Resha Oli’s life revolves around fashion. Growing up in eastern Nepal, Oli developed a passion for style from a young age. Her determination to stand out and embrace chic attire propelled her towards a course in fashion design in Siliguri, India.
After completing two years of study in Siliguri, Oli then left for Kolkata for an additional year. During her time there, she immersed herself in the fashion world working at a boutique for one and a half years. However, the start of the Covid pandemic presented significant challenges for her life in India. It was then that she decided to return to Nepal and embark on her own entrepreneurial venture.
“I did not know what to do and where to start and how to generate capital, but gradually things paved the way,” says Oli.
Due to the lockdown imposed to curb the coronavirus, Oli was cautious about making substantial investments. Nevertheless, her determination to do something drove her forward. Given her keen interest in fashion and her adeptness at designing clothes, she decided to embark on a venture in clothing manufacturing from the comfort of her home.
In the initial stages, she invested Rs 3000 in raw materials and created three clothes. These creations were showcased on her Instagram for sale. To her delight, they were promptly purchased by her own relatives, who also provided her with encouraging feedback.
The positive feedback served as a powerful motivator. Fueled by the desire to establish something uniquely her own, Resha was born.
For the commoners
Resha provides an extensive selection of appealing clothing options catering to children, men, women, and elderly citizens alike. The products at Resha include items such as one-pieces, kurtas, t-shirts, shirts, pants, and more.
“We also give people the chance to customise their clothes according to their interests,” says Oli.
The price is what sets Resha apart. This is why it has become the go-to brand of so many people with orders coming in from all over Nepal.
“We have also had orders from Nepalis in Australia and the USA,” says Oli who is overwhelmed by the love Resha has received from the people.
Early struggles
In the beginning, launching the business posed challenges. Raw materials, which were comparatively scarcer and pricier in Nepal compared to India, presented an obstacle. Additionally, a dearth of promotion made it difficult to sell her products. However, Oli did not lose heart; she persevered and pressed on with her business.
In just a year and a half since its inception, Resha has made remarkable progress. Initially, it would hardly receive any orders. However, now it receives four to five clothing orders daily. What began with an initial investment of Rs 3,000 has now grown to facilitate transactions worth Rs 200,000 per month.
With clothes ranging from Rs 600 to Rs 3,000, Resha has been catering to the needs of people of all ages and walks of life.
“People like our clothes because they are attractive and affordable,” says Oli. “Our clothes also have excellent quality.”
With thousands of Nepalis leaving Nepal for a better future abroad, Oli feels there are opportunities in Nepal if people are willing to work hard.
While Resha only sells clothes online, Oli is soon planning to set up a physical store.
“The future is exciting as we are also coming up with products like tote bags and shoes,” says Oli.
