November 13th, 2022 marks the completion of Norlha’s 15th year in Ritoma: Fifteen years ago, we pitched our work tents in the valley at the entrance of Ritoma village, marking the beginning of Norlha’s artisan training. As the trainees, all from pastoral backgrounds, familiarized themselves with flying shuttle looms and chakra spindles, the atelier was being built across the small dirt road from the tents. It was a unique spot, tucked in the flank of a hill looking south, facing the yak-dotted pasture and Ritoma’s highest and most revered peak, Amne Tongri. This was the start of our journey as the Norlha community. Over the course of this journey, Norlha has survived a global economic crisis as well as three years of a global pandemic. Despite the challenges presented by the markets, we have managed to evolve from being a supplier to the world’s luxury markets to a representative of Positive Luxury. In 2019 we were officially recognized as a ‘Business as a Force for Good’ by B-corp. Since then we have received two awards for being ‘Best of the World’ in community from B-corp. Our success lies in the team we have built and the deep sense of trust and responsibility that we share. Today, 63% of our 96 local Ritoma village employees are women. As we mark the close of our 15th year, we wish to acknowledge 20 among our valued employees and artisans who have been with us for the past 15 years and with whom we have grown as a family and community. Read more link in bio ~ Photo Serwu Kyap 2007