All posts filed under: ENTREPRENEUR

Discover passionate entrepreneurs and read their stories

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From Googling “Career Options for Humanities Students” to Finding His Passion in Shoe Making – Meet Ahmed Dulla, Founder of the Famous Shoe Brand “Dulla” from Nepal

Published by Shanmi

What do you do when you do not have a great academic record – but is willing to work hard to be successful? What are the career options available to you if you are a humanities student? If you are already familiar with these questions, then you will enjoy our chat with today’s guest, Ahmed Dulla – the famous shoe designer of the brand “Dulla Shoes” from Nepal. Ahmed Dulla talks about his journey, his brand and important life lessons he learnt along the way. “During my internship, my boss rejected all my designs saying they were worthless. I was not convinced, so I took the designs out of the dustbin and shared on social media. Within a few minutes, I started getting countless messages and comments from people asking if they were available for purchase and enquired about the price. I began to wonder why would these people show so much interest in a shoe that was thrashed (into the dustbin, literally!) by my boss just a few hours ago. That night I realized …

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“We Are Passionate About Promoting And Nurturing Local Talents In Mizoram” – A Chat With Joshua Sailo And Matthew Sailo – Founders Of “The Warehouse Cafe”, Aizawl

Published by Shanmi

Creativity is the process of bringing something new into being. It requires passion and commitment. Today, we have the creative duo – brothers Joshua Sailo and Matthew Sailo from Mizoram – founders of “The Warehouse Cafe,” which is not only known for its good food but also popular around the town for its exciting local events – from live shows, and open mic to art exhibitions, games and more. The brothers, having educated abroad, and now back home in Mizoram with a deeper sense of what home is, this cafe project is one that is close to their hearts. They aim to bring the best of influences from the western world through their own experiences, and couple that with their passion to promote local talents, and use this cafe to create a lively place to bring the talented local folks together and give them a platform to shine. Let’s chat with Joshua Sailo and Matthew Sailo from Mizoram -founders of “The Warehouse Cafe” to knkw more about them, their story, their cafe and more. Hello …

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Meet The Sisters Behind Crochet Doll Venture “Handmade Cottage” from Manipur.

Published by Shanmi

Meet the crafty sister-duo behind the crochet doll venture “Handmade Cottage” from Manipur. Both the sisters are trained nurses, who initially started their crochet venture as a hobby. Despite the challenges they face in a world where people’s expectations have been significantly altered through factory-made goods – in terms of speed and low price, these sisters are motivated more than ever to bring people back to appreciating artisanal handmade goodies through their humble yet ambitious motto of “One doll at a time, one smile at a time and one happy customer at a time.” We had a chat with the sister duo of “Handmade Cottage” from Manipur. They talk to us about how their hobby turned into a profitable business venture and the challenges they face along the way. Hello, please introduce yourself. Hello R&L, thanks for having us. We’re two sisters running this venture, “Handmade cottage” from Manipur. I’m Yungyung Ragui (29) and my sister’s name is Sovi Shaiza(27). We’re based in Ukhrul and Imphal. Professionally, we are both trained nurses but we have …

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“I Want to Put North East India on The Global Fashion Map” – Fashion Designer Reena Ahanthem from Manipur Talks About Her Fashion Aspirations and Next Moves

Published by Shanmi

Fashion and North East India found each other as though they were always meant to be. Folks from this region and their aesthetics have pretty much guided the fashion direction of the country. With colorful cultures and customs that foster the revival of trends from the past – that are constantly being recycled by the young trendsetters to ensure that design influences from this region stay in vogue for a long long time – and into the future. Fashion designer Reena Ahanthem from Manipur is an exemplary figure whose own style and work seek to revive and reinvent traditional wear from North East India – and manages to put keep them fashionable even in modern times. Born with a natural taste for fashion, she decides to pursue her passion by joining a fashion school, and later teaming up with a friend to start their fashion label “Deepankshi and Reena.” After running the label for almost a decade and dressing many celebrities with their creations, Reena is nor ready to move forward with her own individual …

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“Yoga Helped Me Deal With My Anxiety and Stress” | A Chat With The Blissfully Fit Yogini – Apurva Lama from Darjeeling

Published by Shanmi

Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity. – John F. Kennedy A new year is already here – and resolutions or not, nothing like a healthy bend of mind to get a good head start. And to motivate us all, we have with us Apurva Lama – our super fit and passionate yogi from Darjeeling. This 29-year-old has had quite a ride – from being a journalist, an editor for an online magazine and launching her own clothing line ‘Appycat’, to now embarking on a new path as a yoga teacher. We chat with Apurva Lama from Darjeeling – passionate yogini and yoga teacher from Darjeeling. We talk about her journey so far – from being a journalist, an editor for an online magazine and launching her own clothing line ‘Appycat’, to now embarking on a new path as a yoga teacher. Read on to know more about Apurva – and her journey from stressed to blissfully …

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Artist and Entrepreneur Gitana Singh From New Delhi Chats About Her Venture “Cocoa Bark Series” Which Offers Unique Personalized Homemade Chocolates

Published by Shanmi

“There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate.”  ― Linda Grayson Baking and chocolate go hand in hand. For Gitana Singh from Delhi, baking has always been her therapy and a souce of relaxation. A generous soul, Gitana loves gifting the goodies she makes, to friends and family, all the while experimenting with new flavours and toppings. This gave her the idea to start her handmade chocolate venture called “Cocoa Bark Series” last summer. With a wide variety of experimental combinations to choose from, Gitana makes a wide variety of customized chocolates – exactly the way her customers want it. So let’s get to know this multi-talented chocolatier a little bit more. Today, we chat with Gitana Singh, a young musician, foodie and entrepreneur from Delhi. She talks about her handmade chocolate venture, “Cocoa Bark Series” and her journey as a stage artist. Read on to find out more about this lovely soul. Hey Gitana! Thank you for speaking with us. Tell our readers a little about yourself. My name is Gitana Singh. I …

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Lipok Esther – An Artist and Entrepreneur from Nagaland Talks About Her Passion Venture “Fire and Earth Ceramics”

Published by Shanmi

Pottery has been a craft ever since our ancestral times. It is said that people in East Asia started making pottery as early as 14000 BC before they even started farming. From being a necessary craft within a household, pottery today has evolved into an art form – with many artists experimenting with various materials and techniques to keep this craft relevant even in modern times.  Today, we chat with a talented ceramic artist – Lipok Esther from Nagaland to talk about her venture ‘Fire and Earth Ceramics’ which has caught the attention of many not only in Nagaland but also beyond. She speaks passionately about her craft, emphasizing her dedication to preserving Naga heritage and customs. According to her, ceramics is relatively new in Nagaland, even though pottery has always been part of Naga culture. Throiugh her venture, she aims to introduce ceramics while honoring Naga art forms and her own passion for pottery. Chats with ceramic artist Lipok Esther from Nagaland to learn more about her venture ‘Fire and Earth Ceramics’ Lipok’s creations …

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Zena Marie Kire, Owner Of ZENA Bridal Salon, Nagaland Tells Us How & Why She Makes Every Bride Feel Extra Special While Finding The Perfect Gown

Published by Shanmi

For a girl, her wedding day is undoubtedly the most special day of her life. And for a bride, an amazing wedding dress makes all the difference! When the dress has been carefully chosen, it is important for every bride to feel beautiful, confident and comfortable on her big day. ZENA Bridal Salon in Dimapur, Nagaland is the perfect store to explore for every bride-to-be in search for her perfect gown and everything else for her special day! Here’s a chat with owner Zena Marie Kire to know more about her, and her bridal shop in Nagaland. Today, we are happy to have with us Zena Marie Kire, from Nagaland – owner of ZENA Bridal Salon in Dimapur. She talks about the importance of making the bride-to-be feel extra special through her vast selection of wedding gowns – and the shopping experience itself. Hi Zena! Introduce yourself and tell us a little about your background. Hi! I’m Zena Marie Kire and I’m the owner of ZENA Bridal. I am currently based in Dimapur, Nagaland but prior to …

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Talented Hairstylist Joseph Hauzel from Mizoram Wants Us To Be Inspired by His Colourful Work and His Story!

Published by Shanmi

“Follow your dreams” – is a saying we’re all too familiar with. No matter how small or big, it is much easier said than done. It takes courage to take that leap towards commiting to develop the passion that drives each one of us to achieving our dreams. When Joseph Hauzel from Mizoram decided to take the plunge and chase after a career in hairstyling, all he had was a good senses of self belief. He listened then and now continues to listen to his intuition and stays positive when criticisms do not come gently. He used it as a tool to work harder for his own personal growth. Joseph is an inspiration and a living example for all of us to follow our hearts no matter what our circumstances. Today, we are happy to feature Joseph Hauzel who is a professional hairstylist from Mizoram. He talks about the hardships he went through while starting off in the industry, what made him follow his dreams and how he’s steadily risen to the top. Hello Joseph! …

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A Chat With Mahelal Pukhrambam, Owner of Cafe “Steamin Mug” in Imphal – Famous for Its Cosy Space and Perfect Coffee

Published by Shanmi

Cafes and restaurants are gradually sprouting up in almost every corner of Imphal city in Manipur. Besides the menu, it’s also the little creative touches that the owners put into the space to make the ambiance attractive to customers. As is rightly said, “a cozy cafe is pretty much an ultimate happy place”, cafe Steamin Mug in Imphal radiates a super comfy and friendly vibe. It’s the perfect place to dissapear for a couple of hours for a well deserved coffee break, away from the busy or the mundane everyday life. Today, we chat with the owner of Cafe “Steamin Mug” Mahelal Pukhrambam, who is an enthusiastic chef, curious traveler and a football fanatic from Manipur. Read on to know more about him, his life and his cafe. Hello Mahelal! Tell us a little about yourself. Hello R&L! My name is Mahelal Pukhrambam from Manipur and I am the owner of “Steamin Mug” cafe. I am currently residing in Imphal but I have spent most of my adolescent age in Delhi. I am an enthusiastic chef, curious traveler, …