Kadadasi is a social enterprise. Most of our makers are women from the surrounding villages, many of them single mothers, working flexible hours in a safe, creative space.
the hands behind every sheet ~
Flexible hours let mothers balance family and employment without sacrificing either. Steady income brings financial independence, money in their own hands, decisions made on their own terms.
And when a maker invents a new texture, discovers a new dye, or perfects a technique, it carries her name into the world.
Sevwandi, Dhammika & Nirosha already have papers named after them ~
See their papers
Kadadasi is where women from the surrounding villages come to build skills, confidence and futures. Hands are taught to transform waste into beauty; minds are opened to new possibilities. We invest in training, not just papermaking, but financial literacy, decision-making and self-worth. Women who arrive uncertain leave knowing their value.
The forest becomes a sanctuary. Time spent here teaches resilience, creativity and connection to something larger than themselves. Friendships form. Knowledge passes between generations, young women learning from experienced artisans, experienced artisans discovering new ideas from young women. A circle of teaching and growth.
Every sheet of paper carries more than fibre and water. It carries the story of a woman who made it, who named it, who claimed her place in the world through her own hands.
We're working towards being a destination where the art of papermaking can be experienced as a lifestyle. People from anywhere in the world are welcome to visit, live and work alongside us and experience a journey based on sustainability.
You can also support the makers directly, donations go to training, equipment and fair wages.