Handmade home decor and fashion from Iran with Perzia, of Seaton

Midweek Herald: Joe Spiers and Michelle Bowers of Seaton company Perzia. Ref edr 07 19TI 0175. Picture: Terry IfeJoe Spiers and Michelle Bowers of Seaton company Perzia. Ref edr 07 19TI 0175. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Please introduce yourself…

I’m Joseph Spiers, Creative director of Perzia.

We are an online retailer based in Seaton that sources and sells fine handmade home decor and fashion from Iran.

We are a business based on good ethics and conscious retail.

Midweek Herald: edr 07 19TI perzia 134052. Picture contributededr 07 19TI perzia 134052. Picture contributed (Image: Archant)

All of our products are handmade of natural materials, we are a Zero Plastic company and use 100 per cent natural dyes for all of our products.

Yasamin, our commercial director is based in the city of Mashhad, Iran.

She is deeply involved in learning the history of the products we sell and sourcing the highest quality crafts.

Our kilim rugs are woven in the traditional way which dates back to the Persian empire.

Midweek Herald: A sample of the cushion range from Perzia. Ref edr 07 19TI 0226. Picture: Terry IfeA sample of the cushion range from Perzia. Ref edr 07 19TI 0226. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

The motifs in the designs are steeped in history and make up the stories which are woven into our rugs and cushions.

What made you decide to set up shop as an independent trader in Seaton?

As a family, we have been Seaton residents for more than 30 years, so naturally this was the place for Perzia to set down it roots.

Midweek Herald: Two of the bag designs from Perzia. Ref edr 07 19TI 0218. Picture: Terry IfeTwo of the bag designs from Perzia. Ref edr 07 19TI 0218. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

There is also a fantastic array of local interior design shops in the area in which we hope to stock products in the near future.

We also love the community of Seaton and surrounding areas, It is incredibly supportive.

We could not have started without the friends and family we have in this area.

How do you see your business faring over the next five years?

Midweek Herald: A selection of rugs from Perzia. Ref edr 07 19TI 0206. Picture: Terry IfeA selection of rugs from Perzia. Ref edr 07 19TI 0206. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Over the coming years we have big plans to become the leading global retailer of Iranian home decor and fashion via our website www.perzia.org

Iran holds so much beauty and history throughout it’s crafts, textiles and artwork.

We know that the UK and rest of the world will love our products, we are excited and honoured to be supporting the talented craftsmen and craftswomen who provide us with such stunning pieces.

What one piece of advice would you give to anybody considering setting up a local independent shop or business?

Midweek Herald: A lovely detailed jewellery box from Perzia. Ref edr 07 19TI 0168. Picture: Terry IfeA lovely detailed jewellery box from Perzia. Ref edr 07 19TI 0168. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Utilise social media by creating the highest quality content, solely focused on adding value to people’s lives.

It is free marketing firstly, but also it is your way of giving the world something for free.

If you can provide people with some information that is truly priceless or an image that warms their heart then your products may well reach thousands of people overnight.

To read more features from East Devon Resident, click here.

Midweek Herald: Matching mirror and jewellery boxes from Perzia. Ref edr 07 19TI 0162. Picture: Terry IfeMatching mirror and jewellery boxes from Perzia. Ref edr 07 19TI 0162. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)