HattiHatti, a social enterprise with a focus on empowering marginalized women, draws its inspiration from an unexpected source: elephants. The name "Hatti," meaning "elephant" in Nepali, symbolizes the core values of the organization—strength, intelligence, and a deep sense of community. These attributes mirror HattiHatti's mission to provide women with essential skills and opportunities, enabling them to reach their full potential, both socially and economically. By fostering a supportive environment, the organization strives to create a ripple effect that positively impacts entire communities, much like the nurturing behavior seen in elephant herds.

Despite the apparent disconnect between tailoring and elephants, the metaphor captures HattiHatti’s commitment to resilience, compassion, and togetherness. By empowering women to build sustainable futures, the organization reflects the way elephants care for their community, ensuring collective strength and well-being.

1. Can you share what sparked the idea of promoting sustainable fashion by repurposing vintage products, and how HattiHatti came to be?

HattiHatti (HH) is a not-for-profit organization founded on the shared vision of supporting women and the environment. Since 2014, our sustainable fashion project has undergone multiple iterations, evolving to what it is today. The growing issue of fashion waste, poor waste management, environmental degradation, and climate change have driven us to raise awareness about the need for conscious fashion consumption.

2. What have been the key challenges HattiHatti has encountered in advocating for sustainable fashion, and how have you managed to overcome them?

Promoting products made from used sarees and educating people about the benefits of sustainable and environmentally friendly fashion were difficult when we first started. However, our dedication and consistent efforts in raising awareness have been crucial in overcoming these obstacles.

3. Who is your primary audience for products made from repurposed vintage materials, and what methods do you use to reach and connect with them?

We target local groups across all age ranges, believing that conscious consumption should begin at a young age. Our products cater to people aged 2 to 60 and beyond. We focus on promoting awareness of fashion waste and the importance of individual action to address the crisis. Additionally, our offer of free repair services for our products has been a significant draw for local customers in Nepal.

4. Could you provide insights into your annual sales performance and how it has developed since HattiHatti's inception?

Initially, we even sold chocolate balls at the Farmer’s Market to generate funds for our programs. Gradually, we began selling products priced from as low as 75 NPR, and now we offer items that go up to 3,000 NPR.

5. Beyond upcycling vintage sarees, what other initiatives or projects does HattiHatti pursue to further the cause of sustainable fashion?

HattiHatti is deeply committed to sustainability and promoting ethical fashion. We create products that minimize harm to both people and the environment. Additionally, we engage with young people to raise awareness about conscious consumption, creating platforms for the next generation to advocate for a sustainable future.

6. What steps does HattiHatti take to ensure that your operations remain both environmentally sustainable and ethically sound?

Our dedication to authenticity and our comprehensive understanding of the fashion waste crisis drive us forward. We ensure that all collected waste clothing is fully utilized or repurposed in a way that does not harm the environment. Furthermore, collaboration and transparency are central to HattiHatti’s mission, helping us make a positive impact on the community, the country, and the world at large.