CBS Sunday Morning highlights a San Diego woman's fight for rights in Afghanistan

VISTA, Calif. – A San Marcos mother who grew up in Afghanistan is fighting for women's rights in her homeland from 7,500 miles away.

In this Zevely Zone, I learned how a national news story put her cause in the spotlight.

It's been a year since we first reported on The Rug Mine, and I'm excited to share some life-changing news for artisans in Afghanistan.

“My passion for Afghan heritage led me on this path,” said Nargis Habib.

The mother from San Marcos grew up in Afghanistan under Taliban oppression. “I remember asking my mother and my sisters when we were going to school,” Nargis said.

Since girls were not allowed to go to school, Nargis secretly sat on carpets in the basement and remembers the fear she felt.

“We were so scared that at any moment someone would knock on the door and find us down here,” Nargis said.

When Nargis emigrated to the United States in 2006, she promised never to forget this fear.

“When I opened the business, I wanted to make a difference,” says Nargis. She founded The Rug Mine. Her company imports rugs made in Afghanistan and then sends a share of the profits back to her home country.

“It takes a whole village to make a carpet,” said Nargis, who showed a video of herself handing over money to the artisans. “It was an incredible feeling. They were shocked that every penny, every dollar makes a big difference,” said Nargis.

CBS Sunday Morning reporter Tracy Smith recently reported on Nargis' story.

“As soon as it was over, my phone, computers and iPad started blowing up and we could see the number of visitors increasing by thousands,” Nargis said.

Immediately after the segment, orders began pouring in from all over the United States. More than 500 orders were received for rugs ranging in price from $200 to $5,000.

“I love her. I think she's beautiful,” said Kim Rowley.

The CBS Sunday Morning viewer saw the report in Los Angeles. Her daughter Sidney saw the report in San Diego.

“Women are making all these rugs, we should buy one, we could help them,” said Kim. Sidney told us how it feels to know she is helping women in Afghanistan. “It feels great. It feels kind of powerful, you know girl power,” said Sidney.

This story was also transported on a magic carpet to a television set in Maryland. “I'm going to see these rugs,” Lee Mallory announced after seeing the segment in Maryland. Lee was moved by Nargis's courage and wanted to visit her shop. “I think it's great that she was brave enough to stop going,” Lee said. “These rugs are a must-see.”

“You are buying hope for the people of Afghanistan,” said Nargis. She is grateful for her open conversation with Tracy Smith. “It felt like we had known each other forever. She is incredible. Two girls talking about rugs,” said Nargis. “It felt like what I have been doing all these years was finally being seen by everyone. Every single rug sold will change lives in Afghanistan.”

RELATED: San Marcos mother helps homeland Afghanistan by selling handmade rugs and sharing profits

It ensures that Taliban oppression is never swept under the carpet again.

The Rug Mine is located at 1495 Poinsettia Avenue, Vista Suite 150. Nargis is offering a 15% discount to all of our viewers. The promo code is CBS 15. For more information on The Rug Mine, click here.