Our Story
Amelia and Alnasir Khan, the founders of Kaarigar, were raised in the Philippines and India—two nations rich in heritage and known for their exquisite handcrafted goods, from Ayurvedic water vessels to intricate creations in wood, fabric, metal, and stone. Sadly, many artisans in these regions struggle to survive on minimal income despite their remarkable skills.
Kaarigar was born from a pivotal moment during a trip to India, where Alnasir witnessed a distressing negotiation between artisans and retailers. Seeing skilled craftsmen pressured to accept unfair prices left a deep impression on him. Motivated to make a change, he traveled across India, engaging directly with artisans to understand their realities. One truth became clear: artisans deserve fair compensation and access to global markets that value the beauty, craftsmanship, and effort behind each handmade piece.
With a deep respect for traditional artistry and its creators, Amelia and Alnasir established Kaarigar—meaning "Artisan" in Hindi—to honour their vision of supporting Indian artisans and sharing their work with the world.