Our Story

At Avatar Imports, our journey began over three decades ago, driven by a passion for music, travel, and the bohemian lifestyle. In 1990, during a cross-country road trip, we envisioned creating a brand that encapsulates the free-spirited essence of boho fashion. This vision led us to travel the world, seeking unique clothing and accessories to share at music festivals and shows across the United States.

Our travels brought us to Kathmandu, Nepal, a city rich in artisanal heritage. In late 1991, we met Jhaindra Ghimire, then a factory manager in Kathmandu. This meeting marked the beginning of a partnership rooted in shared values and mutual respect. As our business grew, so did our awareness of the challenges faced by the Nepalese community. Determined to make a positive impact, we collaborated with Jhaindra, who now owns his own factory (Sujha Traders & Exports), to adhere to fair trade principles. Together, we committed to providing our artisans with fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

A significant aspect of our mission is our involvement in empowering former Kamlari women. The Kamlari system was a form of indentured servitude in Nepal, where young girls, primarily from the Tharu ethnic minority, were sold into domestic slavery. This practice deprived them of education, freedom, and their childhoods. In partnership with Jhaindra's factory, we have provided training and employment to over 80 former Kamlari women, offering them a path to financial independence and a brighter future. 

Based in Santa Cruz, California, Avatar Imports designs and creates fun, fashionable, high-quality goods in a socially, environmentally, and economically responsible manner. We are proud members of the Fair Trade Federation and are certified under Santa Cruz’s Green Business Program. Our products are available in stores throughout the U.S., Canada, and online.

Throughout the years, our founding ideals have remained steadfast. You can still find us at festivals, shows, and traveling the world, embracing the bohemian lifestyle that inspired our inception. We are truly thankful and humbled by the incredible people we've met and the experiences we've had along this journey.

By choosing Avatar Imports, you're not just embracing unique, handcrafted fashion; you're supporting fair wages, uplifting marginalized communities, and advocating for a more ethical world. Together, we can make a meaningful impact—one garment at a time.

Thank you for being an integral part of our story,

Tim Frankel, Jeph Hemmer & Jhaindra Ghimire

 

💛 #WearTheChange #AvatarImports #ChangeYourClothesChangeOurWorld