Register

Category: story

30 Stories: 108 Wears

Posted on by Nirmal Thapa


@108ktm Story by @thestorieshub

The number 108 holds multi-dimensional meanings. It is considered sacred in many religions and traditions and is also a recurring number in astrology, science, and mathematics. In एक सए आठ the individual numbers 1, 0, and 8 represent onething, nothing, and everything respectively.

We wanted to bring unique and meaningful designs inspired by Nepali culture into a clothing brand and that’s how 108 wears came about. We had been designing limited edition tees by outsourcing our tailoring and printing since 2012. Then, in 2017 we started printing tees through our own print workshop. One of the main reasons behind this was to be able to experiment with different printing techniques.

We remember the days when we printed our first design (Nepal United F.C.) at a local print shop, but the color was printed opposite to what we had wanted. We went all around town trying to find the right printers to change the design multiple times and make things work. We have really experienced the challenges of printing and producing high quality tees without having our own print shop.

Now, we are able to produce good quality designs in our print shop and bring it to the market.

Bio: 108 Wears was started by Kushal and Salil in 2012. They sell their products through @thelocalprojectnepal_tlp@blockoutktm as well as online. Follow them @108ktm

Image credit: The Local Project Nepal 

This story was first published on https://www.instagram.com/thestorieshub/

30 Stories: JetSole

Posted on by Nirmal Thapa

@jetsole Story by @thestorieshub

JetSole brings together individuals who are into premium clothing and sneakers as well as brands who want to reach potential customers under one platform.

I have always been the guy that likes to find new brands or wear clothing that are stylish, while still being unique and true to me. However, I realized how disconnected the process of finding and acquiring premium clothing and sneakers was, especially for individuals who were working full time or can’t find time to go shopping, but still want to be in the know. Similarly, new brands were having a hard time getting their products in the hands of potential customers. So, I created JetSole to address the void of convenience and curation of unique clothing and sneakers that are needed by today’s customers.

I have found it increasingly beneficial to travel to a lot of events across the country to get the JetSole brand out there. I like to travel because it gives me a new perspective on existing problems and helps me come up with fresh solutions. 

To date, JetSole has generated over 15K downloads and fulfilled over 1.5K orders since its launch.

Bio: Started by Nelson Gedeon in 2016, JetSole is an e-commerce platform for premium sneakers and streetwear. Follow the Jet life @jetsole

Image credit: JetSole Twitter page

This story was first published on https://www.instagram.com/thestorieshub/

30 Stories: The Hiut Denim Company

Posted on by Nirmal Thapa

@hiutdenim Story

Our town is going to make jeans again

Cardigan is a small town of 4,000 good people. 400 of them used to make jeans. They made 35,000 pairs a week. For three decades.

Then one day the factory closed. It left town. But all that skill and knowhow remained. Without any way of showing the world what they could do.

That’s why we have started The Hiut Denim Company. To bring manufacturing back home. To use all that skill on our doorstep. And to breathe new life into our town. 

As one of the Grand Masters said to me when I was interviewing: “This is what I know how to do. This is what I do best.” I just sat there thinking I have to make this work. 

So yes, our town is going to make jeans again. 

Here goes. 

Text credit : The Hiut Denim Company website

Image credit : GQ website

30 Stories: Arniko

Posted on by Nirmal Thapa

@arniko_official Story by @thestorieshub

Marius “Arniko” Arter initially did not plan to make a business out of selling skateboards. He went to Nepal to see if he was going to be able to produce skateboards and after three months of producing skateboards in Nepal, he brought two boards back to Switzerland. Many people in his network in Switzerland liked the skateboards so much that he went back to Nepal to produce more, which ultimately led to the creation of his business, Arniko.

Arniko is well known for their skateboards, which they proudly produce in Nepal and was the first company to introduce the skateboarding culture on a large scale in the country. Back in 2011, Arniko had about 70% foreign customers and 30% local Nepalese customers. The skateboard scene was rising in Nepal and Arniko believed that there was potential in growing and getting more Nepali customers. 

Fast forward to today, we now have @skate_nepal, which is spreading skateboarding to the people of Nepal. There is now also a community-built skatepark in Pokhara, Nepal @annapurnaskatepark.

Bio: Established in 2007, Arniko produces a wide range of fashion articles and skateboards in Nepal and India. Arniko has a flagship store in Zurich, Switzerland and also sell their merchandise through The Local Project Nepal store in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Image credit: Arniko website

This story was first published on https://www.instagram.com/thestorieshub/

30 Stories: The Local Project Nepal

Posted on by Nirmal Thapa

@thelocalprojectnepal_tlp Story by @thestorieshub

“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever.” – Steve Jobs

Sachin Shrestha believes that all the work experiences that he had and the environment he grew up in helped him co-found “The Local Project Nepal.” His father had a successful garment factory, which sustained the family. Over time, the orders decreased for the products they were manufacturing and then one day his father decided to close down the factory and hoped to restart the business in the next few years. However, the factory never restarted again.

During his work journey, Sachin worked for KN International for about three years. The company’s long time business clients from Japan started to demand chemical free fabrics that were produced ethically through fair practices, which gave him a lot of exposure in those areas. These experiences also helped shed light into the opportunities and challenges of ethical production of goods in Nepal. Deep inside, Sachin really wanted to start his own brand or delve into manufacturing, but he couldn’t do it for a variety of reasons, until an opportunity came along.

When a business opportunity to start a store that promotes local products inside Evoke Cafe & Bistro came about from Sachin and Binam’s friends, they immediately said yes. Sachin believes that providing a platform for local manufacturers brings him joy and closer to his manufacturing roots. Now, “The Local Project Nepal” has two locations in the Kathmandu valley and is a hub for authentic and locally made products.

Bio: Started by Sachin Shrestha and Binam Shakya, “The Local Project Nepal” encourages local entrepreneurship and production, while providing a platform for Nepal made vendors to sell their products. Follow them @thelocalprojectnepal_tlp

Image credit: Evoke Cafe & Bistro

This story was first published on https://www.instagram.com/thestorieshub/

30 Stories: Arthur Gunn

Posted on by Nirmal Thapa

@arthur_gunn Story by @thestorieshub

When I got my first guitar from my mom, I was ecstatic and started singing and playing songs I heard on the radio and TV. That’s how I fell in love with music. 

After high school, I moved to America from Nepal and settled in Wichita, Kansas. Living in Wichita really got me into Bluegrass and Country music. I had not listened to those kinds of music before, but I was pulled towards it. This attraction was magnetic.

I made my American dream come true by being runner up in the American Idol 2020 competition. Thank you to all of you beautiful people around the world for supporting my @AmericanIdol journey. American Idol gave me a universal platform to share my love for music with you and I hope you will join me on the road ahead.

Peace&Love!

Bio: Dibesh Pokharel who goes by the stage name, Arthur Gunn came 1st runner up on the American Idol 2020 competition. He won many hearts from fans all around the world and judges alike with his talent, style, and personality. His 7-track EP “Self-Titled” was released in the summer of 2020. Follow him @arthur_gunn

Image credit: The Wichita Eagle

This story was first published on https://www.instagram.com/thestorieshub/

30 Stories: Writers Ink

Posted on by Nirmal Thapa

@writersinkinsta Story by @thestorieshub

I loved writing from a very young age because it gave me a sense of freedom, a form of expression, and most importantly a voice. As a Writing Consultant at Auburn University’s Miller Writing Center, I helped hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students with their writing projects. Each writing consultation appointment allowed me to go on a journey with the student to tackle their writing frustrations, road blocks, and own their success. It gave me immense satisfaction knowing that I was able to help make an impact by improving someone’s writing skills and scope of knowledge.

I knew there were other students and professionals in academia and industry who needed guidance with their writing. I wanted to make a bigger difference in my community and beyond, so that’s why Writers Ink was created. Writers Ink helps you hone your writing skills to achieve your end results. Writers Ink is my passion, my calling, and an opportunity to help you become more confident in finding your writing voice.

Bio: Writers Ink was started by Anshu Shrestha. She is a career coach and writing consultant. Follow them @writersinkinsta for all topics related to writing.

Image credit: @writersinkinsta @siraj.ig

This story was first published on https://www.instagram.com/thestorieshub/

30 Stories: Nike

Posted on by Nirmal Thapa

Our mission is what drives us to do everything possible to expand human potential. We do that by creating groundbreaking sport innovations, by making our products more sustainably, by building a creative and diverse global team and by making a positive impact in communities where we live and work.

Based in Beaverton, Oregon, NIKE, Inc. includes the Nike, Converse, and Jordan brands. 

Follow their stories @nike

Above text is from @nike About page.

Image credit: diginomica.com

30 Stories: Himalayan Java

Posted on by Nirmal Thapa

@himalayanjava Story by @thestorieshub

Tea remains a huge part of the daily Nepali culture and experience. Most people have multiple cups of tea throughout the day. Back in 1999, coffee culture in Nepal was mostly non-existent when Gagan Pradhan and Anand Gurung brought it to the masses by opening the first Himalayan Java in Thamel. Nowadays, coffee culture is widespread, trendy, and fashionable in Nepal.

Gagan fell in love with coffee beans when he was a student studying hospitality management in Australia. The small, independent coffee shops that he frequented as a student became the model and inspiration for his own Himalayan Java franchise. Gagan recalls that he does not remember a single outlet in Kathmandu that served freshly brewed coffee, and wanted to fill that gap. He wasn’t sure of how customers would respond to brewed coffee. However, he was a passionate coffee-head determined to turn his passion into business and went ahead to start Himalayan Java. From the beginning, the co-founders wanted to sell an experience through coffee.

Today, Himalayan Java not only offers the best tasting Nepali coffee beans in the country, but it is also a distributor of coffee machines, offers Barista training/Bakery training, and has its very own coffee farm.

Bio: Gagan Pradhan and Anand Gurung started Himalayan Java, which has been serving Nepali coffee since 1999. They now have 27 Himalayan Java outlets located throughout the world including Toronto, Canada, Omaha, US, and Minnesota, US. Follow them @himalayanjava

Image credit: Himalayan Java Facebook page

This story was first published on https://www.instagram.com/thestorieshub/

30 Stories: Miki Agrawal

Posted on by Nirmal Thapa

@mikiagrawal Story by @thestorieshub

“Iteration is perfection.”

That’s my favorite saying and I’ve always been fascinated with the process of discovery, invention, and rapid improvements. Growing up, I was told I could be whoever I wanted to be and had big dreams. However, along the way, society had set all these expectations of me on what I should do and look like. I did what society expected me to do. Then, I realized I could disrupt it all and become who I really wanted to be and work on projects I loved and those that gave me purpose and meaning.

At 25, I decided to become an entrepreneur and then went on to build successful companies that have tackled taboos head on, are truly changing culture, and improving the lives of millions of people around the world.

I wrote “Disrupt-Her” to share my experience of breaking down social taboos and building big companies that matter, while sharing other game changing disruptors from around the world.

Bio: Miki Agrawal is the Co-founder and Inventor of @hellotushy, @shethinx, and @eatdrinkwild.  Her books include Disrupt-Her and Do Cool Shit. Follow her @mikiagrawal to learn how to be a Disrupt-Her.

Image credit: mikiagrawal.com

This story was first published on https://www.instagram.com/thestorieshub/

30 Stories: Mheecha

Posted on by Nirmal Thapa

@mheecha Story by @thestorieshub

The backpack market in Nepal is dominated by imported goods. Local Nepali brands are able to capture only a small percentage of the market, while the majority is covered by imported generic and branded backpacks.

Our motive at Mheecha is simple. Inspired by the traditional Mheecha for its minimal, classy design, strength, and durability, we design and develop our products with these characteristics in mind. We believe that Nepalese consumers do not have to choose between world class standard qualities and products made locally in Nepal.

A lot of time is spent on the design process to make sure our products are simple and appealing to our customers. Today, Nepalese consumers can choose merchandise like ours that meet the highest quality standards and are functional, durable, and fashionable. 

Bio: Founded by Anish Bajracharya, Pratik Shakya, and Nishan Bajracharya in 2016, Mheecha (a Newa term which means ‘pouch’) is proud to manufacture the highest quality bags in Nepal. Follow them @mheecha

Image credit: mheecha.com

This story was first published on https://www.instagram.com/thestorieshub/

30 Stories: Auburn Foodie Sisters

Posted on by Nirmal Thapa

@auburnfoodiesisters Story by @thestorieshub

We are two sisters from Auburn who love everything related to food. 

Auburn, Alabama is our home, where we grew up, and very close to our hearts. From our early days of tailgating while eating barbecue before football games, grabbing a quick bite at Chick-fil-A before attending classes, to drinking lemonade at Toomer’s Corner while relaxing on Samford Lawn, we have watched the culinary landscape in Auburn grow tremendously throughout the years. 

We decided to share our love of food and Auburn with you through our Instagram page. As the town’s culinary scene got larger, so did our appetites to discover, highlight, and share the best food spots. Join us on our food journey to tell the world about Auburn’s amazing eats, while supporting local Auburn and Opelika businesses.

Bio: Auburnfoodiesisters is an Instagram page started by two sisters covering amazing eats around Auburn while supporting local businesses. Follow their food journey @auburnfoodiesisters

Image credit: Auburnfoodiesisters Instagram

This story was first published on https://www.instagram.com/thestorieshub/

30 Stories: Miss Moti

Posted on by Nirmal Thapa

“Moti” in the Nepalese language can mean a plump woman or it can also mean a pearl if you say it with a softer “T”. 

Miss Moti was born out of my own struggle with weight. A friend of mine had given me the nickname Moti. Thus, when searching for a name for my comic character, I realized that Moti would be the perfect fit. This character would represent a woman who was plump and also display a sense of purity and innocence. 

The emphasis of ‘beauty’ in our society leads many people to have a negative body image about themselves, especially when it comes to weight. In a world that places so much importance on appearance, Miss Moti is a superhero out to conquer her world. She does not let anything, including her weight hold her back in life. For me, Miss Moti advocates that we should not let our insecurities and body image stop us from chasing our dreams and goals in life. 

Bio: Kripa Joshi is an Illustrator and Comic Artist from Nepal. She pursued her MFA in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York City where she started making comics and developed the character of Miss Moti. Follow her @missmoti_vation

Image credit: missmoti.com

This story was first published on https://www.instagram.com/thestorieshub/

30 Stories: Bhav Products

Posted on by Nirmal Thapa

@bhavproducts Story by @thestorieshub

A customer recently wrote to me “All Bhav Products are so creative, that you can’t help not being the same once you start using them. My long lost skills of calligraphy, doodling, and sketching have found a new earth to pour again all my creative ink into! Highly recommended!”

When one of your creations gets appreciated like that, I feel pure joy. Bhav began as a determined, personal attempt at creating the best notebook possible for my own use. When I did not find what I was looking for in the market, I thought why don’t I make it myself. However, starting out I never imagined that it’d be hard. In my mind, I thought that I’d just buy a bunch of paper, design it, print it, and sell it. It required me to evolve and work along with suppliers who initially disregarded my queries or give me an empty promise of calling me later. I was committed to bring quality stationary in the market, so I worked with suppliers and made the best use of what was available. 

I love Nepali words and Bhav was a word I had been in love with for a long time. Since notebooks are something we pour our hearts out in, Bhav just clicked in. In addition, me being someone who’s into marketing, the word seemed like a short and sweet one that was easy to remember.

Bio: Bhintuna Jyapoo established Bhav Products in December 2014 to fill in the gap that was ever widening between enthusiast and quality stationery.
Bhav products is a Nepali brand that sells a wide range of creative stationery supplies. Follow @bhavproducts

Image credit: @siraj.ig

This story was first published on https://www.instagram.com/thestorieshub/

30 Stories: Promise Tamang

Posted on by Nirmal Thapa

@promisetamang Story by @thestorieshub

Makeup is a language to me. It allows me to communicate with millions of people around the world through my transformation. I am blessed and thankful for the platform to teach millions of people and entertain as a human chameleon by transforming into different celebrities and fictional characters.

My 13 year old self would have never imagined all of these would happen one day. I have been able to travel the world and work with so many big brands and companies (Pepsi, Disney, Sony, etc.), judged beauty contests, and became faces for make-up campaigns. It has been very rewarding so far.

My sweet husband, Steve, family members, Nimbus-my cute dog, and Poki-the sweetest most precious Hedgehog ever, also make special appearances in my YouTube videos. Having started doing makeup as a hobby, I am now very thankful to spread happiness and bring joy globally with my language. 

Bio: Promise Tamang is known as Human Chameleon. She is a Make-up Guru and shares her celebrity and fictional character transformations on social media. Follow her @promisetamang

Image credit: 9Gag

This story was first published on https://www.instagram.com/thestorieshub/

30 Stories: Paras Khadka

Posted on by Nirmal Thapa

@paraskhadka77 Story by @thestorieshub

Cricket always came first. There were other sports I liked growing up such as football, basketball, and table tennis. However, cricket was love at first sight. From the days I played club-level cricket on Saturdays, where match-winners would win the match ball and the losing team would pay for the cold drinks to playing and representing Nepal cricket on the world stage, my journey has been incredible. 

The proudest moments for me in my cricket career was when we played in the 2014 World Cup and when we achieved One Day International (ODI) status. Nepal felt like a different country after returning from playing in the World Cup, because cricket was played and viewed by the masses. Getting ODI status was also special because with it came recognition and a chance to play against teams with international status. Looking back, these are the two moments that I feel blessed to be a part of.

Join me as I share my story, perspectives, and all things Liverpool on my website and social media.

Bio: Paras Khadka was the captain of Nepal’s cricket team for 10 years (2009-2019). Follow him @paraskhadka77

Image credit: Paras Khadka Facebook page

This story was first published on https://www.instagram.com/thestorieshub/

30 Stories: Sastodeal

Posted on by Nirmal Thapa

@sastodeal_insta Story by @thestorieshub

Dec. 2011
9%
Rs. 50,000

Our journey started with those numbers. Nepal was opening up to E-commerce and by registering SastoDeal, we were not only launching a company, but an industry.

Nepal is still mostly a cash based economy. We love going to shops, feeling the products, conversing and bargaining with the shop owners, and walking out with a great deal in our hands. However, with the changing lifestyles, work schedules, and the convenience of online shopping, the country was beginning to enter a digital economy. With Rs. 50,000 in hand and facing a 9% national internet penetration rate, launching SastoDeal in December 2011 was a pioneering decision. 

Today, Sastodeal is the leading E-commerce company in Nepal.

Bio: Founded in 2011, Sastodeal.com is one of Nepal’s biggest and most popular online shopping platforms. SastoDeal is targeting to achieve Rs 1 billion in annual revenue within the next 18 months.

Follow them @sastodeal_insta

Image credit: Sastodeal Facebook page

This story was first published on https://www.instagram.com/thestorieshub/

30 Stories: Sipora Gurung

Posted on by Nirmal Thapa

@siporagurung Story by @thestorieshub 

My father taught me various outdoor sports such as volleyball, football, and badminton at a young age. I was always a sporty girl from childhood. My father was a huge David Beckham and Manchester United fan and that’s where I get my love for Beckham and Manchester United from.

Almost 15 years ago, I picked up volleyball. Coming back from school at 4 pm and getting to volleyball training by 4:30 pm was my daily schedule. I have so many fond memories of playing volleyball from school level tournaments, to the National Women’s Volleyball Championship. Volleyball is the love of my life and the sport has provided me a global platform to connect with people from all around the world. 

I’m a mountain girl who loves hiking with my father in Nepal. A perfect Saturday for me is morning tea, hiking, and getting lost in nature.

Bio: Sipora Gurung played volleyball for Nepal’s National volleyball team starting at age 12. She has won numerous awards and accolades throughout her volleyball career. Follow her @siporagurung

Image credit: Nepalipaan

This story was first published on https://www.instagram.com/thestorieshub/

30 Stories: Nirmal “Nims” Purja

Posted on by Nirmal Thapa

@nimsdai Story by @thestorieshub

“Everything in life is possible armed only with a determined approach and positive mindset.”

This attitude helped me climb the world’s 14 highest peaks (the 8,000ers) in just six months and six days, which I called “Project Possible.” Looking back, I did not grow up in the laps of the Himalayas, instead I was raised in the flatlands of Chitwan, Nepal. My journey of mountain climbing started much later because my initial dream was to become a Gurkha in the British military like my father and brothers. That dream became a reality in 2003.

My passion for mountaineering began on a trek to Everest Base Camp in December 2012, while on leave from my Special Forces duties. The 6,119-meter Lobuche East was the first peak I climbed. The mountaineering continued whenever I could and ultimately led me to embark on a project so impossible that nobody thought I could do it: to summit the world’s 14 highest peaks – the 8,000’ers, in an astonishing 7 months window. At the time, the record stood at just under 8 years. After accomplishing that mission in under 7 months, I can definitely say that the right mindset, planning, and team can make all the difference and change the impossible to possible.

I am equally excited for the next chapter of my enterprise, Nimsdai. Here I share my knowledge and approach of big mountain climbing by teaming up 1:1 and providing commercial client opportunities for breath-taking high-altitude special projects.

Bio: Nirmal “Nims” Purja MBE broke the Guinness world records for climbing the world’s fourteen highest peaks (the 8,000ers) in less than seven months. His book “Beyond Possible: One Soldier, Fourteen Peaks — My Life In The Death Zone” will be released September 2020. Follow him @nimsdai

Image credit: nimsdai.com

This story was first published on https://www.instagram.com/thestorieshub/

30 Stories. 30 Days.

Posted on by Nirmal Thapa

From August 1st to August 30th, The Stories Hub is going to feature stories of individuals and brands that represent inspiration, authenticity, creativity, innovation, and are making a difference (locally, nationally and globally).

If you know of individuals and brands that meet the above criteria, do share with The Stories Hub. That story could be one of the 30 stories.

Please share this blog post with your network. Stories Hub wants to hear, highlight, and share the amazing stories. One of them could be your story. Let the stories begin!!!

Subscribe

Subscribe to receive our blogs, information on upcoming workshops and exclusive content.

Nirmal Thapa

Linkedin
Register