When Disaster Strikes Nepal, We Think of the Hands Behind Our Products

The images coming out of Nepal over the past few days have been heartbreaking.

The floods and landslides have caused tremendous damage, and like many of you, we have been watching the news with a mixture of shock, sadness and concern. Nepal is a country of mountains and rivers, and when the water rises, communities living along those waterways can be especially vulnerable.

We want to begin with some good news: the artisans we work with are safe. We have been in contact with our partners and, thankfully, everyone we have heard from is okay.

But we are still deeply concerned about the papermakers and other artisans who live and work near the smaller creeks and waterways. Many of these are small, family-based operations, and we are hoping that everyone is safe and that their homes, workshops and livelihoods have not been seriously affected.

These are not just products. They are livelihoods.

At Handmade Happiness, our connection with Nepal has always been about more than buying and selling beautiful handmade goods.

The lokta paper, handmade books, textiles, felt products and other crafts we bring to Canada are made by real people — often families and small community-based workshops that have preserved traditional skills for generations.

When you purchase something from us, you are helping keep those skills and livelihoods alive.

And in times like these, that matters even more.

A disaster doesn't end when the floodwaters recede. Families have to repair homes, replace tools and materials, reopen workshops and somehow continue earning an income. For small artisans, even a relatively modest disruption can have a significant impact.

We will continue working with Nepal

We have been working with artisans in Nepal for many years, and we intend to continue doing so.

In fact, we believe our work with these communities is more important now than ever.

Our goal has never been simply to bring products from Nepal to Canada. We want to build long-term relationships with the people who make them — relationships based on respect, fair opportunity and continuity.

So, if you have supported Handmade Happiness over the years, thank you.

Every order, every gift, every recommendation to a friend and every kind message helps support the network of artisans behind what we do.

And right now, that support means a little more.

We are thinking of our friends, partners and their families across Nepal. We hope the waters recede quickly, communities remain safe, and those who have lost homes or livelihoods can begin rebuilding.

Thank you for standing with us — and with the artisans of Nepal.

With gratitude,

Manishi & the Handmade Happiness team
Handmade Happiness — Handmade traditions. Real people. Nepal.