ROYAL HEMP: Nepal’s First Hemp Footwear Brand
Witnessing the rise in hemp products in Nepal in 2017, Kiran Thapa and Janak Jung Shah, wanted to tap into the market. Having seen how hemp products were made in their homes in far-west Nepal, both Thapa and Shah were fascinated by the idea of creating something new.
The two had easy access to hemp and started exploring different ideas while working at an IT company in Kathmandu. For three years, the two invested their time and money in research and development as they looked at what would be the ideal product to launch in the Nepali market. Eventually, they made the strategic decision to delve into the production of hemp footwear and gave birth to ROYAL HEMP.
The two opted for hemp footwear as it was a niche in the Nepali market which was dominated by hemp bags, shirts, and socks. Recognising the unique opportunity to capture attention and stand out in the market, they ventured into the production of hemp shoes. Their strategic decision to focus on a less-explored niche allowed them to differentiate themselves in an industry where other hemp products had already gained popularity.
“So far the business of hemp footwear is progressive,” says Kiran Thapa. “We are not only getting orders from Nepal but also from abroad like the USA, Canada and Australia.”