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The Return of the Cosplayers from Nagaland | NAJ Cosfest 2022

Published by Kumti

Welcome to the almost post-pandemic life where our lives took a bit of an upside down. After nearly 2 years, Nagaland Anime Junkies (NAJ) is back with the much anticipated Cosfest 2022. This year’s NAJ Cosfest 2022 was nothing short of a magical celebration that had us delve into a world of fantasy. It’s only fair to say that we were eager for a Cosfest. NAJ founder Biebe and the team have yet again outdone themselves. Everything was a vibe- the food, the weather, the stalls, and the awe-striking cosplayers. It was a sight to behold and maybe just for once, it made us forget our mundane lives. With the theme – ‘LIFE 2.0’, the 8th Annual NAJ Cosfest event was held in Kohima on the 9th and 10th of July. We witnessed an array of participants from across the state that competed in the grand show of cosplay craftsmanship and performance.   “We want to celebrate life, as we all move forward and rebuild our lives in the post-pandemic world.”- NAJ founders We spoke to …

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“Fashion is about Expressing Myself Without Inhibition” Kaito from Nagaland Shares His Top 5 Winter Outfits for Men

Published by Roots & Leisure

“Fashion is part of the daily air and it changes all the time, with all the events. You can even see the approaching of a revolution in clothes. You can see and feel everything in clothes.” —Diana Vreeland. We chat with Kaito from Nagaland to get some fashion tips for the ongoing cold weather. Not only is his layering game on point, but also his fashion philosophy – which is all about honoring the individual, and making a confident statement through your fashion choices. “I am particularly inclined towards Harajuku fashion and retro vintage styles. I love their appeal of mix-and-match and play with colors. Moreover, Harajuku fashion is a movement against strict societal rules and the pressure to fit the norm.” ~ Kaito from Nagaland. Kaito, 27, from Nagaland Hello Kaito, please introduce yourself. Kaito: Hello, I’m Kaito. 27 years from Suruhuto, Zunheboto, and based in Kohima. I’m an engineering grad with MBA currently working with NSRLM (Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission). Your fashion posts are so refreshing and bold! What’s your personal definition …

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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 …

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“This is Me at My Best With All My Flaws.” – Kekhrie Ringa from Nagaland on Her Latest Music Video ‘Made for You’

Published by Roots & Leisure

The bold, the beautiful, and the very talented singer from Nagaland – Kekhrie Ringa, is busy working on her upcoming album “Bohème” – and she just released a new video! The song is called ‘Made For You.‘ We had a quick late-night chat to get some deets behind the song and the video, and her upcoming projects. If you want to know more about Kekhrie Ringa – the person, and her beginnings, check out her interview with R&L – way back in 2017. <HERE> “I want to be 100 % honest and authentic especially when I put my music out. Every single song is a reflection of the person that I am. I don’t want to simply look like the idea of what people have about me nor the idea of the overrated perfection. As the songs and videos come in one by one, you’ll get to know me better…You may choose to embrace it or walk away …and that’s ok. And even if you, someday, end up hating me…Be kind, for Art cannot please …

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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: …

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She Paints, She Crafts, and She Makes Funny Comics. Meet Jung Jathy from Nagaland

Published by Kumti

Interview by Kumti. Today’s guest is someone I have known since 2017. I met her while working on a festival project. A quiet and shy girl, and one of the most creative individuals – with excellent work ethic! She finally launched her own Insta art account called ‘Creatif by Jungjathy’ where she showcases her collection of creations – sketches in various formats, miniatures (one of my favs!), webtoons, idol/band illustrations, and more. I would like to introduce Imnajungla Jathy, or Jungjung – as most of us would like to call her. I have always been a distant admirer of her work ethic and creativity – and I, for sure would certainly trust her blindly if I needed help with any creative project. It was thus a pleasure to sit down with her today to chat about her work and more. Kumti: Hi Jung, please introduce yourself. Jung Jathy: Hi R&L fam, my name is Imnajungla Jathy, born and brought up in Kohima. An introverted extrovert who loves art, DIYs, designing, and anything arty-crafty. I am …

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She Turns Everyday Products Into Gorgeous Pieces of Art – Chat with Resin Artist Achila from Nagaland

Published by Kumti

2020, as we all know it, has taken a toll on all of us – and continues to restrict our life in new unexpected ways, even as we wind down another year. But today, I want to share a story about how this pandemic has turned out to be a blessing in disguise for some, as a part of our story series on ‘Covid Inspirations.‘ As I found myself in yet-another browsing sessions during the lockdowns, I came across a Youtube video of three quirky sisters from Nagaland – which I found pretty interesting. And as I dug deeper into their videos and story, I find out that one of the sisters runs a small creative corner on Instagram, called the ‘Nature Art Creativity.’  I was immediately blown away by an array of gorgeous resin art with intricate detailings made out of natural flowers, leaves, and what not! Most fascinating was the fact that all of this delicate artwork are actually things you can use in day-to-day life – like a comb, a soap case, …

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#Faces | “This Photo Will Forever Remind Me of My Best Friend, and Our First Outing in a Long Time!” Neimeseu Wetsah from Kohima

Published by Neimeseu Wetsah

“This photo was taken on 12th July 2021 in Kohima, near the Lotha Church in Chandmari colony. My best friend captured it while we were on our way to do some grocery shopping. We have been friends since Sunday school days, but it has been ages since we last met, due to the lockdowns. Moreover, now that we are in college, we don’t get to meet often, as she studies at Patkai college (in Nagaland) while I’m in Delhi. On this particular day, Kohima was blessed with nice sunny weather so I thought I’ll pay her a visit. It felt so nice meeting her after all this time. Later, we went out grocery shopping together, and then to our favorite restaurant – and stuffed ourselves! I still remember how much we ate that day as we jabbered about everything under the sun, like the old times…we spoke about our hostel lives, our school days, our day-to-day happenings, and how the pandemic has affected us all. When I look at this picture, it makes me think …

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“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 …

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Meet 15-Year Old Hiti Seb from Nagaland – Professional Football Player for Sudeva Delhi FC U18s in the Hero I League.

Published by Deno Dolie

Interview by Deno Dolie Hiti is not someone I know personally, but I knew of him through his sisters, who went to to the same school as me. I felt his story is worth sharing as this 15-year-old kid from Nagaland is already a professional player for Sudeva Delhi FC U18s in the Hero I League. Moreover, I was equally impressed by his family’s support, in helping their son take this unconventional route at such an early age – and on a professional level. Hiti attends a residential football school, where he enrolled when he was just 11. In our society, it is not common to see young people going for professional training in pursuit of their passions. Through Hiti’s story, it is my hope to see more parents – especially from the Northeast, support their children’s endeavors in these unconventional careers – and guide them through the right means and channels. This can be a game-changer for a society like ours, which is full of ambitious youths with diverse talents – and through which …