On a busy stretch of 74th Street in Jackson Heights, where the rhythms of immigrant life echo through storefronts and sidewalks, a small salon stands out. Inside “Pasang Striking Style,” the steady snip of scissors blends with the melodies of Nepali songs. At the center of it all is Passang Nuru Sherpa—a hairstylist, writer, and songwriter whose life bridges craft, creativity, and community.
At first glance, Sherpa appears to be a typical small-business owner, focused on shaping hair and keeping up with modern trends. But beyond the chair and mirror, he has built a multifaceted identity: an author who documents lived experiences and a lyricist who transforms emotion into music.
“Cutting hair shapes appearance, but writing and music speak to the heart,” Sherpa said in an interview.
From Solukhumbu to New York
Sherpa was born in Nepal’s Solukhumbu district, a mountainous region known for its Sherpa heritage and traditional way of life. He arrived in the United States in 2004 with limited resources but a clear ambition.
In his early years, Sherpa took on a range of jobs—handing out flyers on cold streets, working at gas stations, and doing other labor-intensive work—while holding onto his training in hair design, a skill he had developed in Nepal.
After years of persistence, he opened his own salon in Jackson Heights in 2012. Today, Pasang Striking Style serves a diverse clientele that includes not only Nepalis but also customers from Indian, Bangladeshi, and Latino communities.
Customers say Sherpa’s work goes beyond aesthetics. “He doesn’t just give a haircut—he boosts confidence,” said one regular client.
Pandemic and a Book Born of Crisis
When New York became the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, businesses shut down and residents retreated indoors. Sherpa was forced to close his salon, but he remained active in the community.
He volunteered to deliver medicine, food, and essentials to vulnerable Nepali residents, many of whom faced language barriers, financial hardship, and limited access to healthcare.
Those experiences became the foundation of his book, Behind the Mask, a nonfiction work that captures the pandemic through the lens of immigrant communities in New York.
The book, which portrays isolation, fear, and resilience by drawing on real conversations from the lockdown period, has earned significant critical acclaim. Award organizers recently announced that Sherpa has been named a finalist in the 2026 International Book Awards (IBA) in the Nonfiction: Creative category. This follows his previous recognition as a finalist in the same category at the 22nd annual American Book Fest Best Book Awards in 2025.
Sherpa had previously published a Nepali-language version titled Corona Katha, which resonated widely among readers.
A reviewer described the work as “a powerful reminder of the human stories behind the mask—stories that cannot be forgotten.”
A Voice in Music
In addition to his literary work, Sherpa has maintained a parallel career as a lyricist for nearly two decades. His songs often reflect themes of love, longing, nature, and the emotional landscape of migration.
His most widely recognized song, “Narou Timi,” has garnered millions of views on YouTube and is noted for its emotional depth and lyrical sensitivity. Other works, including “Timro Mayale,” have been performed by various artists, further cementing his presence in Nepali music.
“I may style people’s hair with my hands,” Sherpa said, “but through music, I try to touch their hearts.”
Community Engagement
Sherpa’s contributions extend beyond business and the arts. During the pandemic, his volunteer efforts earned him recognition within the Nepali community in Queens, where he is regarded as a trusted and active figure.
He continues to participate in cultural programs, mentor younger generations, and promote Nepali language, literature, and music in the diaspora.
In a neighborhood defined by diversity and constant motion, Sherpa’s journey reflects a blend of perseverance and creativity—a story shaped by struggle, sustained by art, and grounded in service.
His work, spanning scissors, pen, and song, underscores a broader message: that identity and impact are not confined to a single path, but can evolve across disciplines and borders.
The story was originally published in a special anniversary edition marking the 14th year of a Nepali-language publication.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
