Episode 20 of Impulse Model Entrepreneur Stories shines the spotlight on Rinzing Choden Bhutia, founder of Agapi Sikkim, a natural skincare brand that creates products from locally sourced ingredients. Directed by documentary filmmaker Lewis Levent Özcan, this episode tells the inspiring story of how Rinzing turned her passion for natural beauty products into a thriving business that also empowers tribal women in the region.
Rinzing launched Agapi under Trateng Greens Private Limited in 2019, starting with handcrafted soaps. Over the years, she has expanded her product range to include cleansers, lotions, and oils, all made from natural ingredients sourced from Sikkim. Her brand is not just a business but a platform for empowerment and gender equality. Rinzing has trained numerous tribal women across North, East, and West Sikkim, helping them acquire the skills to produce handcrafted skincare products.
One of her most remarkable achievements is the establishment of a women-led brand called Kabi Lungcho, started by ten of the women she trained. These women began with handcrafted soaps and lip balms and are now progressing towards making creams and lotions. Rinzing’s dedication to maintaining high quality and hygiene standards in product manufacturing is a core part of her business model.
In addition to running Agapi, Rinzing has partnered with various state departments, including skill development, women and child welfare, and commerce and industries, to further her mission of empowering women and generating employment. Her work is contributing to the local economy and fostering sustainable growth in the region.
Rinzing’s journey is featured as part of the Impulse Empower initiative, led by Impulse Social Enterprises, which captures the success stories of small and medium-sized businesses across the North East and North Bengal. With the support of Meta India, this series showcases how entrepreneurs like Rinzing are driving economic growth, creating jobs, and empowering local communities.
The initiative aligns with the mission of the Impulse NGO Network, focusing on preventing unsafe migration and exploitation by fostering local economic opportunities. Rinzing’s work with Agapi and the women of Sikkim exemplifies the power of entrepreneurship to uplift communities and create lasting change.
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Documentary filmmaker Lewis Levent Özcan, also an Impulse Empower Incubation Hub Entrepreneur in Residence, travelled across the eight states of the North East and North Bengal to document stories of system change. Produced by Impulse NGO Network and supported by Meta India, the film captures Rinzing’s entrepreneurial journey and the impact she is making on her community.
The production team includes Gezmek Films, with Hasina Kharbhih as producer, and media support from Impulse Model Press Lab and EastMojo.
Through her work, Rinzing is not only building a successful business but also fostering gender equality and improving the livelihoods of women in Sikkim. Episode 20 of Impulse Model Entrepreneur Stories highlights her as a leader in entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment, showcasing the transformative power of local businesses.
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