The Story

A gift for you, a future for her

The story behind Sjaal met Verhaal

There are actually two stories: the story behind our products and the story of how the company Sjaal met Verhaal came to be. These two stories are deeply intertwined and are the driving force behind the success we experience every day. A growing business here in the Netherlands with popular and unique products, and a growing positive impact on the lives of hundreds of women in Nepal.

Once upon a time…
The story begins with Inge Hoogesteger, who first visited Nepal in 2013. At the time, it was a welcome break from the busy life that her successful career at Randstad brought. She entered a completely different world;

‘I was deeply moved by the beautiful people and the beauty of the nature. A visit to an orphanage in Pokhara made me realize that you don't need to have children to make a difference in a child's life. I was also touched by the strength of the Nepalese women.’

Because taking care of yourself and your children is not easy in a country where poverty prevails, and healthcare and education are not guaranteed. Despite the tough conditions, the kindness and hospitality of the people there shine through. Inge immediately felt at home and wanted to do something. She bought several scarves to sell in the Netherlands. This meant income for the women making the scarves, and the proceeds would be donated to the orphanage. She had no idea that this action would turn her life, and the lives of hundreds of other women, upside down.

A full house, a full heart
Once back in the Netherlands, the scarves sold out within a week. And when her friends heard that she would be returning to Nepal, orders started flooding in. At the same time, Inge felt the need to take some time off from her job and applied for a sabbatical.

‘The following months were like a rollercoaster. I made several trips to Nepal and Thailand, met the right people, and the products I bought turned out to be very popular in the Netherlands.’ Her living room filled with goods, and her heart was full of the satisfaction it gave her. And then, Inge took a leap of faith; she quit her job to fully focus on her brand-new business, Sjaal met Verhaal.’

The growth of a social enterprise
A premises was found, a whole team of enthusiastic employees came on board, and it was no longer just about scarves; rugs, coasters, jewelry, bags, and various felt decorations were also bought. They all have something important in common: they are colorful, unique, and handmade. And through sales, Sjaal met Verhaal has created jobs for over a thousand women in Nepal and Thailand. Being economically independent has a huge positive impact on their lives and the lives of their children. This mission always comes first, and that’s what makes Sjaal met Verhaal a ‘Social Enterprise’: a company that sees making a profit not as the goal but as a means to contribute to a better world.

Sjaal met Verhaal contributes to a better world not only through business but also by supporting various projects, such as building a medical post. The orphanage where it all began can still count on support. In times of crisis, such as after the massive earthquake or the outbreak of Covid-19, Sjaal met Verhaal takes extra steps to help the community.

And they lived happily ever after?
Inge still travels regularly to Nepal to see firsthand how all the products are made and how the women are doing. And there is always consultation with the entrepreneurs there to develop new products that meet the needs of the Dutch market. So, there is always something new at Sjaal met Verhaal, fitting the season and the trends of the moment.

‘The first contacts in Nepal have grown into friendships, making Nepal a second home. And the support from my family, friends, volunteers, dedicated team members, and a number of professional advisors makes Sjaal met Verhaal continue to develop.’

Yet, it remains a challenge to work on the mission of creating jobs for women in Nepal so they can build independent lives. The developing country is not only plagued by poverty but also faces many setbacks such as earthquakes, landslides, locust plagues, and, of course, the Covid-19 crisis. When borders close, there is quickly a severe shortage of food and medicine. The impact of any setback is huge. That is why it is even more important to provide the women there with a stable foundation and to step in extra when the country is struck by disaster.

That support wouldn't be possible without you, the people who purchase our products. Whether this story has a happy ending is something we determine together.

On behalf of us and the hundreds of women in Nepal, thank you!