Nurturing Nepal

Brit Nicola Maharjan and her husband Nabin, a Nepalese native, started trading directly from the country in the wake of the 2015 earthquake. They now run a number of social enterprise initiatives in the country, including two that create products for sale in the Dubai market.

How did your relationship with Nepal develop?

I met Nabin in the jungles of Nepal in 2011, specifically in Chitwan National Park, whilst I was on holiday trekking and travelling. We married in 2014 and Nepal is now my second home. We visit at least twice a year and I now have a deep affinity for this beautiful country and the warm, welcoming and humble people. Their slogan is ‘once is never enough’ and I am proof of that.

What was your working background up until this point?

I’ve worked in events, marketing and sponsorship for the best part of 20 years now. I spent eight years in London working on international sports and music events such as the Formula One season, UEFA European Championship, British Open Golf and Live Earth, and had the amazing opportunity to travel to over 50 countries delivering events for clients. Dubai then became home ten years ago and, after a few years as an events consultant, my business partner and I took the decision to set up Custard Communications, a boutique events agency. We’ve just celebrated our seven year anniversary.

So given you were already busy with your own business, what prompted you to branch out into social enterprise?