Production

OUR PRODUCTION

BEGINNING - SOW AND REAP

Although Hemp isn’t legal in Nepal for recreational use, the hemp for commercial use, is sourced from the rural, mid western, parts of Nepal- Bajhang, Bajura and Rolpa ( co-founders' birthplace) where more than 80% of the population still depend on agriculture. And here, Hemp has been utilized to its full potential for centuries. Not only the cultivation but the craft of weaving has been passed down through generation after generation. Every single part of the plant is full utilized. Its stalks are used for fibers, whereas its seeds are used for oil, its roots and leaves for tea and medicinal purpose. 

After the harvest, the stalks are left alongside riverbanks and beaten in order to soften the inner fibers. They are then left to dry for a week depending on the weather. Once fully dried, they are separated, twisted, and morphed into yard, using hands. Hemp is mainly cultivated during monsoon season where the locals can’t work in the fields so they stay indoor and work on these yarns. All of this process takes up to 2-4 weeks and is solely run by local families within these villages. If you visit these villages during this season, you will see someone working on these yarns at every single house. 

     

After the harvest, the plants are boiled to soften the inner fibers which are then morphed into yarn. All of this process takes up to 2-4 weeks and is run by local families within these villages. 

WEAVE

The yarn then travels all the way to the capital city of Kathmandu where our local didis (sisters* in Nepali) give these yarns a new life. After a rigorous process of washing and naturally drying, traditional looms enter the scene for weaving. Traditional looms are still in practice hence our fabrics will have an authentic, natural outcome as it is an intricate process of weaving- still so gracefully by our didi's, the yarn is turned into fabrics even before we know it.

SEW

The fabrics are then taken to the tailoring side of production where each bag is given its final look. A small production house selected for its ethical practices conducts the final stitching and finishing off the bags.  As one can imagine, it is a very lengthy process but makes up a beautiful story so that when you're carrying our bag, you understand its roots and its journey. 

We have built a close relationship with everyone in our supply chain. Only after inspecting the working conditions, facilities, wages, and other regulations of the employees were we able to begin this journey. We take pride in establishing and maintaining a close relationship with all our partners. 

MATERIALS

HEMP- All our bags are made of 100% Pure Hemp. We wish our product to carry the traditional look and feel of hemp- rugged, strong and sometimes imperfect- just like how we all are. And the material only gets better with age! 

COTTON- We currently use 100% cotton for the interior lining of our bags however we plan to approach even more natural ways of replacing industrial cotton in the future.   

RECYCLED PVC (polyvinyl chloride) - We are proud to use recycled rice bags for our interlining in our bags. As intake of rice in Nepal is quite high, significant amount of rice bags often end up in trash. So we take pride in being able to reuse these bags for a positive impact!

JOURNALS- Our Journals are all made from recyled paper with the covers/ hardcovers either made with Hemp or traditional Lokta paer ( Nepali, tree less paper that comes from an indigenous shrub, called Daphne). They are made by family owned company, Jamarko, based in Kathmandu. 

CERAMICS- Our co-founder, Ramuna has been doing pottery for some time now so our ceramic pieces ( stoneware and earthenware) are either made by her or her tutor, Ratna who has been a traditional potter since the age of five, a skill passed on from his forefathers. He owns a pottery studio called Cera Nepal, in Bhaktapur. 

CLOTHING ( HEMP/COTTON) - Made in extremely small batches at local tailors/ small production studios. Either Natural and undyed or dyed using Natural Dyes only. Made in Kathmandu and Lalitpur, weaved in Budhanilkantha. 

PACKAGING

Our packaging is fully recyled and recylable with zero plastic use. We use cardboard boxes to retain the condition of our products during delivery. We do not use product tags on our products because they really aren’t as necessary as one would think when the same information can be found on the website. This helps us cut down on excess paper prints. Our “about us” note which accompanies your order is made from tree-less nepali paper that is biodegradable. 

We value personal touch so with every order we include a sprig of seasonal flower which usually comes from our garden (our co-founder Janaki loves collecting and drying flowers!). We really do believe in thoughtful and intentional little touches. Whether you order for yourself or your loved one, our packaging will certainly feel like a warm hug :)