From A Rs. 5 Lakh COVID Era Savings Initiative To A Homegrown Footwear Brand: How Yatra Shoes Is Transforming Women’s Footwear In Nepal

KATHMANDU, August 15, 2026

What started as a conversation between two college friends during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a homegrown footwear brand serving women across Nepal.

Yatra Shoes, founded by Reshma Sanjel and Sayasha Luitel, was created with a simple idea: to build stylish, durable, and comfortable footwear that matches the everyday needs of working women in Nepal.

Registered under Yatra Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. in April 2022, the brand has grown from selling its first batch of 500 pairs of shoes to developing more than 80 handcrafted designs, while supporting local artisans and promoting Nepal-made products.

Finding A Gap In Nepal’s Women’s Footwear Market

The idea behind Yatra Shoes came from a personal experience.

While pursuing their BBA-BI degrees in Kathmandu, Reshma and Sayasha noticed that finding footwear that was both fashionable and comfortable for daily use was difficult for many women.

Many available options focused mainly on appearance, while comfort, durability, and suitability for Nepal’s lifestyle often received less attention.

The two friends decided to explore whether they could create a product that combined all these elements: footwear that women could wear comfortably throughout long working days while still maintaining a modern design.

Learning The Craft Before Building The Brand

Neither founder came from a footwear manufacturing background.

Before launching the company, they spent months researching the industry; visiting local markets, shopping areas, and more than a dozen footwear workshops across Kathmandu Valley.

They studied:

• Shoe construction methods

• Raw materials

• Production techniques

• Artisan craftsmanship

• Customer preferences

This hands-on research helped them understand the challenges of footwear production and identify what improvements could make their products more practical for Nepali consumers.

Starting Small With A Big Vision

In April 2022, Yatra Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. was officially registered.

The brand began production through a local workshop in Chabahil, Kathmandu, with just one shoe design available in three colour variations.

The first production batch consisted of 500 pairs, which were sold out within three months through word-of-mouth marketing and social media.

Encouraged by customer feedback, Yatra continued to expand its collection, eventually growing from a single design into a catalogue of more than 80 handcrafted footwear styles.

Building A Brand Through Local Craftsmanship

Yatra Shoes began with an initial investment of NPR 5 lakh, funded through personal savings.

Instead of relying on large external investments, the company focused on organic growth by reinvesting early earnings into product development, operations, and expansion.

Today, the brand operates with:

• A four-member internal team managing operations, marketing, logistics and customer support

• More than 12 local artisans and workshop personnel involved in production

• Nationwide delivery networks serving customers across Nepal

The brand has expanded its reach to cities including:

• Pokhara

• Butwal

• Bharatpur

• Itahari

• Bhairahawa

It also serves Nepali women living abroad.

Designed Around Comfort: What Makes Yatra Different

Yatra Shoes says its focus is not only on appearance but also on everyday functionality.

Double-Padded Comfort Insoles

Each pair features a signature two-layer cushioned insole designed to reduce foot pressure and improve comfort for women who spend long hours standing or walking.

Designed For Nepali Foot Shapes

The company develops footwear using customised shoe lasts designed around local foot proportions, aiming to provide a better fit compared to standard imported footwear.

Durable And Practical Materials

The footwear uses premium synthetic leather that is:

• Water-resistant

• Easy to maintain

• Durable

• Cruelty-free

The designs focus on practical heel heights and versatile styles that can be used for office wear, casual outings and formal occasions.

Beyond Footwear: Launching A New Chapter With Juno Leathers

After establishing Yatra Shoes, the founders expanded their vision through a sister brand: Juno Leathers.

With an initial investment of NPR 3.5 lakh, Juno Leathers focuses on functional leather accessories designed for women, including:

• Handbags

• Office bags

• Wallets

• Laptop sleeves

The goal is to create a complete lifestyle brand where customers can find products that complement their everyday needs.

A Women-Led Brand Supporting Local Artisans

While co-founder Sayasha Luitel is currently pursuing higher studies in the United States, Reshma Sanjel continues leading the brand’s operations from Nepal.

The company’s production model prioritises handcrafted quality rather than mass manufacturing.

By working with local artisans, Yatra Shoes aims to support Nepal’s traditional craftsmanship while creating modern products suitable for today’s consumers.

Future Plans: Expanding The Made-In-Nepal Vision

Yatra Shoes is preparing for further expansion with plans including:

• Opening a flagship showroom in Kathmandu

• Launching an exclusive clothing line

• Creating complete wardrobe combinations alongside footwear

• Introducing a trade-in program for old footwear to encourage recycling

• Expanding Juno Leathers accessories collection

These plans reflect the founders’ long-term goal of building a trusted Nepali lifestyle brand.

The Journey Ahead

Yatra Shoes’ journey represents how young entrepreneurs can identify everyday problems and build solutions through research, persistence, and local innovation.

From a college friendship formed during a difficult global period to a growing footwear brand supporting Nepali craftsmanship, Yatra’s story reflects a wider movement of young entrepreneurs creating products within Nepal for Nepali consumers.

The founders believe their goal is not simply to compete with international brands but to build a trusted homegrown name known for quality, comfort, and practical design.

With every pair produced, Yatra Shoes hopes to prove that “Made in Nepal” can be stylish, durable and accessible.