Tokavi K Zhimo
Zunheboto | September 5
The Soap Making Workshop organized by the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Zunheboto, from March 20 to 22 has received an overwhelmingly positive response from participants. The initiative, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and self-reliance among women and educated unemployed youth, is beginning to bear fruit as participants establish their own small businesses.
One such success story is that of Boliho Aye, a young woman from Asukho Village in Zunheboto District. Boliho discovered the workshop through DHEW Zunheboto’s official Instagram page. She had initially planned to attend a similar training in Dimapur but was fortunate to find the opportunity locally — and free of cost — through DHEW Zunheboto.
With a strong desire to gain hands-on skills, Boliho attended the three-day workshop and soon began experimenting with soap-making on her own. Though she faced initial challenges, especially due to the lack of access to equipment and raw materials, she remained undeterred. By maintaining contact with the trainers, she sought guidance and eventually began sourcing her materials online.
According to Boliho, what sets her soap products apart is their eco-friendly and chemical-free composition. She markets her products primarily through Instagram, WhatsApp, and word-of-mouth referrals, receiving positive feedback from satisfied customers. Boliho shared that she started her venture with an investment of just Rs 20,000, demonstrating that a self-reliant journey can begin with modest capital.
She encourages others to take advantage of such training programs and often promotes the efforts of DHEW at events or while speaking to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Another inspiring story is that of Gloria Awomi Phuloshe, 27, from Satami Village under Aghunato Subdivision, Zunheboto. Gloria, owner of Meraki Event Planner and founder of Musa Mix, is also a make-up artist and serves as Media Secretary of Sumi Totimi Hoho.
Gloria initially faced challenges with her Meraki Event Planner after the Sumi Baptist Church Zunheboto (SBCZ) introduced a mass marriage system that affected her business. She said, “It was quite challenging for me. I didn’t even get enough time for my business as I was also engaged in Eastern Sumi Student Union (ESSU) as Women Coordinator, so my time was limited.”
She struggled to pay shop rent and faced financial constraints. During a trip to Dimapur, she reflected on her career and decided to start a business requiring lower investment but offering good returns. “I prayed to God for guidance, and then I came across Runway India. After taking a five-day training, I started my own brand, Musa Mix. My family supports me by ordering and helping display the products,” she said.
Gloria shared three key principles of her success0 Faith — never missing tithes and giving back to God.
Time management — waking up at 3:30 to 4:30 am to efficiently follow her daily schedule and challenging herself to step forward and take risks.
She encouraged young unemployed people, saying, “You are smart, you are unique, and there is always something around you that you can turn into a profession. Everything starts small, so just go for it.”
Gloria also expressed gratitude to DHEW Zunheboto for their active support. She trained 14 women in ZTSBC on making banana fiber bags and received positive feedback: “The women I trained are now making and selling their own products.” She also acknowledged the work of NGOs in empowering women and contributing to social development.
