By Michelle Holler:
Name: Madhavi and Bhagawat Pyakurel
Languages Spoken: Nepali, English
Country of Origin: Bhutan/Nepal
Our journey to Buffalo: (In the words of Madhavi) We were both born in Bhutan, and we both left for Nepal when we were little. In Nepal, we lived in two separate refugee camps for about 20 years. Our camps were right down the street from one another. We met while living in the camp, and that is also where we fell in love. We both went through the process of IOM (International Organization for Migration) to get refugee status in the US. We were both called on to go to America but unfortunately we were placed in different states. I was sent to Houston, Texas and my husband (boyfriend at the time) was sent to live in Syracuse. Bhagawat would come visit me, and we decided we could no longer be separated and so we should get married. I then moved to Syracuse to be with him, Bhagawat was working full time while going to school and I was working overnights and attended beauty school. Bhagawat got his associates degree and wanted to further his education. He chose to go to the University at Buffalo to get his bachelors, this is how we ended up in Buffalo.
Our store in the West Side Bazaar: In our store, we sell saris, designer Kurta Salwar (Nepali dresses), jewelry, accessories, and kids clothing. We also offer fancy bracelets, cosmetics, fashion clothes for women, and purses.
Future Plans: We would like to open our own store, the West Side Bazaar is a good place to start small then you can get bigger and bigger. We have a big following with the Nepali community in Buffalo, so we try to sell our goods at a reasonable and flexible price. When we open our own store, we will keep the name he same because our customers will be able to easily find us that way.
The West Side Bazaar | 25 Grant Street | Buffalo NY 14213
For more on the West Side Bazaar (facebook), check out gysma’s african style, rakhapura mutee & sushi, julienne boutique, moonlady arts & crafts, Pure Peru