Seven months ago, two friends opened a store on the premises of Evoke Bistro Cafe, to promote local brands and help them have a fair chance at competing in the domestic market. In hopes of bringing a new concept to town, Sachin Shrestha and Binam Shakya started The Local Project Nepal in Jhamsikhel as a hub for local producers and entrepreneurs to showcase their products made in Nepal.
“I’d previously worked in the handicraft industry for over four years, and had seen a potential for local brands to grow. This inspired us to give local producers a physical space that could help cover renting costs, and focus on quality instead,” says Sachin Shrestha, co-founder of The Local Project Nepal. On why they chose Evoke Cafe & Bistro, Shrestha tells us that the establishment shares the same values of empowerment and encouraging local creativity.
With their tagline ‘Buy Local, Live Local’, TLP Nepal aims to present a vast variety of authentic 100% locally crafted products to its customers. The Local Project Nepal support associated native and indigenous workers while also making use of local resources during the production of these goods. The project can help make and preserve Nepali culture known through these products. As a shop, gallery, and studio, Sachin tells us they want to promote the idea that The Local Project Nepal is physical space for skilled artisans, entrepreneurs and producers come together. Although a small initiative, the impact TLP Nepal is having on the domestic market is impressive- the store attracts a crowd of customers, both foreigners and Nepali during the day.
The duo has managed to reel in over thirty brands to be a part of this project- at present, the outlet has 22 brands ranging from handmade jewelry to shoes made from Nepali cloth. Rising entrepreneurs also have a chance to showcase their products here- Yashrii Products is one entrepreneur that puts out handmade greeting cards and stickers.
Brands like Ek Saye Aath, Purnaa, Neo Nuts, Arniko, Dreamcatcher, Bora Studio Nepal, Everest Pashmina put up ethically produced clothing that help fair trade become a reality, here in Nepal. For adventurers and travelers alike, Yatri supply and Mheecha offer locally made bags, camera straps, and notebooks. HiHu, Studio Sarcastic cater to the stationary enthusiasts with creative stickers and punny notebooks. Weaving for empowerment, Dinadi, Jigi Outdoors, The White Yak create knitted hats, beanies and bags from wool. Dochha produces shoes woven from traditional Nepali fabrics while Meraki Nepal creates handmade jewelry. Kala Kathmandu and Metalwood are design studios that focus on locally crafted furniture, decor, and lighting. Comic books by Amuse and classic Nepali games by Allarè target a younger audience
Every other Saturday, from 10 am to 2 pm, The Local Project Nepal holds ‘The Local Mini Market’ to give local vendors a more effective platform to reach a wider range of consumers in the city. This mini market allows other local vendors, besides the ones showcased in the store, to take part and attract a more vast audience with live music, a scrumptious brunch, and wine to go with.
When asked about the future, Sachin tells us they’re planning to open more branches across Kathmandu and grow from there. Shrestha hopes to reach more people and open outlets across Nepal as well. Along with the mini-market, they aim to organize more events on a larger scale to give as many underprivileged producers as they can, a chance to achieve sustainable livelihoods.
For more information:
The Local Project Nepal
In the premises of Evoke Cafe & Bistro
Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur
Email: tlpnepal@gmail.com
Contact: +977 9818268006/9808110115
Simran Dali is a Content Writer at Nepal Traveller.
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