Kriti Shrestha Upadhyaya, the founder of Kritee, a brand which focuses on utilizing local resources like old jute sacks and upcycling them into bags, mats, and tablecloths, offering professional design services and training programs—was one of the exhibitors at the recent 8th International Women’s Trade Expo organized by the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs’ Associations of Nepal (FWEAN).
According to Kriti, who also serves as the President of the WEAN Morang Chapter, she promotes locally crafted goods, including coffee, bamboo products, jute-based items, and eco-friendly sculptures, to ensure broader recognition for the Koshi region’s craftsmanship.
The expo, which concluded at the end of last March, brought together entrepreneurs from the country, highlighting their products and ventures and serving as a platform for networking, collaboration, and inspiration embodying FWEAN’s slogan ‘Work Together, Win Together’.
Through events such as the Expo, the FWEAN offers a valuable platform for women-led businesses, Kriti and her organization, to showcase their products and gain exposure to a wider market.
Maya Gurung, another exhibitor at the expo is a dedicated entrepreneur operating Chandan Fiber Udhyog, an enterprise that specializes in crafting cardamom fiber into a wide range of products such as bags, mats, pen holders, wallets, to decorative pieces, each product showcases the unique texture and durability of cardamom fiber.
Established in 2068 BS, her business not only converts agricultural waste into functional items but also provides employment opportunities, particularly in rural communities where cardamom is grown.
As a member of FWEAN, she has been able to connect with fellow women entrepreneurs, and receive support in the form of training and networking.
Geeta Nepali, hailing from the Dolakha district, presented her handcrafted crystal jewelry, each piece personally designed and made by her.
In addition to jewelry, she brought along a variety of specialty products like Sheep Ghee, which she described as having numerous health benefits—particularly effective for reducing the burning sensation of burnt wounds.
Further, she also offers locally grown and produced goods such as Sisnu (nettle) and its processed products, kodo ko pitho (millet flour), and dhoop (incense), which is widely used for religious rituals. According to Geeta, who currently employs three women, she aspires to commercialize these products on a larger scale in the future, making Dolakha’s unique offerings more widely known and appreciated.
With the support of FWEAN, she has gained market exposure and access to business training.
Tirtha Pun, who hails from East Rukum, operates Chhipkhola Allo Kapda Udyog, specialises in producing fabric made from Allo (nettle fiber), a significant natural resource and one of the main productions of her district. Tirtha and her team transform this traditional fiber into a wide range of eco-friendly and durable products, such as bags, clothes, mats, hats, etc.
Tirtha’s plan for the future is to export and introduce East Rukum’s traditional allo-made products to international markets.
Sunita Shrestha and Gyanab Shrestha are owners of Shreem Leather Handicraft, a well-established leather products store located in Dhapakhel, Lalitpur. With over 30 years of experience as wholesalers, they specialize in high-quality leather goods made from sheep and buffalo leather. Their diverse collection includes handbags, laptop bags, wallets, backpacks, makeup pouches, lipstick holders, jewelry boxes, and pencil cups, catering to both men and women.
Now looking to scale up, they are planning to venture into manufacturing. However, high labor costs in Nepal pose a major challenge, they shared. To address this, they intend to outsource production to India initially, where customized designs can be created at a more competitive cost.
Although they are not members of FWEAN at the moment, they are still inspired by the organization’s role in empowering small and medium entrepreneurs, especially through its support in areas such as financial assistance, leadership development, and valuable networking opportunities.
Desi Grub, a slang term for Nature’s Paradise, is a wellness-focused brand established in 2021 which promotes superfoods made entirely from natural ingredients sourced from all across the country.
Their product line features health-friendly herbal teas like antioxidant, immunity-boosting, detox, blue pea, and chamomile teas, along with raw white honey from the Himalayas, known for its nutritional and healing properties.
Desi Grub also offers a selection of essential oils, such as HempO for pain relief, hemp seed oil for heart health and oil pulling, and other oils like peppermint and rosemary. According to them, they source their ingredients from the remote Humla and Jumla to Bardiya and Morang.
The brand is a member of both FWEAN and the Swadeshi Movement Campaign.
