Tribal women in Nagaland empower themselves through doll making

Manipur, Aug. 14 : Nagaland is recognized for its finesse in fashion and handicraft. Many young enthusiastic youth of the state are tapping their talent to become entrepreneurs and are generating employment opportunities for others as well.

A group of young Naga girls have started their own doll making business. Signifying purity, innocence and playfulness, dolls are said to be children's best friends. Manufactured by the group of young girls in Dimapur, these beautiful dolls are getting popular not only in Nagaland and other parts of the country, but in abroad as well.

In 2011, Zuboni Humtsoe's infatuation and zeal for dress-making helped her to fulfill her childhood dream.

She set up her own fashion company through social media called 'Precious Me Love'. She has been making dolls from using excess and spare fabrics from her manufacturing unit headed by the brand name 'Nungshiba handicrafts'.

In the present day her company employs ten young girls, including one differently-abled. "We worked 10 to 12 hours sometimes but we are still very happy because this is what our dreams are made of.

We have so many dreams. We dream of beautiful photo shoot, we dream of inspiring words, we dream of beautiful dolls, travelling places, inspiring people through our work and it gives us so much satisfaction that we are getting to live and work towards our dreams every day.

So that is what happened when you are going after your dreams and believe your dreams and your passion," says Zuboni Humtsoe, Proprietor of Precious me love.

`Precious Me Love' is an online portal which sells Jewellery, handpicked vintage clothing, Nungshiba Handicrafts - dolls of Nagaland.

The site was launched by Naga supermodel Ketho Leno Kense. Head-Crafts designer at Precious Me Love, Babita says, "It's been like a family to us. It's very amazing people out here. They love us and they care for us so much." Employee Inali says, "It's good to be here because of the team work.

I am able to learn new designs out here. I am really happy to be working here." Such projects not only provide a chance of empowering women but also inspire others to give wings to their dreams.

Source: ANI