Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Roderick Jackson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Roderick thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

Rugs by Rod started with a simple goal: I wanted a custom rug for my photo studio. At the time, I was seeing a rise in custom rug makers and reached out to have one made, but I quickly realized that for the cost of a single rug, I could buy all the equipment and learn to make it myself.

That decision came from curiosity and resourcefulness more than anything else. I bought the tools, started practicing, made plenty of mistakes, and slowly fell in love with the process. What began as an experiment turned into something bigger when people started asking for rugs of their own. Before I knew it, Rugs by Rod became a business.

Five years later, I’ve made over 150 rugs. Ironically, I still haven’t made the original rug I wanted for my studio, but that feels fitting. The idea evolved into a journey, and the journey turned into a brand.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Here’s a polished response you can use that feels personal, professional, and on-brand for CanvasRebel:

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I’m Roderick Jackson, a multidisciplinary creative based in Cleveland. Most people know me through my photography and my rug business, Rugs by Rod, but at the core of everything I do is storytelling and craftsmanship. I’ve always been drawn to creating things with my hands and finding ways to bring ideas to life—whether that’s through a camera lens or a tufting gun.

I originally got into photography as a way to document my world and express myself creatively. Over time, it turned into a career where I now specialize in real estate and editorial photography, while also working with product, event, and restaurant clients. I’ve had the opportunity to work with brands and businesses across a wide range of industries, which has helped me develop a flexible style and strong attention to detail. I’m also the founder of Cleveland Sky Studios, a creative space designed to support artists, entrepreneurs, and content creators.

Rugs by Rod started later but quickly became just as important to me. What began as a personal project turned into a business where I create custom, handmade rugs for clients who want something unique and meaningful. I help people bring their ideas to life in a tangible way—whether it’s a logo, a character, or a design that represents their brand or personality. Every rug is made by hand, which means no two pieces are exactly alike.

What sets me apart is my resourcefulness and my commitment to the process. I didn’t come into any of this with formal training—I learned by doing, experimenting, and staying consistent. I’m proud of building both my photography career and Rugs by Rod from the ground up. Five years into rug making and over 150 rugs later, I’m still excited to learn, grow, and push my creativity further.

I want people to know that my brand is rooted in authenticity, patience, and quality. Whether someone is booking a photoshoot or ordering a custom rug, I treat every project with care and intention. I’m most proud of staying true to myself, supporting my community through my work, and creating pieces that people genuinely connect with. My goal is always to deliver something that feels personal, well-crafted, and memorable.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

When I first started Rugs by Rod, I wasn’t thinking about building an audience—I was just focused on creating. I was tufting nonstop, making rugs for clients and for my own creative outlet. At the same time, I decided to document the process and share it on social media. I posted every day for about six months straight, showing everything from finished rugs to behind-the-scenes mistakes and progress.

That consistency helped people feel connected to the journey. They weren’t just seeing the final product, they were watching me grow in real time. Over time, that built trust and a genuine community around my work, which turned into a strong following.

My biggest advice for anyone starting out is to be consistent and authentic. Don’t wait for things to be perfect—share your process, your wins, and your struggles. People connect with real stories, not just polished results. If you show up every day, stay patient, and focus on improving your craft, the audience will come.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

I believe the best source of new clients is visibility. People can’t support or book your services if they don’t know you exist. That doesn’t always mean being out at every event or constantly in the public scene—putting yourself out there can be as simple as consistently posting your work online, whether that’s weekly or daily.

For me, social media has been a powerful tool. Sharing my process, finished projects, and behind-the-scenes moments helps people feel connected to what I do. I’ve also seen success through giveaways and promotions, which create engagement and introduce my work to new audiences. At the end of the day, showing up consistently and staying present is what keeps your brand in front of the right people.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Shotsbyrod.co/rugsbyrod
• Instagram: @rugbyrod
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rugsbyrod/

Image Credits

Kyla Austin