In a candid conversation with Pramisha Maharjan at the LA Evolution Editorial Team, 72-year-old artisan Sabitri Maharjan reflects on breaking barriers, building a legacy, and the transformative power of a handmade life.
Sitting down with Sabitri Maharjan, one is immediately struck by the quiet strength that emanates from her. At 72, she isn't just an entrepreneur; she is a testament to the fact that persistence can rewrite societal scripts. Her workshop, the heart of Sabitri Maharjan Handicraft, is more than a place of business—it is a sanctuary where tradition meets defiance.
In this intimate exchange, Pramisha Maharjan at the LA Evolution Editorial Team, pulls back the veil on a journey that began in the shadow of expectation and blossomed into a legacy of empowerment. From the secret, moonlight hours spent working in the fields to ensure her independence, to the moment her husband’s pride turned her craft into a community movement, her story is a masterclass in staying true to oneself. This is a conversation about the costs of ambition, the grace of resilience, and why, for Sabitri, the work never stops.
1. Can you tell us about your entrepreneurial journey and what inspired you to start your business?
I watched my mother work to support our family and sustain herself. I began learning the craft at a young age, gaining experience gradually. Through hard work and dedication, I grew the business, and I now manage a team of 10.
2. What challenges did you face in the early stages of building your business, and how did you overcome them?
Things were fine before I got married. However, after marriage, my in-laws were against my work because they believed outdoor work was not suitable for married women. During the day, I would take care of household responsibilities, my in-laws, and my children. Then, at night after dinner, with the support of my husband, I would quietly leave the house and go to the rice fields to continue my work, often alongside 2–3 of my friends. Despite the challenges, I never gave up.
3. Was there a defining moment that made you believe your business could truly succeed?
Yes, my husband played a very important role in supporting my journey. He worked in a government office. He used to take the keychains and other decorative items I made from corn husks to his office and show them to his friends, colleagues, and boss. Through his encouragement and support, I got an opportunity to showcase my handmade products at a government program. Everyone was impressed by my artwork, and all of my products sold out within a single day. That experience gave me confidence and motivated me to continue my work.
4. As a woman entrepreneur, have you faced any unique challenges in your industry?
People often called me overly ambitious and even selfish because I wanted to continue my work instead of focusing only on household responsibilities and taking care of my in-laws. At that time, many people believed a married woman should stay home and only manage family duties. Their words were hurtful, but I stayed committed to my passion and continued working hard while balancing my family responsibilities.
5. What has been the proudest moment or achievement in your entrepreneurial journey so far?
My proudest achievement is the resilience I developed during the difficult times. There were moments when I felt emotionally tired because of the constant criticism and pressure from people around me. However, what kept me going was my husband’s unwavering support. Even when his parents complained about my work and expected me to stop working to focus only on household responsibilities, he stood by me. Instead of asking me to quit, he would patiently convince them and encourage me to continue following my passion. His support gave me the strength to never give up.
6. What habits, mindset, or values have helped you stay focused and motivated through difficult times?
I never wanted to give up, no matter how difficult things became. This determination was something my mother taught me from an early age, and I wanted to carry forward her legacy. One of my biggest dreams was not only to succeed myself but also to teach others and help them learn new skills.
7. What advice would you give to aspiring women entrepreneurs who are afraid to take the first step?
Difficulties come and go — they are a part of life. There will always be people who try to pull you back from achieving your dreams or make you doubt yourself. But don’t lose focus. Stay close to the people who truly support and believe in you. Most importantly, learn to stand up for yourself. Once you believe in yourself and stand firmly by your own side, the opinions of people who judge you will no longer matter. Keep moving forward and never stop believing in your dreams.
8. What is your long-term vision for your business, and what exciting plans lie ahead?
I am 72 years old now, and I feel grateful that I have already achieved much of what I once dreamed of. At this stage of my life, my biggest dream is to see the women working with me achieve their own dreams. I want to continue teaching more people, helping them learn skills, and becoming independent. At the end of the day, I truly believe that education and skills are what make a person independent and confident in life.
9. What message would you like to share with women around the world who dream of building something meaningful?
Never give up, no matter how difficult life becomes. Everything happens for a reason, and every challenge teaches us something valuable. Believe in yourself and your dreams, even when others doubt you. Stay close to the people who support you and stand by you during your hardest times. With patience, hard work, and self-belief, you can achieve more than you ever imagined.
About Sabitri Maharjan Handicraft:
Sabitri Maharjan Handicraft is a women-led handicraft enterprise based in Lalitpur, Nepal, specializing in eco-friendly handmade products crafted from natural corn husk. Founded by Sabitri Maharjan, the business transforms agricultural waste into beautiful decorative and souvenir items that showcase Nepal's rich tradition of craftsmanship and sustainable living.
Beyond producing handicrafts, Sabitri Maharjan is dedicated to empowering women through skills development and employment opportunities. She regularly trains women in corn husk handicraft production, helping them develop income-generating skills and achieve greater financial independence. Through her workshops and business activities, she has created employment opportunities for many women, contributing to both community development and the preservation of traditional handmade arts.
Her handcrafted products are supplied to local handicraft and souvenir shops and are featured at exhibitions, fairs, and cultural events across Nepal.
This article is an original biographical interview focused on Sabitri Maharjan's journey and resilience.
