Honoring heritage, empowering artisans, and redefining the art of gifting in Nepal with Kayo Creative Studio

In an era where fast fashion and mass production dominate, the charm of handcrafted artistry often feels like a distant memory. Yet in the heart of Lalitpur, Kayo Creative Studio is reshaping that narrative—bridging Nepal’s centuries-old traditions with the needs of a new generation.

Founded by childhood friends Prasanna and Sajan, Kayo is a young brand with an old soul. Though new in form, it carries the weight of three generations in handicrafts, proving that heritage, when nurtured with innovation, can thrive in today’s world.

A Legacy of Craft

Though a young brand, Kayo carries the legacy of three generations in handicrafts. The journey began with an investment of just Rs 30,000, but within the very first year, the studio reached a turnover of Rs 1 million. That success was not accidental—it came from clear goals, dedication, and a deep belief in their vision of preserving traditional crafts while giving them a contemporary twist.

From the start, Kayo positioned itself as more than just a handicraft business. It was built to become a platform for artisans, ensuring their skills, names, and contributions are recognized.

The Meaning Behind “Kayo”

The name “Kayo” is both deeply personal and culturally symbolic. It honors Sajan’s grandmother, whose love and guidance shaped much of his childhood. At the same time, in Newari culture, kayo refers to white clay, a word historically used as an affectionate nickname for children with fair, clay-like skin. This duality—personal connection and cultural identity—continues to inspire every piece crafted in the studio.

Handcrafted for Every Story

The brand’s product range reflects its vision of becoming a lifestyle brand. Every item is handmade, made-to-order, and often personalized, ensuring no two pieces are the same. Their offerings span a wide and diverse collection, including:

• Jewelry & Accessories: name lockets, rings, bracelets, brooches, cufflinks, pet lockets, and exclusive collections like Naga-inspired jewelry and Shree Yantra rings.
• Home Décor & Spiritual Items: residential plaques, Shiva Linga sculptures, yantras including Durga Yantra, and exclusive Trishuls for puja rooms.
• Wedding & Festive Gifts: personalized Nimatrana wedding invitations, watch boxes, wedding gifts, and Bhai Tika essentials.
• Corporate Awards & Trophies: customized trophies and awards, even for national sports events, VIPs, and international delegates.

While the brand experiments with various materials, their favorites remain wood, silver, and brass. Wood is especially loved for being eco-friendly, sustainable, and timeless.

The Rise of Personalization

Traditionally in Nepal, handicrafts were viewed mainly as souvenirs for tourists or gifts for families living abroad. The idea of personalization was almost unheard of. The founders challenged that norm, introducing handcrafted items tailored to each customer. Today, everything from wedding gifts and dog lockets to corporate awards and residential plaques is customized, proving how personalization has become central to gifting in Nepal.

Festivals with Nepali Craft

Festivals are at the heart of Nepali culture, and the brand’s founders make them even more meaningful with their handcrafted exclusives:

• Dashain: ritual and spiritual objects such as Durga Yantras, Shiva Linga sculptures, Naga designs, and Trishuls for puja rooms.
• Tihar: personalized dog tags for “Kukur Tihar,” elegant Laxmi Paila in silver and brass for Laxmi Puja, and memorable Bhai Tika gifts like cufflinks, brooches, bracelets, rings, and watch boxes.
• Spiritual Jewelry: Shree Yantra rings, Ganesh rings, and lockets that allow wearers to carry their faith with them.

These collections highlight how handcrafted items can honor traditions while adding a unique, personal touch.

Why Handmade Wins

For Prasanna and Sajan, the value of handcrafted items goes far beyond aesthetics. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, each handmade piece embodies time, dedication, and the artisan’s spirit. A handcrafted gift is exclusive, timeless, and deeply personal—a true expression of emotion.

In their words, gifting is not just about the item itself, but the story and sentiment it carries. That is what makes the brand’s creations stand out in the modern world.

With eight years behind them and countless stories woven into their designs, Kayo Creative Studio continues to grow as a brand that celebrates Nepal’s heritage while shaping its creative future. Every handcrafted piece becomes more than an object—it becomes a memory, a story, and a legacy.

Location: Manbhawan, Lalitpur
Instagram: kayo_studio and Kayo_corporate

Also Read

Strength with Purpose: Sukadev Karki’s Mission to Redefine Fitness in Nepal

Sushant Ghimire: Living, Loving & Writing His Heart Out

Classic Nepali Festive Treats

The Rise of a Fashion POWERHOUSE

Role of Maxillofacial Prosthesis in Dentistry