There have been rough times for textile businesses in North Carolina and Stroud Rugs in Boiling Springs was not immune.

"We were fortunate enough to make it through the slow days and didn't starve to death," said Charles Stoud, Stroud Rugs.

The company’s survival wasn’t always a certainty.

"We would discuss whether Charles needed to go somewhere else and find a job," said Jane Stroud, Stroud Rugs.

The Stroud family stuck with it though and outlasted many domestic competitors.

For instance the company was once one of 10 or 12 that supplied checkerboard rugs to Cracker Barrel.

"We're the only ones left," said Charles Stroud.

In addition to those rugs, Stroud makes and sells braided rugs with all the sewing done by hand.

"We just measure the braid, and we go so far with one color and change to another," said Pat Carroll, Stroud Rugs.

The Stroud family has made rugs for four generations all about an hour west of Charlotte.

"We take a lot of pride in being made in North Carolina," said Charles Stroud.

That’s exactly what many customers are seeking too.

"They say that they would rather have Made in America, and they search for Made in America," said Michele Martin, Stroud Rugs.

There are no retailers for Stroud Rugs as all sales are direct to consumers, online.

"The middle-man has always beat me down so much that I couldn't, I couldn't afford to, to make a good product," said Charles Stroud.

This is the story of a family business persevering through rough times. Not all of the 14 employees are family members, but they might as well be.

"It's heart-warming. I've been with this family so long, they seem like my family," said Virgie Owens, Stroud Rugs.

Charles Stroud’s daughters Rebecca and Erin were school teachers until recently. After a trial week this summer though, they decided to take up the family business.

"We're all very excited about that," said Jane Stroud.

"As we got older and got to seeing how important it is for our parents and for our grandparents, it, it's a big deal," said Erin Stroud, Stroud Rugs.

Already the sisters know what is at stake and eventually taking over the operation.

"You're representing your family. You're representing your family's name, and you never want to let them down," said Rebecca Stroud.

They’ll continue to make the traditional braided rugs into the future. The idea is to use different colors and materials to keep up with the times.