The Double Dorje, opened a little over two months ago, sells bags handwoven by single mothers from the Women’s Skills Development Organisation in Pokhara, Nepal.

“I have to buy the bags quickly because they are waiting for the money to take care of their small children,” said Sonia Khor, the store owner.

“I don’t wait until I run out of stock to buy from them. I buy from them as soon as they have stock because they need the money.”

She said the bags were not popular in Nepal even though the single mothers sold them in the streets.

“People don’t tend to buy local products so I decided to help them by buying their bags and selling them here.”

Khor, who is Ipoh born, said she first purchased the bags during one of her many trips to Nepal.

“I go to Nepal at least twice a year. I used to go there just for sightseeing, but then I saw them making these bags and the idea just came to me.

“I used my own money to buy the bags,” said Khor, who previously helped her husband run his jewellery store in Simpang Pulai, Perak.

Khor said it was her love for Nepal that made her want to help its citizens.

“I don’t work with the association, I help the single mothers. I help them because I love Nepal.”