About our founder

Ms. Shyam Badan Shrestha is a remarkable social entrepreneur and a champion of women’s empowerment and environmental sustainability in Nepal. As the Chairperson of Nepal Knotcraft Centre Pvt. Ltd., she has spent over 40 years transforming traditional craft skills into a source of dignity, income, and independence for women across the country.

Born into a modest family, Ms. Shrestha learned the value of hard work and self-reliance from her mother, who supported their family through stitching. This early experience shaped her mission to help women use their talents to improve their lives and gain respect.

In 1983, she founded Nepal Knotcraft Centre with just Rs. 200, starting by teaching macramé to women in her neighborhood. As the business grew, she discovered the potential of local plant fibers like water hyacinth, which were often wasted or harmful to the environment. By turning these fibers into beautiful handicrafts, she not only created sustainable products but also provided livelihoods for hundreds of women in rural Nepal.

Ms. Shrestha’s efforts go beyond providing jobs—she empowers women to become
entrepreneurs. By helping them form groups and build businesses, she has given them the tools
to take control of their futures. Many of these women have shared how their newfound
independence has earned them respect within their families and communities.

Her leadership extends to many organizations. As the President of the Women’s Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal (WEAN), she helped establish a cooperative that has supported thousands of women entrepreneurs nationwide. She also advises several national and international organizations, always working to uplift women and promote sustainable business practices. Ms. Shrestha’s dedication has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2024 Araniko Rastriya Lalitkala Pragya Samman and the 2018 SAARC Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Despite challenges like economic blockades and resource shortages, her creativity and determination have helped her find innovative solutions, such as using Nepal’s natural fibers to create high-quality crafts. Through her work, Ms. Shrestha has touched the lives of thousands of women, giving them the chance to support their families and transform their futures. She believes true success is not
measured in profits but in the smiles of women who can send their children to school and gain respect in their communities.

Looking ahead, Ms. Shrestha dreams of expanding environmentally sustainable businesses, empowering even more women, and showcasing Nepalese crafts on the
global stage. Her journey is a shining example of how one person’s dedication can create lasting change for generations.