Nepali American entrepreneur Sameer Maharjan, who rose from a small stall in Manhattan’s Diamond District to building a multi-state jewelry business, says the Nepali diaspora is uniquely positioned to “win the global market” by leveraging its heritage, ethics and entrepreneurial legacy.
Maharjan, owner of Queens Diamond and Jewelry in Jackson Heights, has become a prominent example of immigrant entrepreneurship in the United States. Founded in 2008 with his wife Surya Maharjan, the business has grown into a trusted brand among Nepali and broader South Asian customers, known especially for traditional Nepali jewelry designs.
In an interview, Maharjan reflected on his journey, the challenges facing first-generation immigrants, and what he described as a pivotal moment for Nepalis worldwide.
“We are not just a struggling immigrant community,” Maharjan said. “We are descendants of some of the world’s most resilient entrepreneurs.”
From Diamond District to nationwide reach
Maharjan arrived in the United States in 2005, carrying what he described as a “generational trading mindset.” He began with an 8-by-3-foot stall in New York’s Diamond District — a modest start that required long hours and persistence.
“It was not easy,” he said. “But the American system rewards those who commit to hard work.”
From that small stall, the business gradually expanded beyond New York to markets including Alaska, Maryland, California and now Dallas, Texas. The Jackson Heights store has since become a hub for customers seeking culturally rooted designs.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Maharjan accelerated digital transformation by introducing online ordering, same-day delivery and direct sales through social media platforms. Those changes helped the business scale and reach customers across state lines.
Heritage as competitive advantage
Maharjan framed Nepali entrepreneurship within a broader historical context, pointing to Kathmandu Valley’s role in ancient trans-Himalayan trade routes and the legacy of Newar merchants who built networks stretching from Tibet to India.
He cited historical figures such as Araniko, who carried Nepali craftsmanship to China’s Yuan dynasty, and King Jayasthiti Malla, whose governance reforms helped structure medieval Nepali society, including the long-standing guthi system of community resource management.
“Nepal has always known how to turn the earth into value,” he said, referencing trade in goods ranging from cardamom and herbs in eastern Nepal to salt and yarsagumba from western Himalayan regions.
According to Maharjan, these traditions continue to shape the mindset of Nepali entrepreneurs abroad.
Immigrant challenges and community divisions
Maharjan described first-generation immigrants as often carrying “a burden of uncertainty,” working jobs below their qualifications while navigating cultural gaps with their U.S.-born children.
At the same time, he raised concerns about fragmentation within Nepali community organizations in the United States, citing internal divisions and leadership struggles.
“There are hundreds of organizations, but many are weakened by factionalism,” he said, urging a shift away from power-driven leadership toward values rooted in knowledge, compassion and mentorship.
He emphasized the need to guide second-generation Nepalis by building bridges between cultural heritage and their American reality.
Opportunity in global markets
Maharjan identified ethics, product quality and community capital as key strengths for Nepalis competing globally.
“Nepalis are known for honesty, hard work and trustworthiness,” he said. “At a time when integrity is becoming rare, that is our competitive advantage.”
He pointed to growing international demand for Nepali goods, including handcrafted jewelry, textiles and agricultural products such as tea, timur and large cardamom.
“Every product carries a story,” he said. “And the global market is looking for those stories.”
A “decisive moment” for the diaspora
Maharjan also linked diaspora engagement to political developments in Nepal, saying recent changes following the country’s 2026 elections have renewed hope for stability, accountability and governance reforms.
“This is not a time to watch from afar,” he said. “It is a time to reconnect with our roots, our people and our purpose.”
He encouraged Nepalis abroad to invest not only financially but also socially and culturally, describing capital as more than money — “a cycle of trust, movement and belief” that strengthens families, industries and future generations.
Call for unity and strategic vision
Emphasizing a forward-looking mindset, Maharjan urged Nepalis to embrace courage, unity and long-term thinking.
“We come from a lineage of traders, builders and visionaries,” he said. “Our ancestors crossed mountains and created opportunities from nothing. That spirit is still within us.”
He called on the community to compete globally across sectors including technology, trade and innovation, while maintaining integrity and cultural identity.
“The world is full of opportunity,” he said. “This is not just an opportunity — it is a responsibility.”
The interview was published as part of Khasokhas’ 14th anniversary special edition.
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.
