Zuma Imports, a Charleston-based home décor brand founded and co-owned by best friends Elyse Witt and Zuhal Bulut, is opening a showroom in the Charleston Design District at the historic Navy Yard.
The 1,620-square-foot space will serve designers and homeowners across the Southeast, offering rare, artisan-crafted pieces that merge Turkish influence with the Lowcountry’s unmistakable design aesthetic.
“We’re thrilled to be opening in the Charleston Design District,” said Witt and Bulut. “We look forward to bringing global heritage together with Charleston’s distinctive style and offering a fresh perspective on the region’s design story from the District’s dynamic, creative environment.”
Founded in 2015 after a transformative trip to Bulut’s native Turkey, Zuma Imports curates a collection of handmade rugs, pottery, doors, wooden farm pieces, and more, each with a distinctive story and history. Inspired by the country’s rich textile heritage and antique treasures, the duo embarked on a mission to bring these exquisite pieces to the United States through fair trade practices, supporting artisan women and their villages in Turkey.
Zuma Imports was attracted to the Charleston Design District’s vision as a collaborative collective that brings like-minded brands, makers, and creatives together in a thoughtfully designed setting. Establishing a presence in the Charleston Design District will enable Witt and Bulut to engage more deeply with clients across the region.
The showroom, located beside Textures in Storehouse Nine at Navy Yard Charleston, will feature a carefully curated selection of vintage and modern handwoven rugs and runners, antique pottery, and handmade pillows, all imported from overseas. Many of the pieces are one-of-a-kind and will be available exclusively in the Charleston Design District showroom, providing unique pieces and a novel approach toward décor.
Design plans for the space draw inspiration from the global travels of Witt and Bulut, inviting visitors to explore the culture and beauty that inspired the creation of Zuma Imports. Reminiscent of historic bazaars and artisan workshops, the showroom will showcase the collection’s rich color, texture, craftsmanship, and quality.
Zuma Imports at the Charleston Design District marks the third location for the brand, including a warehouse in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and a retail shop in Turkey. The showroom will be open to the public after launching this spring; no appointment is required.
On Saturday, March 14, Zuma Imports will offer the design community a sneak preview of its showroom during the annual Charleston by Design fundraiser hosted by Historic Charleston Foundation. Event information is available at charlestondesigndistrict.com/