Dear all (Namaste),
My name is Pasang Sherpa. My mother, Nimdiki, started a small business called Beads for Life Nepal 15 years ago out of her house in Kathmandu, Nepal. Her mission was to provide underprivileged women with financial independence through teaching them how to make high-quality jewelry. We started selling our jewelry at small trade shows, and today we employ more than 60 women and distribute around the world. My mom was the first woman in her family to receive higher education and was able to work as a Montessori teacher and social worker. Due to the limited opportunities for women in Nepal, I decided to further my education in the United States to help my mom as best as I could. I was able to earn a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree here, fell in love with my now husband and have happily settled down in Vermont.
My mother's dreams of helping women in Nepal has been passed on to me as I hope to carry the family torch. I have begun to design my own jewelry and started a small shop on Etsy - which I named Nimdiki, in her honor. Everything that I design and sell is made in Kathmandu at my mother’s workshop. This way, I can help sustain my mother’s dream by employing as many women as we can. Many of these women would not be able to find comparable jobs or be employed at all if it wasn’t for this opportunity. The money they earn provides them with financial independence and allows them to make important decisions for their households without having to rely on their partners.
If you are ever in Nepal, our workshop is always open for visitors and is located on a small hill overlooking the countryside. Away from the bustle of the city, it provides everyone with a strong sense of community and a scenic place to relax from the stresses of society. We love visitors and would love to tell you more over a hot cup of chai.
Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Regards,
Pasang Sherpa