Spotlight on Local: krama wheel
10.Why did you develop the brand you did? What does it mean to you and what do you think it means to your clients?
I started krama wheel after an eye-opening trip backpacking trip in Cambodia. I unexpectedly spent time volunteering with a local NGO where I learned about the hardships the country continues to face after the genocide that occurred there. One thing that particularly stood out to me is that kids are required to wear a uniform to school, and as I spent time in poor rural villages on that trip, it seemed like such an unnecessary obstacle that stood between those kids and an education since many families couldn’t afford the uniforms. So I wanted to find a way to help get kids in rural communities in school, and meanwhile I was also obsessed with the scarves in the local markets. They were so vibrant and beautifully made! So I had the idea to combine the two: to work with local weavers to make beautiful scarves using traditional looms, and for every scarf sold, we donate a school uniform to a kid in need.
Needless to say, I of course have a strong personal connection to the local communities impacted by krama wheel’s model, but I believe that our customers also feel strongly connected to the impact they are making since it is very tangible: they can wear or gift a beautiful handmade product that in turn gives one child the opportunity to wear a school uniform and attend school.
9.What is the favorite piece you make or sell? Why does it stand out?
My current favorite is our new Vasna scarf. It’s such a unique design: it’s so visually layered with its diamond weaving technique and asymmetrical lines, but because it’s black and white, it manages to be both a versatile staple and a statement piece. It’s super soft, too!
8.How has being an entrepreneur effected the way you view the world?
I used to be so intimidated by the idea of starting a business and it seemed like something other people do, but not something in my realm of possibility. Now that I have the experience, looking back I realize that so much of it was simply having the grit and patience to take it day by day and figure stuff out until my vision came to life. And I think that realization has influenced the way I view other life challenges. If I want something bad enough, I know I have the capacity to figure it out or at least give it a go, even if it feels unattainable.
7.Does being a business owner impact your personal life? How?
Yes, but since my product is so seasonal, I primarily feel it in the fall when I am out and about in Austin selling scarves at various markets and pop ups. I remind myself that it’s worth the hustle and sacrificing my weekends for a few months in order to have the biggest impact on the business, and in turn, the communities I’m supporting in Cambodia.
6.What do you hope will change about your business in five years?
I hope to expand into new products so that the business can be less cold-weather focused!
5.What do you hope will be the same about your business in five years?
I want to be able to continue supporting local Cambodian communities in as many ways possible. I’ve had a business expert tell me that to grow the business exponentially I should choose one cause to focus on over the other (artisans or education), but I’d rather scale slowly if it means continuing to support the local communities in as many ways as possible. To me, their growth and success is a key part of what makes krama wheel special.
4.How do you try to support Austin women?
I’m part of a local group of lady bosses who run ethically minded businesses and we meet up regularly to support each other and resource-share. It’s really nice to have a supportive group of women who face similar challenges and to be able to organize local events around town that focus on supporting women-owned businesses.
3.What can the city government or local community do to support your business (besides visiting it more)?
I think the city and community already do a wonderful job embracing small and women-owned businesses. My hope is that as Austin’s rapid expansion continues, new residents will embrace this special Austin ethos, because shopping local is what helps small businesses like mine thrive.
2. What about your brand or yourself do you most associate with Austin? How does it reflect Austin?
I’m one of those now-rare Austin natives, so Austin is in my bones! It’s been fascinating to watch it transform and grow, and I feel truly lucky that it continues to embrace small businesses in the same way it always has. As for the products’ connection to Austin, I always say that krama wheel’s lightweight scarves are perfectly made for Austin’s lightweight winters (and for our overly air-conditioned spaces in the summer!)
1.If you were allowed to only eat one food every day for the rest of your life, but it provided you all the nutrition you needed, what would that food be and what do you love about it?
Migas tacos from Veracruz! I could truly eat breakfast tacos all day every day, and the migas at Veracruz have a level of flavor unlike any other. (Can I choose their watermelon agua fresca as my lifetime beverage of choice?)
