Prakritee Dhungel is a young entrepreneur who co-founded Bamboo Bazar with her fellow, Ashish Katwal, a venture dedicated to creating sustainable, eco-friendly bamboo products that replace plastic in our everyday lives. A BBA graduate from King’s College, Prakritee’s journey from academia to entrepreneurship is a powerful blend of her deep connection to nature, her community-oriented upbringing, and her desire to make a positive impact on both the environment and society.
Growing up in a family where both parents were deeply committed to community service, Prakritee was inspired to create a business that would not only contribute to sustainability but also empower local artisans. Her fond memories of seeing her grandfather skillfully weave bamboo products fueled her vision for Bamboo Bazar, which was founded as a college stall project in September 2023. It was here that she first displayed bamboo products made by artisans from the Godavari and Chapagaun communities, sparking interest and laying the groundwork for her entrepreneurial journey.
Bamboo Bazar started with a simple stall at her college but quickly grew into a thriving business after Prakritee explored the potential of bamboo and its applications in both the Nepalese and international markets. Utilizing her skills in digital marketing, she set up an Instagram store and expanded the business to various online platforms, eventually developing a website for the company.
Today, Bamboo Bazar offers a wide range of eco-friendly products, including bamboo-based items and products crafted from other sustainable materials like moonj grass, coconut shells, and neem wood. The company also offers customizable products, catering to both individual customers and businesses. Prakritee's goal is to make Bamboo Bazar a household name that promotes sustainability, eco-conscious living, and community empowerment.
Despite being a young company, Bamboo Bazar has already made significant strides:
Rebranding: Initially named Kalpa, the company was rebranded to Bamboo Bazar to make it more market-friendly and easily relatable to a wider audience.
Product Expansion: Recognizing the potential in moonj and water grasses found in Nepal’s far west, Bamboo Bazar has expanded to include grass-based products.
International Reach: Bamboo Bazar now collaborates with global partners to create and market eco-friendly products like coconut shell bowls and neem wood combs.
Technological Innovation: The company recently invested in laser engraving machines, enabling them to offer custom designs for customers.
Media Recognition: Bamboo Bazar’s growth was highlighted by online media, further raising awareness of its work and eco-friendly mission.
Prakritee views the company’s expansion as just the beginning, with aspirations to make Bamboo Bazar an international leader in eco-friendly products and sustainable living.
One of the core values of Bamboo Bazar is its community-driven model. The company collaborates with local artisans from rural communities such as Kailari Gaupalika in the Terai and other areas in Janakpur, Morang, and Dhankuta. By working closely with these artisans, Prakritee not only ensures the production of high-quality and locally sourced products but also helps preserve traditional craftsmanship that is at risk of disappearing.
In just six months, Bamboo Bazar has created jobs for 25 women artisans, helping them gain financial independence and confidence. Prakritee’s business model also includes establishing training centers in collaboration with local governments and NGOs, empowering women in rural communities to develop their skills and make a living. These initiatives have already expanded with a collection center in Dhangadhi and plans to establish another in Eastern Nepal.
Prakritee’s entrepreneurial journey has been filled with lessons that have shaped her approach to business and life:
Learn by Doing: Practical experience is crucial. The real lessons come from taking action and learning from mistakes, not just from textbooks.
Dream Big, Set Achievable Goals: While it’s important to have grand visions, breaking them down into smaller, achievable steps is key to progress.
Embrace the Challenges: The beginning of any venture is tough, but persistence and hard work make all the difference.
Ask for Help: There’s no shame in seeking guidance and support. Prakritee credits her mentors for helping her overcome challenges.
Stay Open to Learning: The entrepreneurial journey is ongoing, and it’s essential to adapt and keep learning as you go.
Live, Laugh, Love: Finally, Prakritee believes that if you truly want to make a difference, you have to embrace life with passion and purpose.
Prakritee attributes much of her success to the education and support she received at King’s College. Her entrepreneurial venture, Bamboo Bazar, started as a college project under the guidance of her professors. The college environment nurtured her confidence, encouraged her to dream big, and provided a platform to bring her ideas to life. The support of her mentors at King’s College continues to play a pivotal role in the company’s growth, with the college offering guidance and resources whenever needed.
Prakritee is deeply grateful to King’s College for its mentorship, entrepreneurial spirit, and encouragement, which have been essential in shaping her journey and Bamboo Bazar's success.
"King’s College was not just an educational institution for me—it was a launchpad for my entrepreneurial journey. The guidance and environment created by the college laid the foundation for Bamboo Bazar, and I am forever grateful for that."
As Prakritee continues to grow Bamboo Bazar, her vision remains clear: to make sustainable living accessible, practical, and affordable for everyone. The company is driven by a commitment to community empowerment, eco-friendly products, and the preservation of traditional crafts. With every bamboo product created and every artisan empowered, Prakritee and her team are building a more sustainable future for Nepal and the world.
