Meet Carly Berman | Handmade Tufted Art- Fine Art to Full Sized Rugs

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carly Berman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carly, what do you attribute your success to?
For me, the main thing is to keep learning and refining my craft. It’s essential for businesses like mine to always strive for improvement, especially when I’m constantly creating new designs and concepts with each piece. Trying out new techniques not only helps me work more efficiently but also keeps my creativity alive, which is crucial for Lil Tufts to stay innovative and stay on top of current trends. This dedication isn’t just about making my work better and more beautiful—it’s also about building stronger connections with customers who value creativity, craftsmanship, and my brand’s ongoing artistic growth.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Inspired by Charleston and my diverse adventures, my designs reflect my profound affinity for aquatic, tropical, and coastal themes. My artistic journey is a testament to the boundless creativity that emerges from embracing impulsive and passionate pursuits.

My artistic journey began in college, where my passion for scientific illustration sparked my dedication to detail and realism. Living in Charleston and pursuing my dream of becoming a dive master in the Caribbean deeply influenced my artistic style, rooted in a profound love for animals, nature, and the ocean. During a very transitional time in my life, between big moves and between jobs, I stumbled upon tufting—an art form that immediately captivated me. Engrossed in process videos, graphic rug designs, and every aspect of tufting, I immediately ordered a tufting gun, eagerly embracing this new creative path.

Within months, I sold my first rug, launching Lil Tufts Co. Charleston’s vibrant artistic community warmly embraced my work, leading to placements in local markets, storefronts, and an expanding online presence.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is to embrace my own artistic style, whether it’s consistent or ever-evolving. I’ve found that people always truly appreciate work that reflects my unique inspiration and personal style, rather than trying to constantly follow trends or replicate reference photos exactly. Do not get me wrong, while I do strive for precise accuracy in dog portraits, or business logos for corporate orders, in all other cases, infusing my distinctive “Lil Tufts” flair consistently yields the best results.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Charleston is constantly evolving, and as a passionate food enthusiast, I enjoy exploring its vibrant restaurant scene, especially downtown where I’ve spent most of my time. While I do love going to new spots, some of my tried and true favorites I put on any visitor’s itinerary are Sorelle for both their Mercato and dinner services, 167 Raw for fresh oysters and a lobster roll, and Lowland for its innovative dishes. In between meals, I like pop over to Pure Barre and take leisurely strolls around neighborhoods near Colonial Lake and the Battery. For coffee breaks, Babas and Huriyali are must-visit spots, and I always find time to shop along King Street, especially during the quieter months of the year.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a shoutout to Hannah Staib, owner of Indulge in Art, who has been a tremendous source of inspiration and support for me. As a longtime friend, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing her journey from the early stages of building her business to becoming a successful artist in Charleston. Working as her first employee, observing her dedication to her craft, and seeing how she established her unique style and market presence has been incredibly motivating. Hannah’s encouragement, mentorship in business, and unwavering friendship have played a pivotal role in my own journey. She has shown me that with passion and determination, I too can carve out my own path in the artistic world.

Website: https://liltuftco.com

Instagram: liltuftsco