Our Founders

Kinza Lhamo is Co-Founder and Creative Director of Hamro Village, Kinza brings a strong focus on communication design and product development, shaping the creative direction and brand identity of the company. Her deep involvement in the Fair Trade community has given her meaningful insight into global issues such as ethical sourcing, consumer behavior, and social justice values that inform every aspect of her work.

Her design philosophy offers a modern interpretation of traditional craftsmanship, merging heritage techniques with contemporary design to create products that are both beautiful and meaningful.

Born and raised in Bhutan, Kinza spent her formative years moving across the country, including time in the culturally rich Talo Valley and Punakha, regions renowned for their intricately handcrafted Dzongs (monasteries). These early experiences nurtured her deep respect for artisanal work and cultural storytelling.

As a young adult attending the Fashion Institute of Technology, she experienced the creative life of New York City, which she calls "the big change for me." There, she immersed herself in the city’s dynamic creative scene, gaining global perspective and refining her design skills.

Today, Kinza channels her cross-cultural experiences and commitment to ethical design into Hamro Village’s mission: to empower artisans, celebrate craftsmanship, and create lasting social impact through Fair Trade.

Asutosh Upadhyay is Co-Founder of Hamro Village and brings a global perspective and a deep-rooted commitment to ethical trade and social responsibility. He understands the complexities of Fair Trade business on an international scale and leads with empathy, embracing cultural and individual diversity. His leadership bridges the gap between commerce, culture, and community empowerment, aligning ethical values with clear strategies, sustainable operations, and long-term impact.

Born in Kathmandu, Nepal, Asutosh grew up surrounded by ancient temples, diverse traditions, and the vibrant contrasts of everyday life. Witnessing both the beauty of cultural heritage and the challenges of poverty, he developed a strong sense of justice, compassion, and respect for the resilience of artisan communities. These early experiences shaped his belief that business can and should be a force for meaningful change.

A natural relationship builder, he works closely with artisans to ensure their voices and goals are reflected in every aspect of the business from product development to partnerships. His vision fosters collaboration, trust, and shared growth across artisan communities and retail networks in the Global North.

Today, Asutosh continues to lead Hamro Village with clarity and purpose — creating lasting, ethical partnerships, preserving traditional craftsmanship, and working toward a more inclusive and compassionate global economy.