“It is important to keep working towards pursuing your dream no matter how hard the journey maybe”

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Mishu Shrestha has 21 years of work experience in the manufacturing and hospitality industries. She has been actively involved in the family-owned manufacturing businesses of high-end cashmere products and hand knotted carpets as well as the hospitality business. She serves as Director on the board of Radisson Hotel Kathmandu. A fashion designer by profession, she stands at the helm of one of Nepal’s most recognised fashion brand, Mishus which specialises in exclusive cashmere products, evening and bridal wear. Her designs have been worn on the ramps of Kathmandu’s most elite fashion shows and she has presented at international shows including the iconic Cannes Film Festival in 2018. The current pandemic has recently led the brand to enter a new project of creating sustainable, comfortable, reusable, breathable face masks titled ‘Mishu’s Pride of Nepal Collection’ that has gained immense popularity at home and abroad. In this edition of Business 360, Mishu Shrestha shares the five things that have impacted her work and life.

Defining Success

It is important to keep working towards pursuing your dream no matter how hard the journey maybe. Success will come to those who never ever give up; just because you are struggling doesn’t mean you are failing.

My Mother, My Inspiration

I derive my inspiration from all women whether she is a street vendor or a successful woman entrepreneur because despite the numerous obstacles that she faces, she continues to create her own amazing journey by working hard to build her own identity and support her family. However, if I have to pick one person who inspires me the most, then that would be my own mother who has had numerous experiences of struggles, failures and success in building our businesses. For sure, I would not be the person I am today without her unconditional love and support.

if I have to pick one person who inspires me the most, then that would be my own mother who has had numerous experiences of struggles, failures and success in building our businesses.

Best Life Decision

I must say it was the decision to enroll myself in Milan Fashion Campus, Italy to learn from the best in the industry thus helping me to pursue my dream of becoming a fashion designer.

The Struggle is Real for Women Entrepreneurs

Being a female in business itself is very challenging as you have to continuously juggle between being a caretaker of your home and your business. Managing your time between both can be very strenuous and it always feels like time is your biggest enemy since you never seem to get enough of it. I am quite sure every woman entrepreneur faces this difficulty everyday of her life. However, it is important for all women entrepreneurs to plan and better manage their day as this is a reality of life, and the family members should encourage and support them. Like most businesses in Nepal, the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown have crippled businesses, and mine was no different. However, our brand Mishus, in collaboration with Just Sniffles, Wales, UK started seeing a fantastic business opportunity tocreate a sustainable, comfortable, reusable, breathable face masks as per WHO criteria to fulfill the demands and needs of so called “new normal”. We worked very hard on this venture by using an exquisite cotton fabric in numerous colors, patterns hand woven by women by using wood and bamboo treadle looms, sewing and embroidery done locally. Honestly, it gave us a big satisfaction and joy as we were able to provide employment to a few people and help them earn during these difficult times. Just over a month back we introduced Pride of Nepal Collection masks that includes mask with Flag of Nepal and Chandra Surya in different styles. These designs have been a great seller for us within Nepal and the Nepali communities residing all over the world and also with expats who have lived in Nepal at some point of their life. I must admit that the current pandemic has opened up the door for our brand Mishus, and within a short period of time we have expanded our sales network in the UK, USA and also on online sites like Amozon.uk and etsy.co.uk and soon to have our sales network in Australia.