‘Sisterhood Clothing’: A Plus-Size Apparel Business Founded by 100 Women
Sisterhood Clothing, a clothing manufacturing company that started within Nepal, now involves 100 women from diverse professions and backgrounds. Specializing in plus-size clothing for women, the company aims to expand its branches to Pokhara and nine other major cities across the country. United by a shared dream and business vision, these 100 women represent different ages, professions, and experiences.
The story began around 15 years ago with just two spouses running a modest clothing store. Today, ownership and management rest entirely with 100 women.
According to Angila Shrestha, co-founder of Sisterhood Clothing, their business initially operated on a typical import-based model. She and her husband imported garments from Thailand to sell in Nepal. Like other clothing shops at the time, they were heavily dependent on imported materials. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought significant challenges. International shipping disruptions led to difficulties in sourcing products, increased costs, and a decline in customers’ purchasing power, making business operations arduous.
“There was even a time when we considered closing down the business,” Angila reflects. “That’s when we started exploring the possibility of manufacturing locally. We decided to develop our own designs, produce garments domestically, and build our own brand.” Following this decision, they established a local factory and began producing ‘Made in Nepal’ products. This move helped control costs and enabled the development of new designs tailored to market demand.
During online orders, customer demand for plus-size clothing emerged as a clear opportunity. Many women expressed frustration at not finding preferred designs in their sizes. “We realized the plus-size market held significant potential,” Angila says. “Since many brands neglected this segment, we decided to focus on it.”
Currently, the company produces blazers, formal pants, tops, jeans, and cotton dresses suitable for women weighing between 120 and 130 kilograms. Among these, blazer sets are the most popular product. With collaborative efforts from 100 women, factory operations have expanded rapidly. However, Angila believed that efforts from a limited few would not give the business a prominent identity. This inspired the creation of the innovative ‘Sisterhood’ concept, aiming to empower women economically and make them business owners.
“The impact of one person running a business is limited, but when 100 women come together, the results multiply significantly,” she explains. Viewing women not only as customers but as owners, the concept was publicly introduced through social media and drew far more interest than expected. Multiple meetings were held where prospective members received detailed information on the business plan, risks, investments, and future goals. After five to six months of effort, 100 women officially launched Sisterhood Clothing.
The group includes housewives, doctors, teachers, bankers, choreographers, students, beauticians, and professionals from various fields, blending diverse experiences and skills. “We are strong in our diversity,” Angila notes.
Each woman invested NPR 200,000, which helped boost business growth, expand production, and develop the brand. Some members made particularly remarkable commitments, including one who expressed willingness to sell a tola of gold to participate. This investment became more than just a financial contribution—it turned into a sense of ownership of the business.
To maintain transparency, Sisterhood employs technology extensively. Through a mobile app, members can monitor daily transactions, stock, sales, and profits. Additionally, members have access to CCTV footage installed at stores. “Prioritizing transparency has built strong trust among the 100 members,” Angila says.
Currently, nine individuals work directly in the company, but its influence extends through social media content creation, photoshoots, modeling, promotions, and digital marketing, engaging even more women. The company also compensates women involved in modeling and video production.
Sisterhood Clothing places significant emphasis on customer service. Offering cash-on-delivery throughout Nepal, the business adopts flexible policies for exchanges and refunds, unlike many other online companies that require advance payments and impose strict exchange rules. “We believe in respecting our customers,” Angila states.
Angila Shrestha’s personal journey is equally compelling. Although she initially planned a career in banking after studying management, an opportunity in radio led her into communications. She has worked as a news anchor and reporter across various radio and television stations before turning her focus to entrepreneurship.
The company is preparing to open a branch in Pokhara and has long-term plans to operate at least ten branches in major cities nationwide. Profits from these new outlets will be shared among the members.
Sisterhood Clothing’s goal extends beyond selling garments; it aspires to become a trusted Nepali brand created, managed, and supported by women. By maintaining quality, reasonable prices, customer service, and transparency, Sisterhood aims to establish itself as a distinctive name in the Nepalese fashion industry. Built on shared dreams, investment, and leadership, Sisterhood Clothing serves as a practical example of women’s economic empowerment.