Tashi Doma Bhutia, a housewife from Sikkim, has transformed her free time into a meaningful pursuit by creating herbal soaps and other natural products that are not only kind to the body but also eco-friendly. As a member of the Takshe Herbs Self-Help Group (SHG), she contributes to a new initiative that started in January 2023, following the challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic. The SHG focuses on promoting natural and sustainable products, with Tashi at the forefront, crafting items that reflect her care for her family, her health, and the environment.
Tashi’s involvement in Takshe Herbs SHG has allowed her to work two to three times per week, balancing her household responsibilities while engaging in a venture that enhances both wellness and sustainability. By making and selling these herbal products, Tashi helps foster a healthier lifestyle while supporting a movement towards eco-friendly alternatives.
Her commitment to locally sourced, natural ingredients reflects the values of Takshe Herbs SHG, which aims to promote products that nurture both the body and the earth. The SHG is still in its early stages, but its mission aligns with Sikkim’s broader focus on sustainable development and natural living.
The inspiring story of Tashi Doma Bhutia and Takshe Herbs SHG has been captured by Impulse Empower, an initiative of Impulse Social Enterprises. The organisation seeks to showcase the untold stories of small- to medium-sized businesses in Northeast India and North Bengal, highlighting how these entrepreneurs are contributing to their local economies and creating jobs.
The stories, including Tashi’s, have been documented by Lewis Levent Özcan, a documentary filmmaker and Impulse Empower Incubation Hub Entrepreneur in Residence. His work, supported by Meta and the Impulse NGO Network, brings to life the entrepreneurial spirit of the region. These stories are crucial in driving economic upliftment and building resilient markets that can help prevent unsafe migration and exploitation.
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Produced by Hasina Kharbhih and directed by Özcan, the documentary series is part of Impulse NGO Network’s mission to support entrepreneurship in the region. Meta India has played a pivotal role in supporting these entrepreneurs, while the media partnership of Impulse Model Press Lab and EastMojo ensures these stories reach a wider audience. Pratima Joshi serves as the state partner for the project in Sikkim, working closely with Tashi and her community.
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