Today we’re sitting down with Alpaja Rajbhandari to talk about her sustainable clothing brand, Ekadesma, and her journey from Nepal to Seattle. Through the Seattle Restored pop-up program, Alpaja is bringing her Seattle and Kathmandu-based slow fashion brand to its first physical location in the United States, featuring sustainable collections from Nepalese handwoven textiles.
Q: Tell us about your business. What inspired your pop-up concept?
Ekadesma is a sustainable clothing brand that I co-founded with my sister in Nepal in 2011. Our focus has always been on ethically handcrafted apparel and accessories, using natural fibers like cotton, hemp, and nettle, woven by skilled artisans in Nepal. We are deeply committed to preserving traditional craftsmanship while creating contemporary, timeless designs that support slow fashion and conscious consumerism.
Since moving to Seattle in 2019, I’ve been yearning to restart Ekadesma here, to introduce the city to our brand’s rich textile heritage and sustainable practices. This pop-up store is the perfect opportunity to officially launch Ekadesma in Seattle, allowing me to reconnect with the work I am most passionate about. It’s more than just a retail space—it’s a platform to share the artistry, sustainability, and cultural storytelling behind each piece while building a meaningful community around mindful fashion.
Q: Why did you apply for Seattle Restored? how will this opportunity help you reach your goals?
I applied for Seattle Restored because it aligns perfectly with my mission of bringing more awareness to conscious, sustainable fashion. I co-founded Ekadesma with my sister in Nepal in 2011, and since moving to Seattle in 2019, I have been eager to reconnect with my work in sustainable fashion and craftsmanship. The transition to a new country took time to navigate, but this opportunity marks a significant step toward fully dedicating myself to Ekadesma again. Through this platform, I can introduce our handcrafted, ethical designs to Seattle while encouraging a shift toward mindful consumption.
At Ekadesma, we create timeless, handcrafted pieces that celebrate traditional craftsmanship while promoting ethical and environmentally responsible fashion. This pop-up store is more than just a retail space—it’s a place for conversations about slow fashion, the value of handmade textiles, and the impact of our choices as consumers. It allows me to connect directly with customers, share the stories behind our pieces, and build a community centered around sustainability and ethical fashion.
Beyond retail, this experience is a valuable opportunity to test and refine our approach while gathering real customer feedback. There’s no fear of loss—only growth, learning, and deeper community engagement. This milestone will shape Ekadesma’s presence in Seattle and help us better understand how to move forward.
Looking ahead, my goal is to make Ekadesma a recognizable and accessible sustainable brand within Seattle, fostering a strong community that values ethical fashion. I aim to expand our reach through local collaborations, participate in more sustainable fashion initiatives, and eventually establish a dedicated retail space that not only showcases our products but also the craftsmanship, stories, and values that define Ekadesma. This pop-up is the first step toward that vision, creating a foundation for deeper connections within Seattle’s conscious fashion movement and beyond.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your business? how do you hope to impact the community?
The most rewarding part of my business is being able to create change within the fashion cycle, even if it feels like a small impact as a brand. I believe that every step toward conscious fashion matters, and my goal is to encourage people to think more intentionally about their purchases—to buy wisely and invest in products that are made ethically, without harming the planet or the people behind them.
Ekadesma is also deeply committed to artisan upliftment and women’s empowerment. Many of our textiles are handcrafted by skilled artisans, particularly women in Nepal, who receive fair wages and the opportunity to preserve traditional craftsmanship. This creates financial independence and confidence within their communities.
I have truly been loving and appreciating the amazing feedback I’ve been receiving from my pop-up store. Seeing customers connect with the story behind each piece, understand the craftsmanship involved, and express their excitement for sustainable fashion has been incredibly fulfilling. Through Ekadesma, I hope to inspire a shift in perspective, where fashion is valued not just for aesthetics but for its impact and meaning. My hope is to contribute to a more thoughtful and responsible community that embraces slow fashion, supports handmade ethical products, and uplifts the artisans behind them.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like our blog readers to know about you or your business?
Ekadesma (एकादेशमा) translates to “Once upon a time” in Nepali—a name we chose to tell the stories of Nepal and its rich crafts through the clothes we create.
Ekadesma is all about storytelling—whether it’s the story of the pieces we create or the people behind them. Over the years, we’ve built countless heartfelt connections with artisans, and these stories have reinforced our belief that we are doing something meaningful. As a brand, as individuals, and as storytellers, we are committed to sharing these journeys with our community.
I’d love to invite the readers to visit the Ekadesma pop-up store and experience the stories behind each piece we create. Every item in our collection is crafted consciously with love, preserving traditional craftsmanship and supporting sustainable fashion. It’s an opportunity to connect with the brand, learn about the artisans who weave our textiles, and discover how each piece contributes to a more mindful and ethical approach to fashion. I look forward to hearing your stories and sharing ours with you—come visit and become part of the Ekadesma story!
Q: Do you have any events or collaborations coming up?
We are planning an exciting event for May 2nd from 5:00-8:00pm. Whether you love fashion, enjoy unique creative events, or are just looking for something intentional and inspiring to do on a Friday night — this gathering is for you. We’ll share stories behind our handcrafted pieces, there’ll be music and mingling and we’ll also have a free raffle for a $100 gift hamper at the event. Admission is FREE and we look forward to seeing the community there!
I’m always open to collaborations and new opportunities to connect with the community. I love engaging with others who share a passion for sustainable fashion and meaningful connections, and I’m excited about what the future holds!
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to locals, what would it be?
My advice to locals in Seattle would be to embrace and support mindful consumption. Whether it’s through purchasing sustainable fashion, supporting local artisans, or making intentional choices in everyday life, every small action makes a difference. Seattle has a wonderful community of people who care deeply about the environment and social responsibility—let’s continue to grow that by prioritizing products that are not only good for us but also for the planet and the people who create them.
I also encourage everyone to embrace slowness—whether it’s as a hobby or by learning a new skill like handcrafting something. There’s something truly amazing about realizing what our hands can create, and the process can be incredibly therapeutic. Taking time to make or appreciate something with your hands can help reconnect us to the simple joys of creating and be a reminder of the value in slowness and intention. Let’s build a more sustainable, mindful, and connected future together!
Q: What’s your favorite Seattle Restored activation, and why?
Honestly, every small business has its own charm and uniqueness, and each activation brings its own character and amazingness. It wouldn’t feel fair to pick just one. However, I did have the pleasure of experiencing the launch of the Market Collective pop-up, and it was fantastic. There were nine different small businesses, each one so unique and well-curated. The diversity of offerings and the sense of community really stood out, making it a truly memorable event. It was a great example of how different businesses can come together to create something special.
Q: Where would you take visitors or a group of friends for a fun, relaxed experience in Seattle?
For a fun, relaxed experience in Seattle, I’d take visitors to Pike Place Market, where you can enjoy vibrant culture, fresh seafood, local pastries, and unique handmade crafts. It’s a perfect spot to stroll, savor delicious food, and check out local artistry. Another great option would be Discovery Park, where you can take peaceful walks along scenic trails and unwind by the beach while soaking in beautiful views. And if you’re up for a little adventure, a hike up Mount Rainier is an unforgettable experience!
Q: What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?
In the coming year, I’m looking forward to exploring more opportunities to grow Ekadesma and establishing a permanent retail presence or physical brick-and-mortar store. It’s an exciting step toward expanding the brand and connecting with customers in a more personal, lasting way. I’m also focused on growing the business and myself, continuing to learn and evolve as both an entrepreneur and a creator. I’m excited for what lies ahead and the opportunities to strengthen Ekadesma’s presence and impact in the community.
vISIT EKADESMA
Address:
1322 5th Ave
Seattle, WA 98101
Open hours:
Wednesday & Thursday: 11am-5pm
Friday & Saturday: 10am-5pm
Sunday: 12-5pm
Dates: March 8 – May 31, 2025
The post Ekadesma: Participant Spotlight on Alpaja Rajbhandari appeared first on Seattle Restored.