Nepal
Our tranquil Monastery, nestled in one of Kathmandu’s surrounding mountains and adorned with sacred Buddhist monuments was a peaceful refuge from the bustling city below, step outside of the gates and Kathmandu’s streets have the potential to sweep you off your feet, quite literally if you don’t look before you cross the road.
It’s in these winding streets that 3 men will be transporting 50kg of wool all on one motorcycle, shop owners burning incense and making offerings to bless and bring good fortune to their business or Durbar Square where The Kumari Devi resides, a sacred pre-pubescent living Goddess who makes scarce appearances and is believed that upon the very sight of her may bring you protection and good fortune.
It’s here where ss-bonita was born.
Our Mission
Our goal at ss-bonita
The Journey
In 2025 ss-bonita travelled to the home of the some of the worlds most notorious landscapes and culturally rich lands, Nepal.
The trip was one that was combined of both business and spirituality. Split half between meeting the skilled artisans that we now work with to see the spaces in which they weave our luxury rugs, and staying 10 days in a Monastery, no phone, no contact with the outside world and meditating 3 times a day.
The two juxtaposing reasons for this trip ended up complimenting one another quite gracefully. The artistic inspiration and birth of new ideas were given the time to marinate during the solitude of the Monastery. It’s wonderful to be given the time to observe where the brain may go to when given the space - ‘boredom’ is a gift.
Some of the designs in ss-bonita were conjured up during the many hours of teachings provided or meditation walks taken where you could perhaps for the first time ever, really take a moment to truly look at what was around you, noticing the subtle ways a flowers orange centre bleeds out into soft fuchsia petals.
The Process
Our rug manufacturers are based right in the heart of Kathmandu and have been refining their craft since 1991, working with 100’s of artisans across Nepal. Proud partners of UK Aid and Step label, these organisations are working to ensure the ethical and sustainable practice within the rug weaving industry and we’re pleased to be able to partner with them.
Our rugs are first designed in-house by us, drawing inspiration from nature and contemporary artists, our aim is to create works that make a statement, not just blend into the background. Our designs are then rendered and meticulously colour matched ready to be woven.
We use 100% Nepali wool for our rugs that has travelled all the way from one of Nepal’s most remote regions, Upper Mustang, otherwise known as ‘Forbidden Kingdom’ situated 3800m above sea level, a place where some of the richest Tibetan Buddhist culture is preserved. The wool is from a native sheep breed called Chyalu whose wool is thick and luxurious and herders that maintain sustainable grazing practices.
Once the wool is spun, it is hand dyed using eco-friendly AZO-free dyes and dried in the sun ready to be woven. Next, skilled craftsmen meticulously weave each design using ancient Tibetan hand-knotting techniques in the highest density of knots per square inch ensuring longevity and crisp design.
