The firm decision to manufacture rugs in Europe is far more than a matter of logistics or quality, it’s a choice deeply rooted in the personal convictions and lived experiences of Jerónimo Maciá, founder of Veo Veo. This was the focus of the latest episode of Espacios que Hablan, the video podcast produced by U Interior Design.
During the conversation, Jerónimo shared a revealing anecdote that led him to take a firm stance on producing outside of Europe. In his words:
“As I mentioned earlier, over these 30-plus years, we’ve tried it. I can tell you stories, like, for example, in Turkey…”
He recounted a visit to workshops in Turkey which, far from resembling factories, were makeshift facilities where children were working in alarming conditions. Although the historical use of children in rug-making has been linked to traditional knotting techniques, the ethical impact of seeing it firsthand was decisive.
“Let me pause here, because sometimes, as everything changes in the world… Why were children used to make rugs? It goes back to dowry rugs. When they were made with hand knots, the smaller the finger, the denser the knot, and the better the quality. So, if the fingers were those of a girl, smaller than a boy’s, it was even better.”
The story took an even darker turn when he described a disturbing moment involving the supposed manager of those workshops:
“The man who was with us was your typical big, heavyset Turkish guy with a mustache, smoking a cigar. We went to see his workshops… they were shacks. I saw him graze a child’s hand with the lit end of his cigar. I thought, ‘Calm down, Jerónimo, maybe it was an accident.’ But five steps later, he did it again.”
That gesture, far from accidental, was a clear sign of power and control over the people working there. Jerónimo’s reaction was immediate:
“I turned to the guy who was with me and said, ‘Look, Diego, I’m going back to the hotel. I want no part of this.’ From that moment on, I knew I would never make rugs there until working conditions changed.”
This experience marked a turning point in his career and helped him make one of the most defining decisions in Veo Veo’s philosophy: to produce ethically, locally, and with absolute respect for every person involved in the process.
Jerónimo Maciá’s testimony is a powerful reminder that design, beyond its aesthetic appeal, has a deeply human and moral dimension. Choosing to manufacture in Europe isn’t the easy road, it’s a statement of values. It’s a commitment not only to quality but also to dignity, transparency, and responsibility.
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Jerónimo Maciá:
Alfombras Veo Veo:
U interior Desing: