Amelia and Alnasir Khan, the founders of Kaarigar, grew up in the Philippines and India — both countries celebrated for their rich tradition of handcrafted artistry, ranging from Ayurvedic water vessels to exquisite creations in wood, fabric, metal, and stone. Unfortunately, many artisans in these industries struggle to make a decent living from their hard-earned craft.

The inspiration for Kaarigar was sparked during a trip to India, where Alnasir witnessed a troubling negotiation between local artisans and retailers over pricing. Seeing these skilled craftsmen pressured into accepting meagre payments left a lasting impression. Determined to make a difference, Alnasir traveled across the country, meeting artisans to better understand their challenges and aspirations. His takeaway was clear: artisans deserve fair compensation and access to international markets that appreciate the quality, craftsmanship, and labor-intensive beauty of their work.