Articles
Behind the Scenes: Meet Ashu, one of the artisan behind LAYA’s Products
arrow_backTo the overview20 January 2025 | LAYA CPH
Ashu is one of the skilled artisans creating LAYA’s unique products in Nepal. Her journey began in a small rural area where job opportunities were scarce. As a young woman in a community with limited employment options, Ashu discovered her passion for craftsmanship but lacked the support and resources to develop her skills.
It wasn’t until she joined LAYA’s network of artisans that her life began to change. LAYA’s collaboration with women like Ashu has provided her not only with financial independence but also with a sense of dignity and empowerment. She was trained in techniques such as weaving and sewing bags and accessories, working with upcycled saris and hemp—materials that carry both aesthetic value and a sustainable purpose.
Ashu shares that her partnership with LAYA has enabled her to support her family and gain respect in her local community. Her work has not only transformed her own life but also inspired other women to follow her example and believe in their abilities.
Today, Ashu takes pride in creating products that are not just functional but also deeply meaningful. Every bag and purse she makes represents her journey—from a small village to a global platform where her craftsmanship is making a difference.
This article is written by:
LAYA CPH
LAYA is a Danish design brand rooted in Nepal with a deep commitment to aesthetics, responsibility, and craft. We create accessories using sustainable materials such as upcycled saris, handwoven dhaka fabrics, and durable, traditionally woven cottons.
All products are handmade in Nepal by women from marginalized communities who gain skills, income, and independence through the work.
Each design has its own name and story – blending Nordic simplicity with cultural reverence.
LAYA means “rhythm” and “dissolution” in Sanskrit – a poetic metaphor for transformation: of fabric, of lives, a