Elisa Nani, a skilled weaver and entrepreneur, has spent the last 32 years preserving and promoting traditional weaving art in her village and beyond. Born and raised in a small village in Arunachal Pradesh, Elisa’s journey into weaving began by watching her mother and other women in the community practice the ancient craft.
Faced with limited opportunities in her village, Elisa naturally gravitated toward weaving. Despite the lack of electricity, she would weave by candlelight at night, starting with bags, wrap-arounds, etoma, and coats. As the eldest child, with a strong desire to contribute financially, her determination quickly transformed her into a skilled weaver.
However, Elisa’s life took a challenging turn when she lost her mother at the age of 15. Forced into an unwanted marriage with a much older man for a bride price of Rs. 25,000, she bravely defied social norms and left her guardian’s house, taking her two younger siblings with her. Elisa worked relentlessly, even breaking stones for two years to pay off the bride price, demonstrating her courage and resilience.
Her entrepreneurial spirit soon took root. She started with a small tea stall and sold deep-fried fritters before opening a village grocery outlet. Here, she began selling her self-woven products, including bags and wrap-arounds. As demand for traditional items grew, Elisa turned her focus entirely to weaving.
Despite various challenges, including social obligations and health issues, Elisa persevered. She expanded her business by collecting and marketing woven items from other local weavers, meeting the rising demand for traditional products. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, she continued to weave and sell from home.
Elisa’s commitment to her younger siblings and her craft fueled her success. She chose not to rely on social media for business promotion, instead drawing on her deep knowledge of traditional weaving. During festivals, she supports young entrepreneurs by helping them set up stalls, and she provides products for tribal arts and culture exhibitions across the country.
With a growing business and no employees, Elisa has catered to nearly 12,000 customers and offers around 25 traditional items through her Nani Emporium. Looking ahead, she plans to open another outlet within the township, partnering with someone who shares her passion for preserving traditional weaving.
Elisa Nani’s journey is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and passion for her craft. She remains an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and a guardian of the rich cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh.
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