Amelia and Alnasir Khan, the founders of Kaarigar, were raised in the Philippines and India—two countries celebrated for their rich traditions in handcrafted artistry, including ayurvedic water vessels and intricate works in wood, fabric, metal, and stone. Despite their remarkable skills, many artisans in these regions struggle to make a sustainable living.

Kaarigar’s story began with a trip to India, where Alnasir witnessed a troubling interaction between local artisans and retailers over pricing. Seeing these gifted craftsmen pressured to accept unfairly low payments left a lasting impression on him. Determined to make a difference, Alnasir committed to supporting these artisans and their families.