about Koshish

Wool felted doll making process

OUR STORY

We have named ourselves Koshish – meaning, TRY, in Hindi – which for us is a declaration of rebellion and hope.

Since childhood, we’ve been told by society that – because we are female, or low caste, or immigrants –that there’s no point trying for a better life. Broken by poverty and prejudice, even our elders will say that we should simply accept our fate of living in tin shacks with no running water; doing hard labor on the roads; and then returning after nightfall to cook, clean, and wash clothes in the river.  

Koshish, is our valiant (and somewhat scary) attempt to transform this despair and darkness into promise and light.

Inspired by the ancient culture and tribal designs of the Himalayas, our women’s cooperative use locally produced wool to create meditation shawls, winter woolens socks, bespoke knits, handmade dolls and much, much more.  All the profits are given to the creators and they in turn donate ten per cent of their income to Generate Love, a volunteer run charity which provides scholarships and opportunities for the shanty town’s children.

Our Mission

We are a cooperative of women and teenagers living in a shanty town in the Indian Himalayas in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India.  We are trying to preserve and promote the traditional handicrafts of the region. We bring you the best handicraft sheep wool’s dolls, socks, gloves, meditation shawls from Himachal Pradesh Manali, each product has been made with care, cultural pride, and eco-conscious practices.

At Koshish, our every creation tells a story — of Himachali heritage, of local craftsmanship, and of the collective strength of women working together to empower their families and communities.

Our Vision

We envision a world where traditional handicrafts are valued, local products are celebrated, and women are empowered to support their families with dignity and pride. Through our efforts, we aim to preserve cultural heritage, boost local economies, and uplift women artisans by creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.