Self-taught woodworker from Shuklaphanta builds thriving business with YouTube and determination

Kanchanpur: Bhakta Bahadur Mahara, 40, of Juda, Shuklaphanta Municipality-7, has carved out a successful career in woodworking—without any formal training. Relying solely on YouTube tutorials and sheer determination, Mahara has become an expert artisan, now earning between Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 45,000 per month from handcrafted wood and bamboo products.

After dropping out of school at age 17 while in grade eight, Mahara began working as a laborer for a local furniture maker, learning the basics of house decoration. However, irregular income led him to quit that job. Intrigued by woodworking videos on his mobile phone, he began experimenting with techniques at home.

Although his family initially criticized his decision to abandon paid work to watch videos on his phone, Mahara remained focused. He borrowed money from a relative to purchase Vijaysal wood but lacked funds for essential tools. Eventually, he approached Mahalaxmi Savings and Loan Cooperative, demonstrating his skill with handmade samples carried in a bag. Impressed, the cooperative helped him secure a Rs. 250,000 loan from the Youth Self-Employment Fund at a 5% interest rate.

With that support, he bought tools, machines, and additional wood, officially launching his woodworking venture. Today, Mahara produces handcrafted items like glasses, jugs, bottles, amkhoras, bowls, vases, and spice jars. His products, priced between Rs. 500 and Rs. 2,000, are crafted from Vijaysal wood and bamboo.

Having repaid Rs. 60,000 of his loan and saved Rs. 30,000 in the cooperative, Mahara is a model borrower. Initially, he sold products in Kathmandu, Butwal, and Nepalgunj, but shifted to local markets like Mahendranagar, Dhangadhi, and Jhalari after facing payment delays from distant traders. His reputation now attracts customers directly to his doorstep.

Mahara’s wife, a local private school teacher, supports the business by helping with painting and polishing the products. The enterprise sustains their family of six, and his relatives, once doubtful, now admire his achievements.

Inspired by his growing recognition and financial independence, Mahara is planning to expand the business into a full-fledged industry. He says friends abroad have expressed interest in joining his venture after witnessing its success.

Believing that youth can succeed in Nepal with the right skills and mindset, Mahara advocates for vocational training in schools. He emphasizes that with dedication and access to resources like cooperatives, young people need not look abroad for success.

Ganesh Dutt Bhatta and Bhakta Bahadur Pourakhi, executives at the cooperative and businessmen themselves, said they were highly impressed by Mahara’s passion and vision.