Hello friendly faces! It’s a new Chicago North Shore Moms spotlight brought to you in part by Mary Gifford of Gifford Law. We recently had the pleasure of chatting with Nicki Vacca Klujian of the prestigious family-run business Mathew Klujian and Sons, a renowned name in rug sales, restoration, and cleaning since 1938. Originally from Racine, Wisconsin, Nicki made her way to Illinois for art school, eventually joining her husband Haig in the family business. Now rooted in the North Shore community, Nicki shares some of her favorite local spots and her love for her family’s craft. Celebrating 86 years strong, Mathew Klujian and Sons will proudly showcase their stunning antique rugs at the Antiques + Modernism Show Winnetka happening at the Winnetka Community House November 8 through November 10, 2024 with a preview party on Thursday, November 7! Welcome, Nicki!
Hi Nicki! Please introduce yourself.
Hi, I’m Nicki Vacca Klujian. I’m originally from Racine, Wisconsin. I came to Illinois for art school at Columbia college. After college I worked in a few clothing boutiques in the Chicagoland area before I landed a sales job at Stark carpet at the merchandise Mart. This is where I met my husband – Haig Klujian.
We have two children. Our son is a sophomore in college and playing soccer. And our daughter is a junior in high school also playing soccer – for fun they like to golf.
What are your favorite North Shore places, spaces and eats to frequent?
A few of my favorite places on the North Shore include the Chicago Botanic Garden, Rosewood Beach and Merlo‘s to have a great Italian meal. We also frequent foodstuffs for their amazing salads.
What are you reading and watching?
I just started reading Apples, Never Fall by Liane Moriarty. When it comes to TV I’m all about sports – soccer, football, some news and, of course, Real Housewives.
Your mantra?
The happiest people don’t have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything!
Let’s get down to business. Please introduce your family owned and operated business Mathew Klujian and Sons. What year did Mathew Klujian and Sons open and by whom?
Mathew Klujian and Sons opened in 1938 by my husband’s grandfather, Mathew Klujian, Sr. We provide professional rug and carpet cleaning, and rug sales of new, modern and, of course, antique rugs. We also offer specialty services, including restoration and repairs. Our Chicago rug repair and restoration department can repair or re-weave damage spots, correct color and replace fringe.
Our company is based on family pride and tradition. We have grown and modernized throughout the years, and we are proud to say that there are many things that remain the same as the day that Mathew Klujian Sr. opened the store.
Nicki, what is your role at Mathew Klujian and Sons?
You could say I pretty much do everything except deliver the rugs, clean the rugs and install carpet. Where I can help out I help out, and this helps me understand the business a lot more.
Mathew Klujian and Sons will be at Antiques + Modernism Show Winnetka November 8-10, 2024. Please tell us about the history of participating in this super cool design show. Where will your exhibit be located this year?
Yes! Mathew Klugian and Sons will be participating in the Antique + Modernism Show in Winnetka happening at the Winnetka Community House November 8 – 10, 2024. This year will be our 13th year participating in the Antiques + Modernism Show! The best part is showing our beautiful antique rugs, and educating everyone on the history behind each of these rugs. Haig Klujian is the youngest certified rug appraiser in the United States. We will be exhibiting our beautiful rugs on the stage at the Antiques + Modernism show. Come see us!
Can’t wait for the Antiques + Modernism Show Winnetka celebrating its 52nd year! What are your store contact details?
Mathew Klujian and Sons Inc., Chicago
1421 W Devon Ave
Chicago, IL 60660
Phone 773-743-1300
Mathew Klujian and Sons Inc., Wilmette
1625 Sheridan Rd – Unit G
Wilmette, il 60091
Our website is https://klujianrugs.com/. Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
More about the 52nd Antiques + Modernism Show…
The Antiques + Modernism Winnetka Show (A+M) celebrates its 52nd year with a Preview Party on Thursday, November 7, followed by a 3-day show weekend (Friday, November 8 – Sunday, November 10). Presented by The Woman’s Board of Winnetka’s Community House, this spectacular style and design event is a beloved favorite of locals and beyond and is the ultimate destination for interior designers, treasure hunters and collectors alike. Ranging in styles from classic to modern, the show features exquisite home furnishings, accessories, artwork, clothing, jewelry and more all available for purchase from dealers throughout the country! Hours on Friday, November 8th are 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday, November 9th from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday, November 10th from 11 am to 4 pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door for a 3-day admission. The show takes place at Winnetka’s Community House (620 Lincoln Avenue). For more information and tickets, visit www.TheWinnetkaShow.com
About our Meet of Mom Sponsor
A very heartfelt thank you to CNSMoms’ Meet a Mom sponsor, Lake Forest mom of three and owner of Gifford Law, a solo Estate Planning Firm (wills and trusts). Mary, we appreciate your support of local moms in our North Shore communities! Learn more about Mary by visiting her Meet a Mom spotlight here! Contact Mary directly here: [email protected].
