"Born in exile, driven by heritage—KHOE is more than a brand, it's a connection to culture, comfort, and identity." I was born in exile, near the border of Tibet, and grew up hearing countless stories about my homeland from my grandparents and parents. These stories instilled in me a deep sense of pride in my Tibetan identity and gratitude for the opportunities that have come my way as a result. I attended a Tibetan school run by the government in exile, where I learned about my culture and heritage. Without this education, I doubt I would have such a strong understanding of who I am. After finishing college, I landed a job in an IT company. It was a comfortable life—good salary, accommodation, and stability. Yet, despite everything being set, I always felt like something was missing. I craved something more, something of my own creation, rather than the routine of a 9-to-5 job. That's when I decided to start my own clothing brand, KHOE. "KHOE" is a Tibetan word meaning "you" in English. My vision for the brand is to make people feel comfortable when they wear my clothing, just as we use the word "KHOE" to refer to someone close to us or with whom we feel at ease. Initially, my family had concerns about my decision, but over time, they understood my passion and supported me in pursuing my dream. I'm deeply grateful to them, as they've always played an important role in my life, showering me with love and care. I have fond memories of bedtime stories from my childhood, and that bond has only strengthened over the years. At the moment, my brand is still quite new. I sell around 15 T-shirts a month, but it's a start. My designs are inspired by Tibetan art, like the eight auspicious symbols, each carrying deep meaning. I see great potential in my product because the Tibetan designs make it unique and help it stand out in the market. This is where I am right now—pursuing my passion with KHOE—and I’m excited to see where the journey will take me. Interview / edit by Kunsang Tenzing . . . . . . . . . . . . #Tibet #editing #exile #exiletibet #dalailama #clothing #brand #enteprenuer #refugeestories #storiesoftibetans #freetibet #podcast