Himalayan Naari
Women in the Himalayas have a long tradition of knitting and weaving beautiful clothing for their families. Because of their remote location, lack of capital and business experience, poor transportation, and communication obstacles, they were unable to use these skills to develop sustainable incomes.
Himalayan Education Foundation has been a critical partner in bridging this divide by providing startup funds, design, marketing, sales, and business development support. Since 2013, in partnership with HEF, over 70 artisans have united to improve their livelihoods and the quality of their lives through the dynamic self-help group Himalayan Naari, which provides access to the international market for their products.
The women in Chakouri knit exquisite hats, scarves, shawls and throws. Under the guidance of Dr. Kathleen Bollerud and Manvee Vaid, HEF board members and project directors for Naari, they are designing, making and bringing their creations to a wider market. The group members augment their family income and are economically empowered. Himalayan Naari is a fair trade verified organization.
International Sales
In 2020, Himalayan Naari, with support from HEF, opened an online retail store to sell their crafts in the U.S. In 2024, they developed their first online wholesale catalog. You can support the Naari women by purchasing their products and spreading the word about their wonderful work.
Lofty Peaks Yarn
In 2024, with the leadership of Manvee Vaid, Himalayan Naari launched a natural dye operation, Lofty Peaks Yarns. After building a dye workshop, the artisans began dyeing yarn for their products and sale in the US.
The Components of Himalayan Naari’s Success
Fair Trade
As a member of the Fair Trade Federation, Himalayan Naari creates income opportunities for women where few options are available, especially focussing on the neediest members of the community.
All profits are returned to Himalayan Naari.
Traditional Artistry
For centuries women in the Himalayas have been making warm, woolen clothing to cope with the cold, mountainous climate of their homes.
The artisans of Naari, having been raised in this wool-working tradition, learned spinning, knitting, and weaving from their mothers. Now they are sharing these skills with the world.
World Class Design
Naari knitters have partnered with Norah Gaughan, the internationally renowned knitwear designer and editor of Vogue Knitting. Together, they have transformed the indigenous Aipan art of the region into creative, exciting designs.
Local Leadership
The strong local leadership team led by Mamta Takuli is responsible for production in India. The team manages the supply chain, oversees order fulfillment, shipping, and quality control. They manage the Naari Store in Chakouri and handle social media in India. They have been able to increase their capacity to supply high quality products each year. Himalayan Naari was able to keep the artisans employed through the Covid-19 crisis, allowing them to earn income at a time when much of the country was struggling. In 2024, the women began the natural dye workshop under the leadership of Manvee Vaid and her sister Mansee.