Amelia and Alnasir Khan, founders of Kaarigar, were raised in the Philippines and India—two countries renowned for their rich traditions in handcrafted artistry, ranging from Ayurvedic water vessels to intricate works in wood, fabric, metal, and stone. Despite their skill, many artisans in these regions struggle to make a sustainable living from their craft.

Kaarigar’s story began during a visit to India, where Alnasir witnessed a disheartening negotiation between artisans and retailers, with the craftsmen being pressured to accept unfairly low prices. Deeply moved, Alnasir set out to support these artisans. Through conversations across India, he discovered a clear truth: artisans deserve fair compensation and global recognition for their intricate, high-quality, and labor-intensive creations.