MEET THE MEXICALI MAKER: RABI, NEPAL
Two companies, two generations! Fathers and daughters working together on both sides of the globe.
"On our first trip to Nepal – over 15 years ago – we met Rabi through a mutual friend. We checked out his showroom in Kathmandu and immediately loved his fleece-lined wool, his happy demeanor and jovial spirit, and we knew we were in the right place! Since that time we have really gotten to know his extended family, and have spent many nights having fun, eating meals, and being guided around his hometown and the center of his wool production in the ancient Newari city of Bhaktapur. Rabi is deeply rooted in his community, where he employs many knitters who are able to work at home or in "knitting circles" close to home.
When arriving in Nepal after the massive earthquake in 2015, we visited Rabi and saw first-hand the devastation his town of ancient temples, buildings, and stupas had endured. Many building were destroyed or damaged in this famous World Heritage city. His factory was also structurally damaged and he was working out of a temporary location.
When we arrived, we were greeted with warm smiles and a lively knitting circle of women who were grateful for the orders we were soon to place. Knowing about the hardships they had endured, we ordered much more than normal to do our part to help get these skilled craftswomen back to work. Seeing the resilience of people after such hardship makes one think about things in a whole different light. We felt lucky to be a part of such an inspiring community of artisans. Every time I put on my favorite fleece lined wool hat, I feel grateful to know first-hand the extraordinary people and the extraordinary place where this comes from."
--Mexicali co-owner Kim Erskine
SHOP FLEECE-LINED WOOL FROM RABI AND HIS TEAM
