Entrepreneurship has mushroomed in Nepal in the past few years, but there are only few who have come forward focusing on eco-friendly products. Among these, Paila brand has established itself as the first Nepal-made eco-friendly footwear. Named after the Nepali term to footstep, Paila revolves around the traditional fabrics, colors and patterns, all thanks to Mingma Diki Sherpa, who founded Paila in 2015.

Sherpa, who had a keen interest in fashion, quit her job to purse this journey. "When we searched for the local product, its availability was limited. Even if it was there, the quality was not that satisfactory," shares Sherpa, who didn’t have to look back since the founding of her company. She further shared that when she started Paila, majority of shoes in the Nepali market were imported from India, China and other countries, but there wasn’t any specific Nepali brand. Since young people fear risk of entrepreneurship and receive less support from family at the beginning, Sherpa was lucky as she had a full support from her husband and sisters.

In the initial days, her customers were mostly foreigners as the Nepali costumers used to regard Paila as an expensive brand. Sherpa finds that the situation has changed now since both Nepali and foreigners equally purchase her products. "Our products are usually made from Allo fabric, which is one of the sustainable fabrics and it is weaved by hands. It has been used by the indigenous community since long time, its durable as well," she explains the major features.  The fabrics used on their shoes are mainly hand-worked. It carries both ancient cultural traditions and modernity and contributes in preserving the environment at the same time.

Paila creates designed shoes and bags with accuracy and a great sense of details. As a customer herself, she finds the finishing of Paila products beautiful with simplicity and cleanness. "Only Nepal-made product is not important for me, I look how environment-friendly the product is.  In that aspect, Paila must be one of the most environment-friendly shoes in the world," Sherpa feels proud of her initiation. By using the locally sourced materials, Paila aims to contribute to the income of Nepal's local economy as well.  Since Paila has been winning the hearts of Nepali customers, now Mingma Diki Sherpa has only one single aim of taking her brand to a global platform. "Ultimately, we want to be recognized as a global brand," she shares optimism.

In the span of five years, Sherpa has well understood that doing business in Nepal is not that easy. "There are many opportunities but there are equal obstacles and struggles. We should fight those challenges instead of just complaining or doing nothing about it," the young and energetic Mingma is focused on her entrepreneurship. To the young generation and particularly women, she urges to utilize their skills and attempt to improve in their respective area of passion. She is hopeful that things will be systemized in Nepal gradually enabling more young people to join business sector.