Apr 1, 2009

Didi Bahini Boutique Offers Fine Himalayan Artisan Gifts to Support Disadvantaged in Nepal

Ottawa, Canada – In order to give consumers a touch of exotic luxury from faraway Nepal and the chance to support disadvantaged women and children in that impoverished Asian country, Didi Bahini (www.didibahini.ca), a fair trade artisan’s online boutique was created. Canadian-based Didi Bahini offers retailers the opportunity to access unique items such as luxurious handmade Yak milk soaps, herbal tranquility amulet necklaces, aromatherapy herbal pillows, and Tibetan sacred mud rubs perfect for the ultimate home spa treatment. Pashmina shawls, silver jewelry, textiles, paper and musical instruments are also available.

Didi Bahini is the exclusive Canadian supplier of the popular “Wild Earth” line of Nepalese-made soap and body products, and one of few suppliers to U.S. retailers.

“At Didi Bahini, retailers can find many unique Nepalese made body products, shawls, jewelry and other accessories that socially-conscious shoppers enjoy,” said Jane Gragtmans, owner of Didi Bahini. “Stores and consumers adore our fine handmade goods because they gain three benefits with any purchase – they get a lovely gift, support fair trade practices amongst our artisans, and they support disadvantaged women and children in one of the world’s poorest countries, Nepal.”

Didi Bahini, which means “sister” in Nepal’s “Nepali” language, offers:

Yak Milk Soaps in lavender or vanilla scents that can bring a new glow to your skin. With daily use, this high quality soap lasts about two months because the milk of the Yak has the highest quantity of fat of any animal in the world, making it a great emollient for the skin. (3.5 ounce/100gm bar) Wholesale cost US$6.24. Suggested retail cost US$9.60.

Herbal Passion Pillows are small cotton pillows filled with select Tibetan and Himalayan herbs that have a removable silk cover. Well researched recipes come from ancient monks and sages in the Himalayan region. There is an aromatherapy pillow perfect for every need, including Energy, Tranquility, Passion, Dream, and even Hangover! (measures 7.5 inches X 7.5 inches/19 cm X 19cm). Wholesale cost US$7.41. Suggested retail cost US$11.40.

Tranquility Amulets are small stylish diamond shaped silk sachets strung on a black cord with a mock silver bead. The herbal mix is specially selected from ancient monks and sages recipes, to bring about a more tranquil state of mind. Hung around your neck where it can be smelled regularly, this amulet helps you to benefit from a more tranquil state of mind. The (1 inch X 1 inch/2.5 cm X 2.5 cm) silk amulet comes in seven unique scents to provide Tranquility, Dream, Energy, Passion and evoke Love, Peace, and Happiness. Wholesale cost US$3.45. Suggested retail cost US$5.30.

Tibetan Hotsprings Sacred Mud Rubs are perfect for high-end boutiques wanting unique body care products designed to promote well being. Made with healing sacred red mud from Tibetan pilgrimage sites, the mud rubs come in three different scents for specific needs: Spikenard for anti-stress, Cedarwood for calming cooling and relaxation, and Juniper to invigorate and uplift (each sufficient for 8-10 facials or one full body treatment). Wholesale cost US $6.86. Suggested retail cost US $10.55.

To learn more about Didi Bahini, visit the company website at www.didibahini.ca, email shopdidibahini@gmail.comor call 819-790-8273. Email Didi Bahini to request one of the complimentary sample products featured here while quantities last.

Didi Bahini gives 5 percent of its profits to Nepalese nonprofit organizations to help impoverished women and children. Located north of and adjacent to India, Nepal has a per capita income of US$322 per year (Source: InfoPlease.com), a 45 percent literacy rate and life expectancy of 62 years (Source: World Health Organization, www.who.int ).

Gragtmans became interested in supporting the people of Nepal after she and her family lived there for three years, during which time she volunteered with local community groups.