Top 10 Women Entrepreneurs from Meghalaya
In the Abode of Clouds, ten women are weaving eri silk, crafting jewellery, brewing tea and processing local produce, and building brands that carry the state’s heritage forward.
Meghalaya, whose name means “abode of clouds”, is home to rich weaving traditions, local produce and a growing community of women-led businesses. The women in this collection work across sustainable textiles, fashion, jewellery, home décor, footwear and food processing.
Some are reviving heritage crafts, others are turning seasonal produce into market-ready products, and many are creating work for the women around them. Here are their stories, with their businesses, sectors and social links.
Iaishah Rymbai founded EriWeave, which produces hand-spun eri yarn and handwoven eri-silk products. The brand preserves traditional weaving practices and supports rural women weavers.
Iba Mallai founded Kiniho, an ethical clothing and lifestyle brand that creates clothing, accessories and other products from traditional eri silk, blending heritage weaving with contemporary design.
Semada Marak’s brand, Seven Cherri, blends contemporary design with Meghalaya-inspired jewellery and accessories.
Andrina Thabah founded a footwear business in Shillong, Candid Shoes, offering women’s shoes and fashion styles.
Merisha Toi started a Shillong-based candle and décor business, inspired by her interest in fragrances and candle design. The brand offers scented candles, custom gifts, wedding favours, hampers and décor, all made in Shillong.
Larimika Syrti built a fashion business focused on clothing and bridal wear, alongside opportunities to develop skills in the fashion field.
Pinki Maring is the founder of I Mei Tea, a tea venture featured in Meghalaya’s PRIME entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Cryspil K. Sangma creates bags, accessories and craft products inspired by traditional designs, including items made using waste paper and other repurposed materials.
Matilda Shadap is the founder of a Meghalaya-based food-processing venture focused on spices and processed food products.
Baldilla T. Sangma founded a women-led village enterprise in West Garo Hills that processes seasonal produce such as jackfruit, tapioca, pineapple and banana into products including chips and powders. The enterprise helps reduce waste and create local employment.
The businesses are very different, yet three ideas keep coming back.
Eri silk, Meghalaya-inspired jewellery and traditional crafts are being reshaped into products for today’s customers.
Seasonal fruit and vegetables, spices and even waste paper are turned into products worth buying.
Weavers, trainees and village workers benefit as these founders create work and share their skills.
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