Author: Menule Chirhah

Rootsandleisure_Mawon-Woodworks

Meet the Shimray Brothers Making Woodwork Trendy Again: A Chat with Mawon Woodworks of Nagaland

Published by Menule Chirhah

In the midst of the pandemic in April 2021, when the world slowed down and many found themselves with unexpected free time, two brothers from Nagaland, Shirme and Themrin Shimray, turned their creative energies towards woodwork. Their first foray started with a simple wooden tray and coaster set as a gift for their mother, and the feedback and support encouraged them to continue making more. Today, what started as a small gesture has organically evolved into a promising venture. When asked about the best advice they’ve ever received, the Shimray brothers shared this quote by Sudha Murthy: “Doing what you like is freedom, liking what you do is happiness.” This wisdom is reflected in their journey and the passion they bring to their work with Mawon Woodworks. They embody an unmistakable energy, truly relishing the growth that comes with the journey just as much as their craft. In this interview, I sit down with the talented Shimray brothers to learn more about their journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and their latest projects. Menule: Welcome to …

Rootsandleisure_Soulspeaksbloom

Creator of ‘Soulspeaksbloom’ Nagaland – Vikhozonu Natso, Explains Why She’s Reviving the Art of Handcrafted Flowers

Published by Menule Chirhah

Interview by Menule “Flowers never fail to bring happiness and calmness to people, and I think we can all use more of that in our lives. So I want to bring flowers to more people… flowers in all forms.” Vikhozonu Natso from Nagalandquips with excitement and hope as we sit down to chat about her newly launched brand ‘Soulspeaksbloom’ – a hobby venture, through which she hopes to revive the age-old craft of making artificial flowers – and bring these handcrafted blooms from the DIY table to your living rooms! Just like how a fresh flower can gladden your heart with its fragrance, Soulspeaksbloom’s handcrafted blooms have this unique power to fill you up with a nostalgic whiff of childhood memories and pure joy – of making your very first flower with colored crepe papers during SUPW classes in school! In an age where the art of artificial flower-making is almost forgotten, Vikhozonu Natso from Nagaland –  a lover of crafts and DIY is bringing this familiar, yet almost-forgotten hobby back to trend. Over a …

Rootsandleisure_Phrü Handmade Soap

These Handmade Soaps by an ‘Amateur Soaper’ Will Melt Your Hearts! Meet the Creator Viphrünü Noswe from Nagaland

Published by Menule Chirhah

Interview by Menule I recently came across one of the cutest soaps stamped tastefully with the photo of a K-pop star! Luckily, I found them on Instagram, and on exploring their feed, I discovered a host of interesting soaps, that came in all colors and shapes. They even make ‘solid perfume’ – a moisturizing balm that is scented with lavender essential oil! Turns out, this brand is a local product from Nagaland – called  ‘Phrü Handmade Soap’ aka ‘Amateur Soaper.’ Discovering their range of products has genuinely brought so much joy to my day (that day), and I have been talking about them ever since. So here I am, catching up with the founder /creator herself – Viphrünü Noswe from Nagaland. I interview her about her brand, get her to give us a peek into the soap-making process, and share some behind-the-brand bits like –  the first product she ever made, her favorite afternoon snack, and more! Viphrünü Noswe – Founderof ‘Phrü Handmade Soap’ Menule : Hi Viphrünü, please introduce yourself to our readers. Viphrünü: …

Rootsandleisure_Moi Bake-Nagaland

“I Tried Baking for the First Time after Getting Inspired by the Cooking Shows on TLC” – Meet Self-Taught Baker and Budding Entrepreneur Sony Jemu of ‘Moi Bake’ Nagaland

Published by Menule Chirhah

Interview by Menule. ‘Moi Bake’ is a home-based venture in Nagaland delighting local customers with custom-made cakes and other baked goodies. I chat with Sony Jemu – the baker behind ‘Moi Bake’ – who interestingly picked up this baking hobby at a time she was unemployed post her Masters. “After completion of my masters, I struggled with being an unemployed youth. It was during those days when I would stay home, and watch television shows on TLC. I was especially glued to the baking shows. That’s when I decided to give it a go and try baking myself..” What started as a leisure activity, is today, an admirable venture, enticing and inspiring many around her. And most importantly, it is something that brings Sony much solace and happiness, as a budding entrepreneur – and a happy baker! Meet Sony Jemu, a self-taught baker and budding entrepreneur – and the chief baker behind ‘Moi Bake’ Nagaland. Menule: Hello Sony, nice to meet you. Please introduce yourself to our viewers. Hello, my name is Sony Jemu, owner …

Three Friends from Manipur Introduces us to The Art of ‘Humble Luxury’ in a Cup | Meet the Trio Behind ‘SAM’s Tea House’

Published by Menule Chirhah

Interview by Menule. Three friends from Manipur gave up their city jobs to open their own Tea Shop – SAM’s Tea House in Ukhrul with a mission to do their bit for their local community. The three co-owners of SAM’s Tea House have been friends for decades – since their Higher Secondary days, and today, they run their venture like a family. With their eclectice collection of premium teas – and tea blends, these friends hope to provide the humble luxury of enjoying a high quality cup of tea to tea lovers in Manipur. They’ve come a long way from being friends to running a business together!  The Trio behind “SAM’s Tea House”, Manipur Menule: Hi! Please introduce yourselves to our readers. We are a group of three friends who co-own and run SAM’s Tea House. SAM is an acronym from our initials : Sathingla Shokwungnao, Aggripa Jakoi and Machuk Kora Zimik. Giving up our city jobs, we returned home with the vision to contribute towards our community in our hometown in Ukhrul, Manipur. We wanted …

RootsandLeisure_artist_irahomespun

Two Sisters from Kohima are Reinventing Embroidery and Crochet Crafts under Their Brand ‘Ira Homespun’

Published by Menule Chirhah

The pandemic is taking a toll on humans around the world. So it is indeed encouraging to know that this downtime has given many the free time and will to pick up a hobby or start a home venture. Reading about, or talking to such enterprising folks, has given me ample reasons to see the silver lining during this time of gloom. I hope these stories will inspire you too. Very recently, I came across a hobby venture by two sisters Nulevino and Vitsino from Kohima called ‘Ira Homespun.’ These soft-spoken and talented siblings create all sorts of handmade goodies – from embroidered tote bags, to wall pieces to crochet dolls and pretty face masks – with their signature aesthetic of cute. I had a chat with them to know more about what they do full-time, how they picked up their talent (apparently they have a creative mom who has taught them most of their crafts), their future plans, and more. Scroll below to know more about the talented Iralu Sisters and their hobby venture …

Rootsandleisure_Greige Rose Chocolates

‘Greige Rose Chocolates’ from Nagaland Have the Most Delectable Collection of Quirky and Colorful

Published by Menule Chirhah

23-year old Rose from Nagaland had to quit her job as an air hostess during the COVID pandemic in 2020. But this young woman showed her resiliency and inner talent by taking the downtime to launch her own chocolate brand. It’s been less than a year since she started her venture, but her homemade chocolate brand ‘Greige Rose Chocolates‘ has been making waves among the locals in Nagaland. ‘Greige Rose Chocolates‘ is known for using perfectly tempered chocolates to create the most creative and imaginative designs. They come neatly packed in gorgeous packaging and each new item is a breath of fresh air just like the creator herself. I chat with its founder Rose, to delve deeper into her story and her chocolates! Read on. Rose, Owner of ‘Griege Rose Chocolates’  Menule: Hi, please tell us about yourself!  Rose: Hi, my name is Rose and I’m 23 years old. I am the owner of ‘Greige Rose Chocolates’ which I started back in June of 2020. I had just quit my job as an air hostess …

RootsandLeisure_oioipatio

They Met in Nursing College and Now They Run One of The Cutest Hobby Venture ‘Oi Oi Patio’ – Meet the Founders Oyinang and Chubamenla

Published by Menule Chirhah

One day as I was scrolling through Instagram, I came across these gorgeous macramé handbags from an account called ‘Oi Oi Patio’. Still in awe, I was even more amazed to find out that the creators are based out of Arunachal. Lucky for me, one of my friends knew of them, and I was able to get in touch with them. ‘Oi Oi Patio’ is the brainchild of two friends from North East India – Oyinang Taggu from Arunachal and Chubamenla Aier from Nagaland. The two friends met in nursing college, and are now working full time – and also runs this hobby project together. “With our current 9-4 working schedule, we usually spend 4-5 hours on working days and 7-8 hours on weekends on ‘Oi Oi Patio.’ Phew! I am now even more intrigued to know how they manage it all – and what is the force behind their motivation. Read on to know all the details. Founders of ‘Oi Oi Patio’ (L-R) Oyinang Taggu from Arunachal and Chubamenla Aier from Nagaland Menule: Hi, …

Rootsandleisure_Soccer Cafe_Dikhri Wezah

Die Hard Soccer Fan and Coffee Lover Dikhri Wezah Opens Soccer Cafe in Kohima to Bring His Two Passions Together

Published by Menule Chirhah

Introducing a dear friend of mine, who has inspired me all these years with his ‘can-do’ attitude, and a zealous attitude towards life. Say hi to Dikhri Wezah from Kohima – a passionate and hardworking comrade of mine. At just 25 years of age, he has accomplished a major goal he has set for himself. Knowing the kind of person that he is, I know that this is just the beginning. A year ago, over a casual conversation, he shared about his dream to open a cafe, where he can merge his love for football and food – specifically to promote a healthy lifestyle. So when I received an invitation to the opening of his restaurant last November, I was overjoyed and told myself with a smile ‘The deed has been done indeed.’ And true to his vision, Dikhri’s ‘Soccer cafe’ is a hip hang out spot for football lovers in Kohima, where one can enjoy live screenings, healthy food, and great coffee. So let’s have a chat with Dikhri to get more details. Dikhri …

Two Sisters from Nagaland Bring Eco Friendly Soy Candles for the Conscious Consumer | Chat with ‘Millennials & Gen Z’ Candles

Published by Menule Chirhah

I sat down with sisters Nuzosalu and Akholu Nyekha – founders of  ‘Millennials & Gen Z’ candles over the weekend to take you through their venture in detail. They specialize in making scented candles, or ‘therapy candles’ as they call it, using soy wax, which are biodegradable and hence much more environment-friendly.  They started this venture as a hobby during the pandemic lockdowns, and I have been mesmerized ever since. What is even more admirable is their conscious contribution to their environment through their eco-friendly initiatives like using biodegradable soy-wax for their candles; they also have a recycling initiative where a customer can return four empty glass jars and get a new therapy candle in return. So let us try and understand more about their work / life philosophy, and explore the goodness of their therapy candles through a quick chat. Sisters Nuzosalu and Akholu Nyekha – founders of ‘Millennials & Gen Z’ Candles Menu: Hello Nuzo and Akho, thanks for taking out time to have this chat. Please introduce yourselves Millennials & Gen Z: We are …