accomplishments of my career.
What sets me apart is my vision, attention to detail, and genuine passion for helping others succeed. I care just as much about my students’ growth as I do my own work, and I want to see them thrive in this growing industry. I also believe everyone brings something unique to the table. I’m actually a twin, and even though my brother and I are completely different creatively, it was amazing to introduce him to tufting and watch him build his own business creating rugs for clients around the world.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Before graduating high school, we had to complete a graduation project that required working with a mentor. I was fortunate to work with a professor from North Carolina Central University who was also a published author. He gave me some valuable advice on how to structure my book, and I still appreciate the guidance he shared.
Beyond that, though, I haven’t really had a traditional mentor. I’ve received tips and advice from different people along the way, but no one has really held my hand or walked me through building my business. Most of what I’ve accomplished has come through trial and error, staying consistent, and figuring things out as I went.
My advice would be to stay open to learning from everyone you meet. Sometimes the best advice comes from a single conversation. I also believe that when you’re genuinely committed to your goals and continue putting yourself out there, you’ll naturally attract the right people and opportunities at the right time.
Pricing:
- Tufting Handbook (eBook): $20
- Tufting Fundamentals Course: $200
- Tufting Carving Course: $125
- Custom handmade rugs: prices range from $400–$2,400 depending on size and design complexity
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Waytootuft.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waytootuft
