KATHMANDU, Nov 29: The 17th Handicraft Trade Fair kicked off in Kathmandu on Thursday. The exhibition organized by the Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal is showcasing a wide range of handmade products produced across the country.

The trends of buying branded products exported by western companies have ruled the market since time immemorial. A majority of people often discourage local products that are made in the home nation due to that fact. As a result, local brands are likely to be overshadowed in the market and the people won’t even know about their existence. Though the foreign products have maintained their supremacy in the Nepali market, there’s always a proud moment on wearing products tagged “Made in Nepal”. To support the local business, various products have come to the market. My City asked these brands about their product and story behind their initiation.

For Sushila Karki crafting things always came easily. From a very young age she took to drawing designs and people, making use of discarded bottles to decorate her room and would spend hours remodeling her house. She would always be on the lookout for things that was past its expiry date but could still be used alternatively. This love for making and creating extended even to her academics as she picked fashion designing as her choice of subject.