Int'l Women’s Day: Meet Talented Women at Felt and Yarn

March 8th is really a celebration day for all the women out there! Every year is like an honor to see women’s involvement in social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide. Women, even in a place where they are not given much importance, will feel their words heard and contributions appreciated on this International day. The encouragement that spreads across the internet, magazines, and newspapers make women realize their true worth and huge role in society, It's a day to acknowledge and celebrate women's contributions to the community and to raise awareness about gender equality and women's rights. In this blog post, we will explore the history of International Women's Day, the significance of this day, and some ways in which we can celebrate and support women.

A close-up shot of a rug artisan's hands as they deftly tie off loose threads and trim excess yarn from a completed rug, the intricate pattern and bright colors clearly visible.Sashikala Chemjong

Sashikala Chemjong is an accomplished designer with over a decade of experience in creating unique and timeless rug designs. She is a dedicated and passionate artisan who has made significant contributions to her company, Felt and Yarn. Her hard work, creativity, and attention to detail have been instrumental in producing high-quality rugs that last for years. Aside from her impressive skills as a designer, Mrs. Chemjong is also an inspiration to her colleagues for her positive and professional demeanor. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to work well with others has helped her earn the title of Artisan of the Month, a recognition that highlights her outstanding contributions to her profession and her company. Mrs. Chemjong's husband is also a hero in Nepal's army, which makes her an exceptional person and a symbol of strength and resilience.

An image of a small felting artisan carefully shaping a small piece of wool with their hands, creating a soft and delicate texture.

Ratna Khadayat

A strong woman embodies various traits such as courage, fierceness, strength, and independence. A woman is capable of being her own hero, savior, and protagonist of her life story. Ratna Khadayat, an artisan living in Kathmandu, is an example of such a woman. Originally from the Baitadi district, Ratna has been living and working in Kathmandu for the past four years, providing for her children's education. Ratna's upbringing in a remote village with her parents, two brothers, and three sisters was challenging. Her family struggled daily to survive, and Ratna's education was not prioritized, leading to an early marriage arranged by her parents. Despite this, Ratna had a happy marriage and three beautiful children. However, her life took a turn for the worse when her husband passed away, leaving her devastated. Nevertheless, Ratna found the strength to pick herself up and become both a mother and a father figure for her children. She persevered through the struggles and hardships, demonstrating the true essence of womanhood. Ratna is now grateful for her journey and proud of the life she has created for herself and her children.

An image of a felt ball and packaging in-charge head inspecting a completed order of colorful felt balls, ensuring that each one is of the highest quality and ready for shipment.

Jyoti Karki

Every order that you receive goes through an evaluation process led by Jyoti and her team, who have an in-depth knowledge of the company's craft supplies. They have memorized the color chart and ensured that all products are packed correctly. Despite being a married woman with children who are studying, Jyoti holds a high-ranking position in the packaging department as the in-charge. She guides a team of many women in packaging and product listing, and her hard work and dedication serve as an inspiration to all women. It is commendable that she now leads a team of 50+ women who work together under her guidance. She has been able to create a work environment that is supportive and empowering, where each woman is valued for her contributions. Jyoti and her team have made it their mission to ensure that each order that leaves Felt and Yarn is of the highest quality, packed with care, and delivered on time. They take great pride in their work, and their attention to detail is evident in every order that they process. Jyoti's journey is a reminder of the immense potential that women possess when given the opportunity to pursue their dreams. 

A close-up shot of a felting department artisan's hands, as they use a felting needle to shape and manipulate a piece of felt into a specific design or shape, showcasing their skill and attention to detail.


   Srijana Lawati

Mrs. Srijana Lawati is the head of our felting department and is 40 years old, residing in Saatobadto, Lalitpur. Born in Lucknow, India, Srijana moved back to Nepal with her family during her childhood and has been living in Lalitpur since she was around 10 years old. She completed her education in Lalitpur. With a passion for arts and crafts since childhood, Srijana started felting early in her life and has been doing it for 17 years now. She is now an experienced artisan who not only creates beautiful felt products but also teaches and leads a team of artisans. Srijana love for felting brought her to Felt and Yarn, where she was interviewed and started working. She takes pride in designing the amazing products created by her team, all of which are made according to her sketches. Srijana is happy that her job has empowered other women in her community, and able to pursue her passion for arts and designs through felting.

A picture of a stitching and sewing department artisan using a needle and thread to hand-stitch intricate details onto a garment, adding a personalized touch to the finished piece.

Lalita Sharma

Meet Lalita Sharma, one of the skilled women artisans at Felt and Yarn. Lalita, who hails from India, has been living in Kathmandu for 25 years and has been working in the stitching department at Felt and Yarn for over five years. She is a mother of five and had to leave her children behind in India when she came to Nepal in search of work due to the unfortunate collapse of her previous handicraft company in India. Lalita has faced multiple challenges, including a language barrier, but she quickly showed her creativity and got connected with Felt and Yarn. With her expertise in sewing blouses and sarees, Lalita has become the head of the stitching department, leading 18 members. Despite the challenges and setbacks in her life, Lalita has managed to become an empowered woman who believes in helping other women become independent.

To sum up, the stories of these beautiful women behind felting showcase the power of passion and determination. Despite facing challenges and obstacles along the way, they have found success in pursuing their love for felting and turning it into thriving businesses. Their experiences serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting and uplifting women in their endeavors. As we celebrate International Women's Day, let us continue to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women everywhere, and work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive world for all women to pursue their dreams.

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