Our Story: The Heart of Nepal in Every Handcrafted Creation
Folk Nepal was founded in 2000 AD, born from a simple dream in the quiet hills of Khotang, Nepal.
Our story begins with a young dreamer, Mr. Dhan Kumar Rai, whose journey from a humble porter in the Himalayas to the founder of one of Nepal’s most respected ethical handicraft and fair-trade enterprises is a true tale of resilience, purpose, and compassion.
From a Porter’s Path to a Pioneer’s Dream
Before Folk Nepal existed, Dhan carried loads as a trekking porter through the rugged mountain trails of Nepal. While his hands carried weight, his heart carried hope.
He met travelers from around the world and slowly learned English through the kindness of conversation. His humility, helpfulness, and bright spirit left a lasting impression on everyone he guided.
Impressed by his honesty and dedication, his guests encouraged the trekking company to promote him, first to Sherpa, and later to a Trekking Guide.
Through years of guiding people from different cultures, he listened to their stories and began to dream of creating something greater than himself, something that could change lives in his community.
The Birth of Folk Nepal
With encouragement and support from his international friends in Bangladesh and Norway, Dhan founded Folk Nepal in 2000.
He had no prior experience in the handicraft business, just passion, a desire to help others, and an unshakable belief that Nepal’s artistry could inspire the world.
Dhan and his small team began researching, experimenting, and creating unique handmade felt products, textiles, and accessories.
Each piece was crafted with care, telling the story of Nepal’s heritage, warmth, and craftsmanship.
Soon, customers around the world began to love not only the products but also the purpose behind them. Folk Nepal started receiving regular orders, and slowly, the small dream from Khotang began taking shape as a trusted global brand known for handmade quality, sustainability, and fair trade ethics.
Giving Back to the Community That Raised Us
Folk Nepal was born during one of Nepal’s most challenging times, a period of internal conflict and economic uncertainty.
Yet, Dhan saw an opportunity to serve rather than surrender.
From its inception, Folk Nepal carried a dual mission:
- To empower artisans through fair employment, training, and sustainable livelihoods.
- To uplift marginalized communities through social and educational programs.
Within its first decade, Folk Nepal had already made a powerful social impact.
By its 10th year, the organization had provided:
- Medical support to 119 financially deprived individuals, helping them recover their health.
- Over thousands villagers benefited from health and community projects.
- Scholarships for 69 students who successfully completed their high school education.
- 131 students received ongoing support for further studies.
- Establishment of a Dental Clinic in Khotang, offering much-needed rural healthcare.
These early milestones marked the foundation of Folk Nepal’s legacy, where every product sold directly contributed to education, healthcare, and community welfare.
Standing Strong Through Nepal’s Hardest Days
In 2015, tragedy struck Nepal when a devastating earthquake destroyed homes, lives, and livelihoods.
Folk Nepal, guided by its spirit of compassion, immediately mobilized relief efforts.
The team rushed to Sindhupalchok, the earthquake’s epicenter, to set up temporary shelters, food distribution, and emergency supplies for displaced families.
Many were later brought to Kathmandu, where Folk Nepal provided tents and food until their homes were rebuilt.
This humanitarian response was made possible through the generosity of our international supporters from Germany, Japan, the USA, and Australia, to whom we remain deeply grateful.
The Struggles of the Pandemic and a New Beginning
Years later, the world was hit again, this time by the COVID-19 pandemic.
For Folk Nepal, the lockdowns brought production to a halt. Orders stopped, exports froze, and many artisans especially women were left without income.
It was one of the most difficult times in our journey. Much of our work had to pause, and many of our long-time artisans were forced to find alternative means of survival.
Yet, through this darkness, a light of resilience remained.
Our artisans, our heart and strength reached out to us, urging to rebuild and restart. They reminded us that Folk Nepal was not just a business; it was a family.
Their courage reignited our spirit. With their determination, we took the leap once again.
Folk Nepal Today — Rebuilding with Purpose
Today, Folk Nepal stands stronger than ever, deeply committed to its founding principles, sustainability, fair trade, and community empowerment.
Our team now includes:
- 23 women and 5 men in our felting unit
- 16 women and 6 men in our stitching and finishing department
Every product that leaves our workshop is ethically made, hand-felted, hand-stitched, and hand-finished by skilled artisans who pour their hearts into their craft.
From felt bags, home décor, accessories, and ornaments to custom designs for global brands, each creation tells a story one of heritage, craftsmanship, and connection.
We work hand-in-hand with artisans from different parts of Nepal, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and equal opportunities, especially for economically marginalized women.
Our Philosophy — Handmade. Heartmade. Fair Made.
At Folk Nepal, we believe every product begins with a story, one of craftsmanship, culture, and care.
Our philosophy is simple yet powerful:
- We make slowly. Every piece is handmade, never rushed.
- We make ethically. Fair trade is not a label for us, it’s a way of life.
- We make beautifully. Each design celebrates the textures, colors, and soul of Nepal.
- We make meaningfully. Because your purchase supports real artisans, real families, and real impact.
We also proudly offer custom orders and brand collaborations, creating exclusive, sustainable collections for like-minded partners around the world.
Our Promise to You
When you choose Folk Nepal, you don’t just buy a handmade product, you become part of a story.
A story of hope, empowerment, and impact.
Your purchase supports artisans, funds education, improves healthcare, and keeps traditional craftsmanship alive.
Every Folk Nepal product you hold carries a part of Nepal. Its heart, its history, and its humanity.
From the mountains of Nepal to your hands, each creation reminds us:
Handmade with care. Heartmade with purpose. Fair made for the world.
Shop Handmade. Support Fair Trade. Empower Nepal.
Discover our collection of handmade felt bags, home décor, and accessories, ethically crafted by Nepalese artisans.
Together, we can keep crafts alive, empower women, and create change. One handmade piece at a time.