In an era of hyper-digitisation and fast consumerism, where the thrill of unboxing often fades before the item is even put to use, Nikhil and Arun Agrawal are bringing back the one thing modern gifting has forgotten: intention. As the Founders of Mastakala, a brand rooted in craftsmanship and soul, they are redefining what it means to give, create and connect.
Based in Kathmandu and passionately homegrown, Mastakala is a bespoke gifting and decor label that quietly but firmly challenges the predictable. Here, no two pieces are the same, because no two stories are either.
The Visionary Behind the Brand
Nikhil speaks with the quiet confidence of someone who knows the value of details. A graduate in architecture with a keen interest in design thinking, Nikhil always had an eye for aesthetics, but more importantly, for emotion.
“I have always believed that gifts should feel like memories in motion,” he says. “When you give someone something that reflects their personality or the journey you share with them, it’s no longer just a product. It becomes a gesture, a moment,” adds Arun.
This philosophy laid the foundation for Mastakala; a name that itself evokes artistry and rooted elegance. Derived from “masta” (playfulness) and “kala” (art), the brand represents the beautiful duality of structure and spontaneity.
From that idea, Arun and Nikhil built Mastakala from the ground up – a self-funded, deeply personal venture that soon became a word-of-mouth favourite among individuals, boutique event planners, and corporate giants alike.
The Aesthetic: Minimal, Mindful, Made With Meaning
Unlike the loud, logo-heavy gifting options that dominate the mass market, Mastakala’s visual language is soft, sophisticated and soulful. Every product carries a touch of personalization, be it through design, colour story, or the message it conveys. Mastakala’s offerings are not simply meant to be received, they are meant to be remembered.
“We work closely with our clients to understand the context behind every gift,” Nikhil explains. “Whether it’s for a wedding, a milestone birthday, or a company’s annual retreat, we make sure it’s rooted in purpose. The little things like hand-written notes, customised picture, those are what elevate an experience.”
Customised Corporate Gifting With Soul
What truly sets Mastakala apart in a crowded marketplace is its customised corporate gifting segment which has grown steadily over the years. From major tech companies to boutique design houses, Mastakala team has curated hundreds of gifting experiences that balance form and function, all while staying mindful of sustainability and storytelling.
“In the corporate world, gifting is often transactional. We wanted to change that,” Arun says. “We ask: Who are these people? What do they value? What kind of culture does this company celebrate? And then we build around that.”
The attention to detail and emotional intelligence behind each execution is what keeps clients coming back, not just for products, but for ideas.
More Than a Store; A Creative Playground
But Mastakala is no longer just a brand you order from. It’s a space you step into physically and creatively. In the heart of the city, Mastakala’s studio-cum-flagship store is an experience in itself. It’s where design meets dialogue. But what truly sets the space apart is the creative energy that fills it.
Every Saturday, the studio hosts a variety of interactive workshops from tote bag painting and cup art to DIY Dream Catcher and coaster painting. These sessions, led by the team, are open to everyone from teenagers exploring their creativity to couples seeking a mindful date idea.
“We didn’t want Mastakala to be a one-way street,” says Nikhil. “It’s about co-creation. About bringing people closer to the process behind the pieces they admire.”
The tote bag painting workshops, in particular, have become a cult favourite, a weekend of colours, laughter and storytelling with participants walking away with not just a bag but a memory they made themselves.
Looking Forward: The Next Chapter
As Mastakala evolves, the duo’s vision only grows more layered. Plans are underway for flagship store outside Kathmandu. But at the heart of this growth is a firm commitment to staying rooted. “Growth doesn’t have to mean scale in the traditional sense,” Arun says. “For us, it means more stories told, more customisation, and more smiles sparked.”
In a market cluttered with excess and sameness, Mastakala feels like a breath of hand-crafted air. It’s refined without being rigid, luxurious without losing its local soul. It’s a brand for those who appreciate the poetry of a well-wrapped present, the intention behind a customised message, the quiet luxury of something made just for you.
As Nikhil and Arun continues to build Mastakala with equal parts elegance and empathy, one thing is clear: in the age of the impersonal, personalisation is the new power move.
Text: Ankita Jain
Photos: Sanjay Maharjan
