Unstoppable: Meet the women entrepreneurs shaping Northeast India

There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” ― Michelle Obama.

It’s the 21st century and there has been enough advancement in every field, be it business, technology, or education. Women are no longer confined to kitchen and household work, which unfortunately was the case earlier, but now are rocking the business landscape too. While records of women in business date back to around 2330 BC, their presence has only seen significant growth recently. This International Women’s Day, let’s look at some businesses led by inspiring women entrepreneurs from the Northeast and celebrate their journeys that not only rejoice in the spirit of womanhood but also paint a picture of entrepreneurial stewardship.

Eco Far: Lalthlamuani Genzo

Eco Far, founded by Lalthlamuani Genzo in 2018, is a tea business from Mizoram, empanelled by Green Gold Assam, Jiomart, Amazon, and many platforms, which have been supporting and empowering over 300 farmers. Driven by motivation fuelled by hardships and poverty, Lalthlamuani started her entrepreneurial journey early in her life. “The option I had was to be a normal village girl, studying up to elementary school in the village, or find a source to support myself for higher education in the city. I had already run a small home enterprise selling a variety of household needs during my elementary school days to support myself,” she says.

With accolades like winning the Pandemic Innovative Challenge organised by the Mizoram government, the Young Achiever Award from Dalmia Cement, and the Women Entrepreneurs Award from The Indian Awaz, Lalthlamuani’s journey of entrepreneurship is a true example of youth leadership and dedication. 

However, what’s even more appreciable is the formation of the Leisenzo Tea Society in Leisenzo, her native village, formed with the motive of employing the people in the village and promoting sustainability with the supply of jungle tea leaves to the Eco Far Tea Factory. “My vision is driven by personal experiences and a deep desire to uplift my village and its people. Growing up, I witnessed first-hand the struggles of hardworking individuals who didn’t receive fair compensation for their labour. As a result, their children were denied access to quality education and a dignified life, she says. “I’m determined to create positive change. Through my business, I aim to empower at least one family and improve their livelihood,” she adds.

Lalthlamuani’s advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs is to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. She firmly believes that with dedication and perseverance, women can be successful and inspire others to do the same.

On International Women’s Day, she offers this message to all aspiring women entrepreneurs:

“To all the incredible women out there, I want to take a moment to appreciate your strength, resilience, and determination. Behind every successful individual, family, and community, there is a woman who has played a pivotal role in shaping their journey. As women, we have the power to transform lives. We can empower girls to become confident women and inspire boys to become respectful gentlemen. We are the driving force behind our families, and our contributions are invaluable. So, on this International Women’s Day, I urge all aspiring women entrepreneurs to remember that you can achieve greatness. Be strong, be yourself, and have faith in your abilities. Let’s support and uplift each other, celebrating our unique strengths and talents. Together, we can create a brighter future for ourselves, our families, and our communities. To all the women who are chasing their dreams, I see you, I hear you, and I believe in you. Keep pushing forward, and never give up on your aspirations. You got this!”

Etsoyu: Ren Jami

The way to a person’s heart is through their stomach and Ren Jami, hailing from Nagaland, with Etsoyu, has been doing so. A catering business that started in 2024, the driving force behind the entrepreneurial journey was her fascination and love for the art of cooking and the way it brings people together. “The idea for my catering service, Etsoyu, was born out of a desire to share my love of food with others. I realized that there was a gap in the market for unique, customized catering services that could bring people together through the power of food” she says. 

Though Remi’s entrepreneurial journey started in 2024, she has been sharing her love for cooking since 2019 with tutorial reels. She owes her passion to the environment at home and her parents and claims that she was always surrounded by sights, smells, and tastes of delicious food. “My Dad is the best chef in the kitchen, experimenting with new recipes and techniques. I’d watch him with wide eyes, mesmerised by how he could transform simple ingredients into mouth-watering masterpieces,” she says. “My Mom’s passing was a turning point for me. She had always encouraged me to pursue my passion, and I knew that starting something on my own would be a way to honour her memory and continue her legacy,” she adds.

As a woman entrepreneur, she believes success comes from self-belief, passion, and resilience. Her advice to young women starting is to trust their unique strengths, build a strong support network, take calculated risks, stay focused, and celebrate every milestone along the journey.

Here’s her message to every aspiring woman entrepreneur on the occasion of International Women’s Day:

“To all the aspiring women entrepreneurs out there, I want to say this:

Happy International Women’s Day! As we celebrate this special day, I want to remind you that you have the power to create, innovate, and disrupt. You can turn your passions into businesses, and your businesses into legacies. Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough, not smart enough, or not brave enough. You are enough. Just as you are, in this moment, you are enough. As women, we face unique challenges, but we also have unique strengths. We’re nurturers, caregivers, and community-builders. We’re resilient, adaptable, and determined. So, I want to leave you a challenge today: Take the leap. Start that business. Pursue that passion. Invest in yourself. You never know where it will take you, but I promise you this: It will be worth it. You will be worth it. Happy International Women’s Day, and here’s to the next generation of women entrepreneurs!”

House of Macnok: Ninna Lego

For every individual, one’s culture is a symbol of pride whose preservation is a necessity, and Ninna Lego, with House of Macnok, does exactly that. A platform dedicated to preserving and promoting the indigenous art forms of Arunachal Pradesh, House of Macnok has been functional since 2017 and has conducted over 22 workshops in 11 locations, training more than 500 participants in traditional beading and craft-making techniques. “My journey as an entrepreneur began with a deep appreciation for my cultural roots and a strong desire to create economic opportunities for artisans, especially women and youth in my community,” Ninna says. “What started as a small initiative has now evolved into a movement to revive and commercialise indigenous craftsmanship while ensuring that traditional knowledge is passed down to future generations,” she adds.

Speaking of what inspired her to start her journey with House of Macnok, she says “The rich cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh has always fascinated me, but I noticed that many traditional art forms were fading due to a lack of awareness and market opportunities. Skilled artisans, especially women, had immense talent but limited platforms to showcase and monetize their work. This realization inspired me to create House of Macnok, a brand that would not only promote these crafts but also empower local communities through skill development and entrepreneurship.”

House of Macnok stands for empowerment, preservation, and sustainability, a true need of the hour, blending indigenous art forms and global reach. As Ninna continues to strive for the same with her venture, her advice to young women is to start with what they have and have the courage to begin. She emphasises the importance of believing in one’s vision, embracing challenges as learning opportunities, and building a strong support network.

Marking International Women’s Day, she extends this message to aspiring women entrepreneurs:

“On this International Women’s Day, I want to remind all aspiring women entrepreneurs that your dreams are valid, your ideas are powerful, and your potential is limitless. We are no longer just breaking barriers—building new paths, leading industries, and redefining success on our terms. Whether starting small or aiming big, trust yourself, take bold steps, and never let fear dictate your choices. Women entrepreneurs are not just business owners—we are changemakers. Let’s continue supporting each other, uplifting communities, and leaving a lasting legacy. Happy Women’s Day to all the incredible women out there!”

Seven Cherri: Semada Marak

Seven Cherri, a handmade accessories brand from Meghalaya, is the brainchild of Semada Marak, who, with her venture, celebrates the craft and spirit of Meghalaya and beyond. Seven Cherri’s offerings, inspired by tribal designs, blend contemporary designs with the rich cultural heritage of Meghalaya. Speaking of what inspired Semada to start a new journey with Seven Cherri, she says “Seven Cherri began as a hobby, driven by a passion for creating something unique and meaningful.” “Inspired by tribal designs, I saw an untapped opportunity in the high fashion market to modernise these elements for everyday wear, making them trendy and accessible. This motivation quickly turned into a thriving jewellery brand,” she adds.

With a brand that creates the perfect concoction of fashion and entrepreneurship, Semada remains steadfast in her vision of creating jobs and promoting Northeast India. “In the process of doing what I like I also want to create jobs and contribute to putting Meghalaya and Northeast India on the global map,” she expresses herself with sheer commitment. “Other Indian states have a strong entrepreneurial system and I believe our state is lagging in this sector. If other states can find alternate means of livelihood to generate revenue and employment, I thought this could be doable in our state too,” she adds.

With Seven Cherri, Semada also wants to explore and adapt to the growing needs. She is currently focused on building her venture as an accessory brand to represent Meghalaya & North East India most vibrantly. “I would say, you all are superwomen who can do anything. Just keep your heart in the right place and keep on going even though it seems difficult. You will see the light one day!” she expresses her motivation for all aspiring women entrepreneurs. 

Commemorating International Women’s Day, she shares these words with every aspiring woman entrepreneur:

“As a woman leader in a women-run business for many years, surrounded by strong and talented women, I have learned that we always carry something special in our hearts. We may not excel at everything, but each of us is truly gifted in something. As women, we need to recognise that, identify each other’s strengths, and support one another in shining and excelling in those areas. That is what we should strive for—lifting each other to bring out the best in ourselves.”

Srishti: Pallabi Goswami and Sanghamitra Goswami 

Taking the spirit of sisterhood and womanhood a step ahead, Srishti, a handmade accessories brand by sisters Pallabi Goswami and Sanghamitra Goswami is a venture that saw its birth in a living room in 2021 and has now reached places. “We,  during the COVID-19 lockdown, struggled with the need for extra income and this need birthed the idea of Srishti, a blend of creativity and financial independence,” says Pallabi and Sanghamitra.

Inspired by ethnic and tribal designs, especially from Northeast India, Shristi’s collections blend contemporary colours and patterns with an eco-friendly approach. 

Pallabi, an advocate by profession, and Sanghamitra, a homemaker, attribute their passion for creative expression as the driving force behind Srishti. With participation in many events and interviews including one for the prestigious All India Radio, Guwahati, both the sisters are striving to empower women and craft rooted in ethnicity.

“There was always a high urge in our mind to do something of our own and our passion for craft always motivated us to establish ourselves in the field of art and craft,” they have stated on being asked about what led to the inception of Srishti. “Our country, especially the North-Eastern region is very rich in woven as well as cultural motifs and after some research work, we found that beautiful jewellery can be made using these motifs.  As a result, Srishti was incepted,” they added.  

The vision of Shristi, as stated by the entrepreneur sisters, is to be a leading brand in the country that makes a mark with handmade accessories, especially handmade jewellery, and to achieve sustainable growth while contributing meaningfully to the lives of customers and employees. Another vision that they hold dear is to engage more unemployed women in their businesses to promote women’s empowerment. 

Pallabi and Sanghamitra encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to begin with an idea that reflects their interests and strengths, supported by in-depth market research. Additionally, they have also highlighted the necessity of crafting a comprehensive business plan, establishing a strong network, and enhancing financial literacy.

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, here’s their message to aspiring women entrepreneurs:

“We, first of all, want to wish every woman on International Women’s Day. Being women, we have a strong belief that women can do everything if they want. But the key factor is that we must have faith in ourselves and always be hardworking. Nowadays, many women entrepreneurs have been successfully setting up and running their businesses. Still, the number is not up to the mark. So, on International Women’s Day, we request and advise young women to come forward with their business ideas and set a new history with the increasing number of women entrepreneurs worldwide.”

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