It is important to us to share our story with the communities we are part of in Vermont and across the US. We will continue to produce inspiring handmade products that use traditional hand-powered tools including handlooms, hand knitting and stitching using designs from our Nepalese producers while slowly introducing eastern and western-inspired designs to individualize us in the marketplace. Our vision is to be the authentic Sherpa outdoor lifestyle brand that produces functional, high-quality outdoor products in Nepal for people who enjoy active lifestyles, care about the environment and about the people that produce the goods they use.
|
Meet Ongyel Sherpa Growing up & experiencing poverty in Nepal, Ongyel worked as a Sherpa guide in the trekking field while attending school. The economic hardship that his family experienced and lack of economic opportunities in Nepal inspired Ongyel's dream of visiting countries like the United States. Getting a chance to go to America would be a dream come true for Ongyel, which would in turn help uplift his family economic stature & help them achieve economic contentment.
One fateful day in 1998, he thought that dream was over when he was turned down for a job in Japan. But later that same day his life would be changed forever with a single phone call. Ongyel’s uncle was a Sherpa guide and had led an American doctor, Dr. Geoff Tabin, to the summit of Everest in 1988. Dr. Tabin had gone on to establish the Himalayan Cataract Project, a foundation with a goal to end curable blindness in the Himalayan region, and was working at a clinic nearby when he called Ongyel’s house hoping that someone could come over to the clinic to pick up a gift for Ongyel’s uncle. Ongyel went with his father to the clinic and while talking with Dr. Tabin, told him of his dream to come to the USA. Within an hour Dr. Tabin had written a sponsor letter that allowed Ongyel to get the visa he would need to come to the US. One month later Ongyel was on his first airplane and headed to Dr. Tabin’s home town; Burlington, Vermont. Ongyel lived with the Tabin’s for several years as he finished high school and then attended Champlain College in Burlington where he received a degree in business. Along the way Ongyel met his future wife and after college they married and settled in nearby Essex Junction when in 2005 Ongyel started his company, US Sherpa, bringing hand-made, natural fiber, artisan goods from Nepal to the US. US Sherpa has grown steadily over the years and continues to expand their product line and distribution. Today, more than 300 people have sustainable jobs making US Sherpa products, something the company is incredibly proud of. Ongyel has returned to Nepal many times sourcing products for US Sherpa as well as guiding trekkers for Nima & Neema Treks, allowing him to keep a close spiritual connection to the people and mountains of his home country. Ongyel has always been grateful for the support of Dr. Tabin and his family. As the Himalayan Cataract Project has grown, US Sherpa has continued to support them with guiding, lodging and logistics for their visiting physicians and medical students as part of the company’s important social mission. |
Vermonter Builds His American Dream On Paying It Forward
Learn about US Sherpa's founding and its founder, Ongyel Sherpa's, journey to America
and its influence on US Sherpa's mission in this Burlington Free Press feature article!
Learn about US Sherpa's founding and its founder, Ongyel Sherpa's, journey to America
and its influence on US Sherpa's mission in this Burlington Free Press feature article!
Our Beliefs
Preserving and Sharing the Culture of Nepal
The artisans that make our products utilize production methods that go back generations. Many are made by hand, one at a time, using natural fibers that are both functional and beautiful and have been a part of the Nepalese culture for years
The artisans that make our products utilize production methods that go back generations. Many are made by hand, one at a time, using natural fibers that are both functional and beautiful and have been a part of the Nepalese culture for years
Environmentally Sustainable Sourcing
We use natural fibers and materials whenever possible but we do enhance some products with small amounts of fleece or other comfort adding fabrics. We keep packaging to a minimum and use materials that can be easily recycled. We avoid harsh chemicals, dyes and other environmentally damaging materials.
We use natural fibers and materials whenever possible but we do enhance some products with small amounts of fleece or other comfort adding fabrics. We keep packaging to a minimum and use materials that can be easily recycled. We avoid harsh chemicals, dyes and other environmentally damaging materials.
Fair Trade and Sustainable Jobs
Over 300 people are involved in making US Sherpa products, many of them were economically disadvantaged and marginalized. We hope to employ more people as our business grows and continue to train and educate artisans so that they are able to support their our economic ambitions. Through our trekking services we are able to visit our producers at least twice a year in order to ensure that they are being adequately paid and working in safe and empowering conditions.
Over 300 people are involved in making US Sherpa products, many of them were economically disadvantaged and marginalized. We hope to employ more people as our business grows and continue to train and educate artisans so that they are able to support their our economic ambitions. Through our trekking services we are able to visit our producers at least twice a year in order to ensure that they are being adequately paid and working in safe and empowering conditions.
Giving Back
The opportunity to start US Sherpa was the direct result of the generosity of others and we strive to continue this tradition by supporting the Himalayan Cataract Project and other organizations that provide opportunities for the disadvantaged, preserve the Nepalese culture, and protect the beauty of the natural world.
The opportunity to start US Sherpa was the direct result of the generosity of others and we strive to continue this tradition by supporting the Himalayan Cataract Project and other organizations that provide opportunities for the disadvantaged, preserve the Nepalese culture, and protect the beauty of the natural world.
Community Partners & Friends
US Sherpa would not be the company it is today without the support of our incredible partners and friends. The US Sherpa team would like to extend a huge thank you to our family business partners in Nepal, the incredible and hardworking trekking staff, and the Nepalese artisans. As we continue to build our brand and expand our products and services to a larger market, we hope that all of you will remain with us and as we journey into the future.
|
|
|
