Namda Lamda comes from Yalbang village in the Annapurna region of the Himalayas. Namda's husband had walked out on her, leaving Namda pregnant. The following winter, Namda's sister died and she took on her six year old daughter as well as her own.
In Nepal, life is very difficult for single mothers. Returning home after marriage brings disgrace upon the family, so Namda had to find a way of supporting herself and her two daughters without her family's help. She went to the local Lama (religious leader) to ask for help, and he lent her 7,000 rupees (about £67). At first, Namda ran a tea stall with no building. Over time, she made enough money to build a small hotel known as a 'teashop' in these mountain villages.
Today, Namda runs a successful 'teashop'. She also sells food and drinks to local people and tourists. Although she still relies on a loan at the beginning of each year, Namda can make enough money to pay back the loan, and to support herself and her daughters through the quieter months. In the future, Namda hopes to run a campsite next to the hotel as well.

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