OUR FOUNDING
OUR FOUNDING
Drawn by Kim’s belief in the possibilities of yak khullu and Dechen’s desire to deepen her connection with her Tibetan roots, Norlha began as an exploration of fibre, of place, and of what it means to create something lasting, rooted in tradition yet open to the future.
Kim Yeshi
Co-founder,
Norlha board chair
Born in Chicago and raised in France, Kim emigrated to India with her Tibetan husband after studying anthropology at Vassar College and Buddhism at the University of Virginia. Kim has spent the last thirty years in Asia, where she has researched and produced textiles and handicrafts. Driven by her interest in sustainable development and passion for textiles, Kim formulated and implemented the concept behind Norlha.
Dechen Yeshi
Co-founder,
CEO
Heavily influenced by her Tibetan roots, Dechen graduated from Connecticut College before traveling to the Tibetan Plateau in 2005 to research the economics and cultural dynamics of the region. She soon developed a strong connection to the plateau, and formed a life there, establishing the Norlha Atelier. Today, Dechen lives in Amdo with her husband and their three daughters.







