Born near the VIP Air Force Gate area in Assam, Kamini Nath grew up as the eldest child in her family. Like many women in rural communities, life brought responsibilities early. She was married at a young age while preparing for her HSLC examination. Yet, despite these challenges, Kamini never gave up her desire to learn, grow, and contribute to her family’s well-being. Today, she is one of the trained rural women entrepreneurs (RWEs) from Rangamati village in Kamrup district under the Udyamini Project implemented by Grameen Sahara, where she continues to strengthen her skills and build her handloom enterprise.
Her journey into weaving began in 2010 after her marriage. Watching her mother-in-law patiently reel yarn and weave traditional handloom products sparked her interest in the craft. Inspired by her skill and dedication, Kamini started learning under her guidance. What began as curiosity soon turned into a passion, and over time she developed the confidence to weave independently.
For several years, weaving remained a supplementary activity, helping the family during times of financial need. However, from 2022 onwards, Kamini began approaching weaving more seriously as a livelihood opportunity. Today, she primarily weaves and sells Gamosas, a traditional Assamese textile, to customers in nearby villages and surrounding communities. Pilgrims and visitors to local temples also purchase her products. She sells her Gamosas from home as well as through local markets in the Bijoynagar area of Kamrup. Occasionally, she also produces and sells Mekhela Sadors.
Like many small entrepreneurs, Kamini’s journey has not been without obstacles. One of her biggest challenges has been finding reliable markets. At times, products remain unsold for weeks, while at other times she struggles to meet sudden demand. Access to quality yarn is another persistent issue, with rising prices and inconsistent availability affecting production. She recalls using a particular variety of cotton yarn during a product development programme supported by Grameen Sahara, but later finding it unavailable in local markets. In such situations, the yarn banks established through the initiative have helped bring quality raw materials closer to weavers like her.
Despite limited resources, Kamini has steadily sustained her enterprise through careful financial management. She reinvests earnings from product sales into purchasing yarn and other raw materials for future production. Recently, she also joined a Self-Help Group (SHG), hoping to access greater financial opportunities in the future.
A significant turning point in her entrepreneurial journey came through her participation in the Udyamini Project implemented by Grameen Sahara. Traditionally, Kamini wove only Gamosas and Mekhela Sadors. Through training programmes organised under the project, she learned to diversify her product range by making stoles and table runners. The exposure encouraged her to think beyond traditional products and explore new possibilities. Today, she is eager to learn more designs and venture into products such as cushion covers and home décor items.
The project has also strengthened her business management skills. Kamini now maintains records of her sales and expenses in the Weaver’s Diary provided through the Udyamini Project. This simple yet effective tool has helped her monitor her business activities more systematically and understand her enterprise better.
To reach customers, Kamini sells through local markets, direct orders from her home, and exhibitions. Participating in exhibitions, including one held in the Chhaygaon area of Kamrup, allowed her to showcase her work to a wider audience and gain valuable exposure. However, she continues to face challenges in securing fair prices for her products. Despite the skill, effort, and time involved in handloom weaving, customers and traders often expect lower prices, limiting her profit margins.
Even so, Kamini has witnessed encouraging progress over the years. Weaving now contributes more significantly to her household income than it did five years ago. During peak festive seasons such as Magh Bihu and Bohag Bihu, she earns up to ₹10,000 through Gamosa sales. Even during lean periods, her enterprise generates between ₹2,500 and ₹5,000, providing an important source of financial support for her family.
Looking ahead, Kamini dreams of taking her enterprise to the next level. She hopes to purchase a Jacquard Loom, which would enable her to create more intricate designs and higher-value products. Although financial constraints currently stand in the way, she remains determined to expand her production, diversify her offerings, and access larger markets.
Kamini’s story is a testament to the resilience and determination of rural women entrepreneurs. From learning weaving by observing her mother-in-law to gradually building a livelihood through handloom products, she demonstrates how skills, perseverance, and the right support can transform traditional crafts into sustainable economic opportunities. With continued access to training, markets, and resources, entrepreneurs like Kamini are not only preserving Assam’s rich weaving heritage but also creating pathways toward greater financial independence and empowerment.
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