The Story

A gift for you, a future for her

The story behind Scarf with a Story

There are actually two stories: the story behind our products and the story of how the company "Sjaal met Verhaal" (Scarf with a Story) came into being. These two stories are intimately intertwined and are the driving force behind the success we experience every day. A growing company here in the Netherlands with popular and unique products, a growing positive impact on the lives of hundreds of women in Nepal.

Once upon a time…
The story begins with Inge Hoogesteger, who visited Nepal for the first time in 2013. At the time, it was a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of her successful career at Randstad. She entered a completely different world;

I was touched by the wonderful people and the beauty of the nature. A visit to an orphanage in Pokhara made me realize that you don't have to have children yourself to be able to make a difference for a child. I was also touched by the strength of Nepalese women.

Because caring for yourself and your children isn't easy in a country where poverty is rampant and healthcare and education aren't a given. Despite the difficult circumstances, the people there are overflowing with kindness and hospitality. Inge immediately felt at ease and wanted to do something. She bought several scarves to sell in the Netherlands. This meant income for the women who make them, and she would donate the proceeds to the orphanage. Little did she know that this initiative would turn her life and the lives of hundreds of other women upside down.

A full house, a full heart
Because once back in the Netherlands, those scarves were sold within a week. And when people heard she was going to Nepal again, the orders poured in. At the same time, Inge felt the need to take a longer break from work and requested a sabbatical.

The months that followed were like a rollercoaster. I made several trips to Nepal, met the right people, and the things I bought turned out to be very popular in the Netherlands. Her living room filled with things, and her heart filled with the satisfaction that brought. And then Inge took a leap of faith; she quit her job to focus entirely on her fledgling business, "Sjaal met Verhaal."

The growth of a 'social enterprise'
A new building was built, a whole team of enthusiastic employees arrived, and it wasn't just about scarves anymore; rugs, coasters, jewelry, bags, and all sorts of felt decorations were purchased. They all share one important thing: they are colorful, unique, and handmade. And through sales, Sjaal met Verhaal now creates work for more than a thousand women in Nepal. Being economically independent has a huge positive impact on their lives and those of their children. This mission always comes first, and that's what makes Sjaal met Verhaal a 'Social Enterprise': a company that doesn't see profit as its goal, but rather as a means to contribute to a better world.

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

Happily ever after?
Inge still regularly travels to Nepal to see firsthand how all the products are made and how the women are doing. And she's always in consultation with the local entrepreneurs to continually develop new products that meet the needs of the Dutch market. This means there's always something new to discover at Sjaal met Verhaal, in tune with the season and current trends.

"The initial contacts in Nepal have blossomed into friendships and made Nepal a second home. And the support of my family, friends, volunteers, the regular team members, and several professional advisors ensures that Sjaal met Verhaal continues to develop."

Yet, working on the mission of creating jobs for women in Nepal so they can build independent lives remains a challenge. The developing country is not only plagued by poverty but also faces numerous setbacks in the form of earthquakes, landslides, a locust plague, and, of course, the Covid-19 crisis. The impact of any setback is enormous. Therefore, it is all the more important to provide women there with a stable foundation and to step in when disasters strike the country.

Of course, that support wouldn't exist without you, the people who buy our products. Whether it's a story with a happy ending is something we decide together.

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