LEATHERWORK The stitching unit run by the Nepal Leprosy Trust (NLT) in Kathmandu, produces some of our leather and faux leather ranges in house. They provide marginalized individuals with work opportunities under fair trade work guidelines, empowering them to provide for their families through employment but also giving medical support and education allowances to their children. Some of the producers have physical disabilities or have experienced some form of disability within their family. AURA QUE founder, Laura Queening has worked with NLT over the last nine years to improve the factory’s facilities, purchasing new equipment, as well as helping to improve efficiency, leather craftsmanship and capacity. There are 19 people currently working within the NLT factory, some of whom have had leprosy or someone in their family has been affected; many have worked there for over 20 years. After the earthquake in 2015, we were able to help these individuals at NLT in the aftermath, giving them each a substantial money gift to help with house repairs and living costs.
From her studio in London, Laura designs each product and does the majority of the pattern cutting, then she works collaboratively in Nepal with NLT and other sample makers to overcome any technical issues in the correct materials. For some of our classic leather range, we also work with a family business who runs a small leather craft workshop, providing stable income and calm work environment for employees as well as training in leather work and traditional skills.