Non-Profit Spotlight: Himalayan Naari

Hi, I’m Manvee Vaid, and I’m honored to share the story of Himalayan Naari with you. The seeds of Himalayan Naari were planted in 2009 during a visit to a remote village in northern India. Dr. Kathy Bollerud, founder of the Himalayan Education Foundation, was there to meet the children benefiting from the organization’s scholarship program. But it was a quiet, powerful question from one of their mothers that lingered long after the trip ended: “But what will you do for us?”

That question stayed with Kathy for years, until a return visit in 2013 revealed something remarkable—many of the women in the village were gifted knitters. Their artistry, born of generations of tradition, sparked an idea. What began as a question evolved into a movement. Himalayan Naari was created to support and celebrate the economic potential, creative strength, and dignity of these women—transforming skill into opportunity, and tradition into a sustainable livelihood.

Today, Himalayan Naari proudly employs over 65 talented women artisans who hand-knit our collection of caps, mittens, scarves, and blankets. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering women. By offering fair wages and fostering a supportive work environment, we create meaningful pathways to economic independence, while also investing in better health, education, and leadership opportunities for the women and their communities.

Building on this mission, and with the support of board member Manvee, Himalayan Naari recently launched Lofty Peaks Yarn—a line of vibrant, naturally-dyed, fair trade yarn. Each skein is dyed using locally-sourced plants, reflecting the rich hues of the Himalayas. More than just materials, these yarns serve as a bridge between artisans and crafters, knitters to connect with Himalayan Naari.

The word Naari is the common Hindi word for woman, but it can also mean “a woman of incredible strength, resolve, and grace.” We exist to empower the women and mothers of strength, resolve, and grace throughout the Uttarakhand region. 

Revitalizing and growing the handmade woolen industry in India

Himalayan Naari, through its initiative Lofty Peaks Yarn, is empowering women artisans in remote Himalayan villages and reconnecting the craft of naturally hand-dyeing with botanicals with sustainable and globally relevant practices.

We are:

1. Reintroducing Natural Dyeing Practices

With the launch of Lofty Peaks Yarn, Himalayan Naari has brought back the ancient practice of natural dyeing using locally sourced plants like madder root, tesu flowers, and lac, indigo. This not only eliminates the need for synthetic chemicals but restores forgotten ecological knowledge passed down through generations.

“Each skein is dyed with local plants and full of the colors of the Himalayas.”

2. Creating Livelihoods in Remote Areas

The nonprofit works with women who have limited access to formal employment. By training them in knitting, dyeing, and packaging yarn, Himalayan Naari creates sustainable, dignified jobs, allowing women to earn an income without leaving their communities.

“The woolen industry becomes a tool of economic empowerment, not just a cultural artifact”.

3. Investing in Infrastructure for Long-Term Growth

With funding and logistical support from the Himalayan Education Foundation (HEF), the organization completed construction of a dedicated dyeing facility, complete with a water tank—critical infrastructure for scaling natural dye production.

4. Including Finished Goods and Raw Material Sales

Recognizing that selling finished hand-knit goods along with producing and selling naturally dyed yarn. This decision helps:

• Increase income potential

• Appeal to a global crafting audience

• Allow artisans to focus on the parts of the process they excel in

Himalayan Naari is not just preserving the handmade woolen tradition—it is reinvigorating it with purpose, sustainability, and dignity, making Himalayan wool a symbol of women’s empowerment and ecological craftsmanship in India’s evolving textile landscape.

Partnership with Himalayan Education Foundation

To support long-term success through lifelong education, the Himalayan Education Foundation (HEF) was established as a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Led by a dedicated volunteer board of seven members, HEF works to strengthen communities in rural India by investing in educational opportunities that empower individuals. HEF offers scholarships to 180 students out of 900 kids so that they can attend Himalayan Inter College, a renowned nursery through grade 12 school. They also invest in a variety of rural education, farming, and nutrition initiatives.

Our affiliation with the Himalayan Education Foundation (HEF) run deep. HEF has been instrumental in the growth of both Himalayan Naari and our Lofty Peaks Yarn line, providing essential startup funding as well as ongoing support in marketing and design. Dr. Kathy Bollerud, and Manvee Vaid both serve on the HEF board, fostering a shared leadership and vision that tightly weaves our missions together. This close collaboration enables us to work hand in hand toward lasting, generational change 

Many of the children from Himalayan Naari families attend the Himalayan International School (HIC), where their education is made possible through HEF-funded scholarships—further strengthening the cycle of opportunity and empowerment within the community, both the women and the kids.

Becoming people + planet certified

Himalayan Naari has always been deeply committed to investing in artisans while minimizing our environmental impact. Becoming People + Planet First verified allows us to reaffirm our dedication to sustainability.

As a People + Planet Verified organization, we exist to address real social and environmental challenges. We’re proud to transparently share our impact, operate in a financially sustainable way, and reinvest the majority of our surplus right back into our mission. Our legal structure is also designed to ensure our purpose stays at the core of everything we do, now and in the future.

Ways you can help

We have three simple ways you can help support our mission.

1. Join our email list to stay updated on our naturally dyed yarns, artisan stories, and special opportunities. Sign up at https://himalayan-naari.com.

2. Try our yarns! We’re looking for a few people to sample our yarns and share their creations and photos with us. If you’re interested, email [email protected] with the subject line: Lofty Peaks Yarn Ambassador Application. We will then share more info.

3. Spread the word! Tag us on Instagram along with your favorite yarn shop to introduce them to @Lofty_Peaks_Yarn. Your support helps bring more awareness to our hand-dyed, fair trade yarn.