Himalayan Naari

The people
behind the craft.

A team connected by craft, community and a shared commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for women in the Himalayas.

Our leadership

Different backgrounds.
One shared purpose.

Himalayan Naari brings together people with different skills, experiences and perspectives. Together, they connect artisan communities, thoughtful design and global markets while helping preserve traditional craft and create sustainable livelihoods.

Himalayan Naari Manager

Mamta Takula

Mamta (Mana) Takula is the Himalayan Naari Manager. In her role Mamta manages the on-site work of Naari’s Leadership Team and 60 artisans. With the Leadership Team, Mamta oversees all aspects of the Himalayan Naari program in India from product & color design and sample development to production, quality control and shipping. In addition, she is a skilled photographer, taking many of the photos for the Naari on-line store and social media.

Mamta is currently bringing two new initiatives to Naari: A pad machine project to improve menstrual health in the community. Mamta is also organizing an Aipan painting program to create products in this traditional art that Naari women can sell.

In addition to her computer skills and excellent English, Mamta brings a wonderful warmth and enthusiasm to the team. She enjoys hiking with her dog, Jojo.

US Based Director of Lofty Peaks Yarns

Manvee Vaid

Manvee Vaid is a social entrepreneur, artisan advocate, and board member of Himalayan Education Foundation. She is the founder of TerraKlay , a purpose-driven enterprise working with global artisan communities.

Through her work, Manvee has spent over a decade building sustainable market access for rural artisans while preserving traditional craftsmanship.

She has played a key leadership role in the creation and growth of Lofty Peaks Yarn, a community-based initiative that brings naturally dyed, hand-crafted wool products to global markets.

A visual thinker and hands-on collaborator, Manvee thrives on working directly with artisan groups to understand their strengths and co-create.

Art Educator · Designer · Mentor

Mansee Parekh

Mansee Parekh is an art educator and designer based in Bangalore with more than 15 years of teaching experience across textiles, design and ceramics. Fluent in five Indian languages, she brings an unusual ability to connect people and ideas across different communities.

She connects artisan communities with businesses and social enterprises through clear communication, seamless production and collaboration. As a bridge between artisans and international design teams, Mansee is deeply involved with Lofty Peaks Yarn and Himalayan Naari through training, mentorship and capacity-building, helping support sustainable livelihoods while keeping craft knowledge alive.

US Based Founder & Director · Himalayan Naari

Dr. Kathleen Bollerud

Kathy, the US-based founder and director of Himalayan Naari, currently coordinates sales, marketing, and product development. She earned her doctorate at Harvard University. She is a psychologist with a specialization in leadership development.

Kathy is a trustee of the Himalayan Education Foundation and serves on the board of Historic Harrisville, a historic national landmark. Every year she travels to India to meet with Naari partners and the affiliated school, Himalaya Inter College, Chaukori.

Himalayan Naari

Craft carries a story.
People carry it forward.

From the Himalayas to communities around the world, our work is shaped by relationships, knowledge and the people who make every step possible.

Different backgrounds. One shared purpose.