David's AW News: Back on the Road..1st Stop Kathmandu!

Oh my goodness I can't tell how good it is to be back in Nepal.

I left Sheffield in winter mode, to Manchester airport T2 over a sunny and snow sprinkled Pennines. Then a night flight (via Turkish airways) through Istanbul (always slightly surreal at 1am), a little bit delayed but landed in Kathmandu early afternoon local time.  Kathmandu airport is one of the worst organised in the world, but redeemed by the most lovely people. After the chaotic but jolly baggage hall experience I emerge to that familiar mix of incense, traffic, prayer flags and smiles. If you’ve ever been here, you’ll know what I mean — if you haven’t, it’s a place that gets under your skin very quickly.

Coming in to land at KTM caught a spectacular view of the mountains above Kathmandu. Then land at the famously disorganised KMT airport.

Last week I was writing to you from Sheffield, my hometown and AW HQ. Talking about plans, people, and movement. I gave you my Top 10 picks for the SOL (Season of Love) - starting with Valentine's Day pretty soon! If you missed it you can catch up here. 

This week I’m right in the middle of it. Catching up with our delightful band of suppliers, some like the airport (super friendly but badly organised) - so a few cockups to sort out but it's almost a pleasure fixing the issues.  Gosh I just realised that we started trading in Nepal 8 years ago.. it's taken a long time to develop the relationships that deliver. 

One thing that always strikes me when I’m here is just how strong the “Made in Nepal” Brand is in the gift trade. 

Nepal isn’t about mass production or shiny factories. It’s about hands, skills, patience and heritage.  Lokta paper made from Himalayan bark. Felted wool shaped by eye, not machine. Incense rolled slowly, bead by bead, stick by stick. These are products with time in them — and customers feel that. 

If Nepal had a creative heartbeat, it would be Thamel.

It’s the artisan hub — a maze of workshops, tiny shops, tea stops and suppliers who’ve been doing their craft for generations. You come looking for one thing and leave with five ideas, three samples and at least one unplanned conversation that maybe turns into a long-term partnership.

And the people… genuinely lovely. Warm, curious, welcoming — and always ready to help, even if it involves walking you halfway across town to make sure you don’t get lost (which, let’s be honest, I still manage to do). 

I had a few days on my own to gently dive into this world.  Calling on our regular suppliers, eating with my good friends, catching up with our lovely (and organised) shipping agent Mr Padam. Then yesterday late afternoon Toni from Spain arrived. I wasn't sure he would make it.. He is lucky to be here! If you have been following this newsletter you will know that they have been moving to a new warehouse in Spain.. with much drama and upset. But this job is almost done and the rest on firm tracks so he has escaped to join me on the adventure. 

Spain Update

Toni found a new racking company.. and they are on it!

Almost finished..

Meanwhile I’m here, we’re working on new ideas, strengthening supplier relationships, and shaping future products that fit perfectly into the Ancient Wisdom world — authentic, ethical, and commercially strong. Today we visited the factory of a potential new supplier.. factory high up on the sixth floor.

They are making beautiful designer patchwork style clothes from recycled materials. Watch this space!

Back in Europe, the calendar keeps moving — and Valentine’s Day is almost upon us ❤️

It’s the first big moment in our Season of Love, and we’ve got great stock ready to help you make the most of it — gifts with meaning, margin, and a story your customers can connect with.

It's almost Valentine's Day.. and also Chinese New Year. And as luck would have it a China container arrived with a new range of Lucky Waving Money Cats. We have sold these for years..and anything with cats is trending.. Money cats are back in fashion.. so we bought a whole new range. Check it out here. 

Have a browse, get inspired, and make sure you’re stocked up.

More stories from Nepal very soon.

Warm wishes from Kathmandu,

David

Ancient Wisdom


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