Art of Staying Curious with Maiya
Most Saturday afternoons between 1992 - 1994, Maiya and I used to head to Silai Kendra (Sewing Center) down by Sundhara in Kathmandu Nepal then head to Ranjhana Hall area to eat momo (nepali dumpling), drink soda and then return home.
Maiya wearing Maiya, 1992
On one particular glaring Saturday afternoon, we went to the Kendra where she brought her own completed design to show. It was a “midi-skirt” (mini-skirt) in baby pink linen that was designed for me, her oldest daughter. Maiya’s teacher approved her work and continued to teach. I sat there waiting with patience as I watched the cotton candy man pass by.
After the class was over, she pulled me towards her and made me wear the skirt. I vividly remember feeling light as cotton candy just like ones being sold downstairs. Maiya’s face was beaming rays like sunflower as she looked at my smiling face. In return I shook my head with approval and gratitude.
The skirt had 3 creases in the front with pink threads through them, tugging those creases as if it was a little sari on its own. As she smiled and packed her things to head for momo, she leaned to me and gave me a kiss. Her breath smelled just like narcissus flowers she adores and glowed like the calendulas I grow today.
After that successful class and our usual stop for momo and soda, she and I walked hand in hand up the little hill by Bhote Bahal. As we got off the mini hill, Maiya asked me to grow up fast so that we can start working together. I smiled at her with a nod and pulled her to skip with me and we headed home.
Fast forward, 24 years later, I still find her as giddy as then when she designs a new dress. You will catch the glimpse of her true glow when she is watching or adoring her clients in her designs. Maiya’s perseverance through life and her ability to hone new experiences is a journey in itself. I appreciate that she has picked us up, her two daughters to learn her skills and knowledge she brought to our world.
Today Maiya brings more than two decades of experience as a seamster, tailor and designer. Maiya’s mother will tell you that she wanted to be a seamstress at the age of 10. Maiya taught herself to sew after few classes here and there and ever since then she has never stopped. Both my sister and I were privileged to wear clothes handmade by Maiya. From school uniforms to backpacks to wedding dresses for both of her daughters, she created all those with penance.
Besides clothing designing, she is a master crafter. For her no DIY project is small, all plastic bottles are to be recycled and life without composting is boring! Her spark of creativity brings life to the journey of Bujo Nepal. She continues to come up with ideas and fills my cup of chiya (tea in Nepali language) every single morning. We talk every day on the phone and share our work, joy and aspirations for Bujo Nepal. As we move forward to a healthy and peaceful new year with focus on women, environment and labor, her values of environmental stewardship and her ability to create negative carbon footprint around her is Maiya’s power. She brings passion, love for arts and as she designs, leads and supervises Bujo Nepal team in Nepal.
Her future goal is to focus on learning new techniques and keep Bujo Nepal curious.
Durga Manandhar (Maiya), Bujo Nepal