Hello, I’m Prajan Shrestha, and I’m proud to be the founder and owner of Kumari Crafts, an online platform dedicated to showcasing and selling the finest handicrafts from Nepal. As someone born and raised in a middle-class family in Nepal, I’ve experienced the beauty of our rich cultural heritage as well as the everyday challenges that come with living on monthly wages.
Growing up in a family where hard work and perseverance were essential, I was always inspired to find ways to create something meaningful, something that could give back to the community while sustaining my own livelihood. With the foundation laid by my background in office work, I ventured into the world of entrepreneurship with a dream of building a business that promotes the artistry of Nepalese handicrafts to a global audience.
The Journey Behind Kumari Crafts
At Kumari Crafts, we specialize in traditional Nepalese handicrafts, offering a range of products that are handcrafted by local artisans with love and care. From intricately designed statues to beautifully crafted home décor items, each piece tells a story of Nepal’s deep-rooted culture and heritage.
As an online retailer and wholesaler, my goal is not just to sell products but to support the talented craftsmen and women behind these creations. In doing so, we help preserve Nepal’s artistic traditions while providing fair opportunities for the artisans to earn a sustainable income.
The Inspiration Behind Kumari Crafts
Growing up in Nepal, I was surrounded by the breathtaking artistry of our local craftsmen and women. Their handicrafts are not merely items; they are embodiments of our history, culture, and the skilled hands that create them. Witnessing the struggle of these artisans to sustain their livelihoods sparked a desire in me to make a difference.
I wanted to create a platform that would not only bring their beautiful creations to a global audience but also provide them with fair economic opportunities. This vision became the foundation of Kumari Crafts.
Taking the First Steps
Starting a business wasn’t an easy decision. Coming from a background where the idea of entrepreneurship was unfamiliar, and with no extensive business experience, I had to step out of my comfort zone. With limited resources and a family to support, the risks were considerable. However, my determination to promote Nepalese handicrafts and uplift local artisans propelled me forward.
I began by connecting with artisans across Nepal, learning about their crafts, and understanding their challenges. Building these relationships was crucial, as it ensured that Kumari Crafts would represent authentic products made with genuine passion and skill.
Building Kumari Crafts
With the idea solidified, I started Kumari Crafts as an online retailer and wholesaler of authentic Nepalese handicrafts. The aim was to make it easier for customers from around the world to access Nepal’s incredible artisan creations—while also ensuring that the creators themselves were compensated fairly for their work.
The process was slow, filled with hurdles from setting up the logistics of shipping globally to ensuring the artisans had the support they needed. There were moments of doubt, especially when faced with setbacks like shipping delays or technical issues with the website. However, each challenge taught me valuable lessons and strengthened my resolve to succeed. Yet, with every challenge, I learned something new, and Kumari Crafts gradually took shape. It wasn’t just about selling products—it became a mission to uplift the local artisan community and promote the unique heritage of Nepalese craftsmanship.
Moving Forward
Today, Kumari Crafts stands as more than just a business—it’s a bridge between traditional Nepalese artisans and a global audience that appreciates authentic, handcrafted goods. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, but I know that this is just the beginning. My journey continues with a vision to expand Kumari Crafts and make it a sustainable platform that continues to support Nepal’s artisans while bringing a touch of our culture to homes around the world.