Pushpa Sthapit | Co-founder of Upcycle Nepal
Please introduce yourself.
ย Iโm a co-founder of Upcycle Nepal, and Iโve been working with Rajan to reduce textile waste and make an impact in the fabric waste management in Nepal. I studied information management and MBA with a focus on entrepreneurship, and Rajan and I co-founded this company while studying our MBAs. ย
Whatโs your role at Upcycle Nepal?
ย Rajan mainly handles fieldwork, and I mostly focus on operations. I work mainly within the organization. I train people in stitching, design new products, and curate and develop upcycled product lines. I also work with our team to produce these products and teach our employees how to make them. Also, I work with the operations team and supervise interns on the marketing team. Iโm also involved in overall planning and strategy across operations, including marketing, production, and training people.ย
ย Currently Iโm authoring research papers based on the work that weโve done through collaborations with major regions in Nepal, such as Kathmandu, Shankarapur, Gokarneshwar. These papers focus on workshops where local people create new upcycled products using plastics and glass, and they focus on the current state of recycling and upcycling in Nepal. I hope this work can help expand reuse and upcycling. ย ย
Could you tell us more about the research youโre currently working on?
ย Right now, my research mainly focuses on environmental impact, especially waste management. From an entrepreneurship perspective, Iโm studying waste entrepreneurs in three major areasโShankarapur, Kathmandu, and Gokarneshwar. I am analyzing their waste management frameworks, existing government regulations, and the evolution of the industryโfrom its historical roots to its current state and future trajectory.
ย
ย Along the way, Iโve found some things that I didnโt know before, and theyโve been really interesting. For example, some waste entrepreneurs started by handling plastic waste and later expanded their work into other materials, such as glass, as part of broader upcycling efforts. In some cases, local municipalities have even taken direct action to support these changes. Seeing these shifts has been especially compelling to me.
Through running Upcycle Nepal, Iโve also come to realize that the waste situation in rural areas is a particularly critical issue, and Iโm conducting research related to that as well. In addition, Iโm working with others on a paper about how digital technologies influence entrepreneurs. That said, my main research focus right now is environmental waste management in Kathmandu, Shankarapur, and Gokarneshwar, and Iโm trying to explore it as deeply as possible.
What would you describe as unique about Upcycle Nepal?
ย We take different approaches, but when it comes to promotion, we really focus on our customersโ needs. We prioritize product functionality and practical utility to ensure our offerings meet our customers' needs. By now, people already know that we make upcycle products. But that alone isnโt enough. Everyone wants value for their money. So we focus on not just functionality and design, but also our own sense of uniqueness. We always try to see our products from the perspective of the people who actually use them and think about what makes them truly attractive.ย
Iโve heard that interest in secondhand and upcycled products is growing in Nepal. Youโve met many people through workshops such as students, startup founders, customers. Over the past two years, was there a moment when you personally felt the change that Upcycle Nepal has helped create?
ย Iโve personally felt the changes starting within our own office at Upcycle Nepal. In the past,ย
even some of our members found it strange that we were making products out of used clothing. In Nepal, handling secondhand clothes was once perceived as a social taboo. But now, everyone understands why this work matters and how much impact theyโre actually creating. Our work has also become increasingly systematized. Weโve moved beyond household textile waste and now work with industrial waste as well. Through this process, our team has developed a profound sense of pride in our mission
ย Weโve also held several workshops on how to make upcycle products, including online sessions. Through these workshops, people in rural areas have learned how to create upcycled products and have started to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. Thereโs been a real shift in perception as people are beginning to see that itโs possible to build a business through upcycling and recycling. All of these changes have made a meaningful difference over the past two years.ย
Upcycle Nepal has grown significantly thanks to your efforts. Did you face any challenges along the way?
ย One of the challenges weโve faced is the limited size of the clothing market in Nepal. We aim to position ourselves as one of the leaders driving change by focusing on sustainability and uniqueness. However, there are still many people who donโt fully understand sustainability, and itโs not easy to change the mindset of those who prioritize lower prices over sustainable products. We also have to compete with inexpensive products coming in from countries like China and India, which means we need to clearly differentiate ourselves. Sustainability is still a very new concept here. While this is true in many places, in Nepal, addressing fundamental needs like food, water, and energy often takes precedence. Because of this, introducing new ideas takes time. Even so, Upcycle Nepal continues to work on finding ways to move forward.ย
What motivated you to continue Upcycle Nepal despite the challenges?
ย Above all, I truly love what I do. Thatโs my biggest motivation. My love for design is what led me here in the first place, and being able to combine that with the value of sustainability brings me even greater joy. The fact that Rajan and I can contribute to creating a positive environmental impact is, in itself, a strong source of motivation that comes from within.ย
ย Another important factor is that, even in these challenges, weโve been able to connect and collaborate with so many organizations, both locally and internationally. Weโve learned a great deal through working with organizations like BeautifulStore, The Bridge International, other Korean companies, and UNDP. Weโve also collaborated with local institutions and universities in Nepal to run workshops and educational programs, and to inspire others through lectures. Support from BeautifulStore, in particular, helped us take the next step forward. It provided us with the financial stability and strategic latitude to scale our impact and expand our workforce. It was a balance between passion within our team and the support we received from outside. ย
ย The COVID-19 period was especially difficult for everyone. In Nepal, almost everything was shut down for over a year. Having to close our store just a few months after opening made it incredibly hard to regain our momentum. During that time, we were deeply grateful for the support from partners like BeautifulStore in Korea. The encouragement and support we received played a major role in helping us continue and get to where we are today. It was truly meaningful.
From your perspective leading Upcycle Nepal together, how would you describe Rajan as a leader?
ย Over the two years of the Fellowship, Rajan has grown a lot. Through close communication with The Beautiful Store Foundation(Beautiful Store) team, Rajan has gained both confidence and valuable knowledge. The experiences Rajan gained during this period contributed to a deeper understanding of Upcycle Nepalโs work across the organization, and the knowledge gained through Beautiful Store has become a shared asset for both me and our organization.
ย Heโs become more confident and calm, and he really helps me stay grounded. The perspective and knowledge he brings are a huge asset to our work. When we participate in events or carry out new activities, Rajan shares his ideas with confidence. Heโs much more proactive than before. He often says, โLetโs try this,โ or โBeautiful Store believes in and supports us, we need to succeed.โ ย Rajan consistently brings forward ideas and solutions, many of which stem directly from what he learned through Beautiful Store. ย He also actively shares the networks he has built through the fellowship with Beautiful Store. Rajan was already a strong leader, but today I believe he have developed a truly well-rounded leadership profile.ย
Whatโs your vision for the future of Upcycle Nepal, and what role do you hope to play in it?
ย Aside from business expansion, I think my role will remain quite similar to what it is now. Since I focus on operations, Iโd like to further systemize how we work. Through that process, I also hope to involve more people in our activities. In particular, I want to foster economic agency for women in rural areas who already have sewing skills and support them.ย
ย
ย At the same time, I hope we can expand our work to more regions, and if possible, to other countries as well. That would allow us to create opportunities for more people and make a greater impact. Alongside this, I would like to continue our research projects so we can strengthen the foundation of the change weโre creating.ย
Pushpa Sthapit | Co-founder of Upcycle Nepal
Please introduce yourself.
ย Iโm a co-founder of Upcycle Nepal, and Iโve been working with Rajan to reduce textile waste and make an impact in the fabric waste management in Nepal. I studied information management and MBA with a focus on entrepreneurship, and Rajan and I co-founded this company while studying our MBAs. ย
Whatโs your role at Upcycle Nepal?
ย Rajan mainly handles fieldwork, and I mostly focus on operations. I work mainly within the organization. I train people in stitching, design new products, and curate and develop upcycled product lines. I also work with our team to produce these products and teach our employees how to make them. Also, I work with the operations team and supervise interns on the marketing team. Iโm also involved in overall planning and strategy across operations, including marketing, production, and training people.ย
ย Currently Iโm authoring research papers based on the work that weโve done through collaborations with major regions in Nepal, such as Kathmandu, Shankarapur, Gokarneshwar. These papers focus on workshops where local people create new upcycled products using plastics and glass, and they focus on the current state of recycling and upcycling in Nepal. I hope this work can help expand reuse and upcycling. ย ย
Could you tell us more about the research youโre currently working on?
ย Right now, my research mainly focuses on environmental impact, especially waste management. From an entrepreneurship perspective, Iโm studying waste entrepreneurs in three major areasโShankarapur, Kathmandu, and Gokarneshwar. I am analyzing their waste management frameworks, existing government regulations, and the evolution of the industryโfrom its historical roots to its current state and future trajectory.
ย
ย Along the way, Iโve found some things that I didnโt know before, and theyโve been really interesting. For example, some waste entrepreneurs started by handling plastic waste and later expanded their work into other materials, such as glass, as part of broader upcycling efforts. In some cases, local municipalities have even taken direct action to support these changes. Seeing these shifts has been especially compelling to me.
Through running Upcycle Nepal, Iโve also come to realize that the waste situation in rural areas is a particularly critical issue, and Iโm conducting research related to that as well. In addition, Iโm working with others on a paper about how digital technologies influence entrepreneurs. That said, my main research focus right now is environmental waste management in Kathmandu, Shankarapur, and Gokarneshwar, and Iโm trying to explore it as deeply as possible.
What would you describe as unique about Upcycle Nepal?
ย We take different approaches, but when it comes to promotion, we really focus on our customersโ needs. We prioritize product functionality and practical utility to ensure our offerings meet our customers' needs. By now, people already know that we make upcycle products. But that alone isnโt enough. Everyone wants value for their money. So we focus on not just functionality and design, but also our own sense of uniqueness. We always try to see our products from the perspective of the people who actually use them and think about what makes them truly attractive.ย
Iโve heard that interest in secondhand and upcycled products is growing in Nepal. Youโve met many people through workshops such as students, startup founders, customers. Over the past two years, was there a moment when you personally felt the change that Upcycle Nepal has helped create?
ย Iโve personally felt the changes starting within our own office at Upcycle Nepal. In the past,ย
even some of our members found it strange that we were making products out of used clothing. In Nepal, handling secondhand clothes was once perceived as a social taboo. But now, everyone understands why this work matters and how much impact theyโre actually creating. Our work has also become increasingly systematized. Weโve moved beyond household textile waste and now work with industrial waste as well. Through this process, our team has developed a profound sense of pride in our mission
ย Weโve also held several workshops on how to make upcycle products, including online sessions. Through these workshops, people in rural areas have learned how to create upcycled products and have started to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. Thereโs been a real shift in perception as people are beginning to see that itโs possible to build a business through upcycling and recycling. All of these changes have made a meaningful difference over the past two years.ย
Upcycle Nepal has grown significantly thanks to your efforts. Did you face any challenges along the way?
ย One of the challenges weโve faced is the limited size of the clothing market in Nepal. We aim to position ourselves as one of the leaders driving change by focusing on sustainability and uniqueness. However, there are still many people who donโt fully understand sustainability, and itโs not easy to change the mindset of those who prioritize lower prices over sustainable products. We also have to compete with inexpensive products coming in from countries like China and India, which means we need to clearly differentiate ourselves. Sustainability is still a very new concept here. While this is true in many places, in Nepal, addressing fundamental needs like food, water, and energy often takes precedence. Because of this, introducing new ideas takes time. Even so, Upcycle Nepal continues to work on finding ways to move forward.ย
What motivated you to continue Upcycle Nepal despite the challenges?
ย Above all, I truly love what I do. Thatโs my biggest motivation. My love for design is what led me here in the first place, and being able to combine that with the value of sustainability brings me even greater joy. The fact that Rajan and I can contribute to creating a positive environmental impact is, in itself, a strong source of motivation that comes from within.ย
ย Another important factor is that, even in these challenges, weโve been able to connect and collaborate with so many organizations, both locally and internationally. Weโve learned a great deal through working with organizations like BeautifulStore, The Bridge International, other Korean companies, and UNDP. Weโve also collaborated with local institutions and universities in Nepal to run workshops and educational programs, and to inspire others through lectures. Support from BeautifulStore, in particular, helped us take the next step forward. It provided us with the financial stability and strategic latitude to scale our impact and expand our workforce. It was a balance between passion within our team and the support we received from outside. ย
ย The COVID-19 period was especially difficult for everyone. In Nepal, almost everything was shut down for over a year. Having to close our store just a few months after opening made it incredibly hard to regain our momentum. During that time, we were deeply grateful for the support from partners like BeautifulStore in Korea. The encouragement and support we received played a major role in helping us continue and get to where we are today. It was truly meaningful.
From your perspective leading Upcycle Nepal together, how would you describe Rajan as a leader?
ย Over the two years of the Fellowship, Rajan has grown a lot. Through close communication with The Beautiful Store Foundation(Beautiful Store) team, Rajan has gained both confidence and valuable knowledge. The experiences Rajan gained during this period contributed to a deeper understanding of Upcycle Nepalโs work across the organization, and the knowledge gained through Beautiful Store has become a shared asset for both me and our organization.
ย Heโs become more confident and calm, and he really helps me stay grounded. The perspective and knowledge he brings are a huge asset to our work. When we participate in events or carry out new activities, Rajan shares his ideas with confidence. Heโs much more proactive than before. He often says, โLetโs try this,โ or โBeautiful Store believes in and supports us, we need to succeed.โ ย Rajan consistently brings forward ideas and solutions, many of which stem directly from what he learned through Beautiful Store. ย He also actively shares the networks he has built through the fellowship with Beautiful Store. Rajan was already a strong leader, but today I believe he have developed a truly well-rounded leadership profile.ย
Whatโs your vision for the future of Upcycle Nepal, and what role do you hope to play in it?
ย Aside from business expansion, I think my role will remain quite similar to what it is now. Since I focus on operations, Iโd like to further systemize how we work. Through that process, I also hope to involve more people in our activities. In particular, I want to foster economic agency for women in rural areas who already have sewing skills and support them.ย
ย
ย At the same time, I hope we can expand our work to more regions, and if possible, to other countries as well. That would allow us to create opportunities for more people and make a greater impact. Alongside this, I would like to continue our research projects so we can strengthen the foundation of the change weโre creating.ย