Draft:Yes Helping Hands

Yes Helping Hands (YHH), founded in 2015, is a Nepal-based social enterprise focused on empowering differently-abled individuals, marginalized groups, and single mothers. Operating from Pokhara, Nepal, YHH specializes in crafting and selling luxurious cashmere and wool products like mufflers, stoles, sweaters, cardigans, ponchos, caps, cape shawl and shawls. The company has fostered a community where artisans, through training and ethical employment, create high-quality handcrafted items while building independent and fulfilling lives.

YHH’s core mission is to "Support, Train, Employ," ensuring that every artisan, regardless of their background or ability, has the opportunity to thrive. Their e-commerce platform showcases these products, with each piece reflecting their values of sustainability, inclusivity, and craftsmanship.

History

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Founded in 2015, Yes helping hand emerged from a desire to uplift differently-abled individuals, marginalized individuals and single mothers in Nepal, providing them with sustainable employment and skill development. Over the past 8 years, YHH has grown from a small workshop into an internationally recognized brand, offering products worldwide. The company's journey has been marked by its commitment to empowering communities, with a particular focus on providing opportunities for marginalized individuals, single mothers and differently-abled individuals.

Mission and Vision

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YHH's mission is to empower artisans by providing them with training, employment, and the tools to lead independent lives. They envision a world where individuals from all walks of life have equal opportunities, regardless of physical or social challenges. Beyond craftsmanship, YHH strives to make a positive impact on both society and the environment.

Products

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YHH’s product offerings include a wide variety of handcrafted items made from premium cashmere and wool:

  • Mufflers
  • Stoles
  • Sweaters
  • Cardigans
  • Ponchos
  • Caps
  • Cape Shawl
  • Shawls

Each product is a testament to the skill and dedication of the artisans, blending traditional Nepali craftsmanship with modern designs. YHH ensures that all products are cruelty-free and environmentally responsible, upholding their commitment to ethical production.

Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing

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Since its inception, YHH has been 100% carbon-neutral, reflecting its dedication to eco-conscious practices. The company uses responsibly sourced materials and ensures minimal environmental impact in its production process. This sustainability pledge is at the heart of YHH's operations, aligning with their broader goal of creating luxurious, environmentally-friendly products.

Social Impact and Inclusivity

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YHH goes beyond product creation by actively engaging in community development. They support special education schools and advocate for inclusivity and diversity. By employing single women, marginalized individuals, and those with physically challenged individuals , YHH promotes equal opportunity, respect, and social integration.

The company also runs the "Each One, Teach One" program, where artisans teach traditional Nepali crafts such as Pashmina production, Dhaka weaving, hand-knitting, carpet knotting, and painting. The program helps preserve cultural heritage while raising funds for the education of children of single mothers and differently-abled individuals.

Physical Stores

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Yes Helping Hands operates two physical stores in Pokhara, Nepal. One is located in Lakeside, a popular tourist area, and the other is in Damside. The stores offer a variety of handmade products crafted from cashmere, wool, and silk, showcasing the skill and dedication of local artisans, including differently-abled individuals, marginalized groups, and single mothers. The products range from luxurious shawls and scarves to sweaters, ponchos, and other garments, all made with a focus on ethical sourcing and sustainability.

E-commerce Platform

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Yes Helping Hands also operates an online e-commerce platform with country-specific websites, such as yeshelpinghand.com for the US and yeshelpinghand.com.uk for the UK. These platforms feature the brand's range of cashmere and wool products. While some websites serves to specific countries, many of them also offer international shipping, making their ethically sourced, handmade goods accessible to customers worldwide.

S.N Region Country Domain Name Since Language
1 Asia Nepal yeshelpinghand.com.np English
2 Asia India yeshelpinghand.com.in English
3 Europe Germany yeshelpinghand.com.de English
4 Europe UK yeshelpinghand.com.uk English
5 Eastern Europe and Northern Asia Russia yeshelpinghand.com.ru English
6 Americas USA yeshelpinghand.com English

Each One, Teach One Program

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The "Each One, Teach One" program offers hands-on training in Nepali crafts, led by the artisans themselves. Participants have the option to choose between a 1-day introductory class or a 7-day immersive journey, learning skills like:

  • Pashmina production
  • Dhaka weaving
  • Hand-knitting
  • Carpet knotting
  • Painting

Proceeds from the program are used to fund the education and well-being of children of single mothers and differently-abled individuals. This initiative is more than just a learning experience, it's a way for participants to contribute to social change while gaining insight into Nepali culture and craftsmanship.

Recognition and Community Engagement

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YHH's efforts have been recognized both locally and internationally. The organization frequently collaborates with schools and community groups, aiming to promote inclusivity, sustainability, and a deep respect for Nepali culture. The company’s work in providing employment opportunities for differently-abled and marginalized people has earned praise for its focus on creating a more equitable society.