The Story Behind Avatar Imports: Our Journey in Ethical Fashion

The Beginning: A Journey Inspired by Music and Adventure

Our journey started in 1990, on a cross-country road trip that would change everything. We were a group of free spirits, motivated by a love for music, travel, and the bohemian lifestyle. The open road was our home, and music festivals were our stage. It was during these travels that we first encountered the beauty of unique, handcrafted clothing, and a deep love for the bohemian aesthetic took root in our hearts.

We quickly realized that these one-of-a-kind pieces, full of vibrant colors and intricate details, were a perfect fit for the music festivals we attended. What began as a way to bring a little piece of this culture to our friends and fellow travelers quickly grew into a full-fledged business. Our passion for sharing this beautiful, free-spirited style drove us to travel the world, searching for ethical sources of clothing that would allow us to support artisans in places where poverty was widespread.

A Connection to Nepal: The Heart of Avatar Imports


Our travels took us to Nepal, a place that would become integral to the Avatar Imports story. In 1991, while on a buying trip in Kathmandu, we met Jhaindra Ghimire, a local manager working in a factory. Little did we know that this chance encounter would lead to a life-changing partnership. Over time, Jhaindra’s vision and dedication to fair and ethical practices in Nepalian garment production became a driving force for Avatar Imports.

As our relationship with Jhaindra deepened, so did our understanding of the difficult living and working conditions in Nepal. We knew that we couldn’t just be passive observers of these struggles. We had a responsibility to use our platform and resources to make a difference. In partnership with Jhaindra, we took the bold step to turn Avatar Imports into an ethical business, committed to fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for cultural traditions.

Fair Trade and the Kamlari Project: Empowering Women in Nepal

Our commitment to ethical fashion led us to become a member of the Fair Trade Federation, and Avatar Imports proudly became one of the first clothing manufacturers in Nepal to have a Fair Trade-certified factory under the stewardship of Sujha Traders. The certification process took two years, with multiple facility visits, but we were determined to ensure that every garment we created had a positive impact on the lives of those making it.

But we didn’t stop there. In addition to creating fair trade jobs, we became deeply involved in the Kamlari Project, a powerful initiative focused on rescuing and rehabilitating young girls who were trapped in bonded labor as part of the Kamlari system. For centuries, young girls in rural Nepal were forced into servitude in the homes of wealthier families, often enduring years of exploitation. The Kamlari Project offers them an opportunity for a new beginning—safe, dignified work, education, and, most importantly, freedom.

Through the Kamlari Project, Avatar Imports has helped provide an empowering path for women who were once denied the chance to live with dignity. By offering these women work in our Fair Trade-certified factories, we’ve not only been able to help them break free from the cycle of poverty but also to teach them valuable skills in garment production, providing a path to economic independence.

Our Mission: Fashion with a Purpose

Avatar Imports is more than just a clothing brand—it’s a movement. Our mission is simple: to create chic, high-quality bohemian fashion while making a positive impact on the world. We aim to prove that fashion can be a tool for empowerment, a bridge between cultures, and a way to create sustainable livelihoods.

As we continue to grow, we remain committed to the values that have defined Avatar Imports from the very beginning. We want to design clothes that make people feel good, not only in how they look but in how their purchase supports artisans, families, and communities in Nepal. We know that fashion doesn’t have to come at the cost of people or the planet. Our ethical sourcing, sustainable materials, and Fair Trade partnerships make it possible to wear beautiful clothes that reflect the values we hold dear.

From our beginnings at music festivals to becoming a Fair Trade-certified brand, our journey has been one of growth, learning, and giving back. Every day, we are inspired by the artisans, the women, and the communities we work with, and we hope that our clothes can bring a little piece of that inspiration into your life.

Looking Ahead: Our Ongoing Commitment

As Avatar Imports continues to grow, we remain rooted in the core principles that guided our founders: fairness, empowerment, and love for the bohemian lifestyle. We are excited to share our journey with you and invite you to join us in making the world of fashion a more ethical and inclusive place.

Thank you for being a part of our story. Your support makes it possible for us to continue our mission and help more artisans, more women, and more communities. Together, we can change the fashion industry, one piece of clothing at a time.

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