SHILLONG, March 1: Opening avenues for enhanced Eri production and wider participation of women in state’s entrepreneurial sector, a unique home-grown brand, “Eri Weave – Hand Woven Silk by Women of Meghalaya” was launched at Prime Startup Hub, J N Stadium, Polo, Shillong on Tuesday.
The new startup which will specialise in hand woven Eri silk products is founded by noted entrepreneur as well as one of the top 50 entrepreneurs of PRIME Cohort 2.0, Iaishah Rymbai.
Speaking to the audience while launching the new brand, MLA, GB Lynhdoh stated that as a trade name, Eri Weave will speak of Meghalaya, its women, culture, identity and dreams. Praising the valuable efforts of people like Iaishah Rymbai and the milk farmers of Umroi, Lynhdoh went on to ignite the audience on supporting local entrepreneurship, leadership and creating sustainable livelihoods for the state’s youths.
In the event, Eri Weave founder, Rymbai went on to narrate her own entrepreneurial journey- from being the leader of the co-operative movement “Kamai haba Shongkai” to the seasoned businesswoman that she is today. She told the audience how with the help of 5 other members, she travelled from village to village spreading awareness on Eri silk spinning and handloom weaving.
On the same note, she also informed the audience that her co-operative society at present, has 100 members while earning monthly revenues of Rs 2 lakhs.
Others who spoke at the launch include Commissioner and Secretary, Department of Textiles, FA Kharkongor and Chairman Farmer’s Welfare Commission, KN Kumar. While Kharkongor spoke on various government initiatives to boost the textile and handloom sector, Kumar highlighted the current state of cooperative societies in Meghalaya.