This Entrepreneurial Couple From Meghalaya Is Sharing Traditional Folklores Through Their Handcrafted Bags

Baishali ThapaJanuary 12, 2022

Handcrafts are a unique way of expressing the cultures and traditions of a state or country. The diversity and complexity of the Handicraft industry make it one of the productive sectors. 

To share traditional folklore and folktales through handmade products, AD Enterprise, a Meghalaya-based start-up was started by a husband-wife duo intending to provide good quality and sustainable bags.

The Start

Initiated by Aiban Khraw Kupar Kharnarry and Daphilinia Jones Mylliemngap, AD enterprise aims to share traditional folklore and folktales through their handmade products. The duo wants their products to have an impact on the present as well as future generations

“We are passionate about handmade products especially the ones which help in solving their problems. We are into bags – tote/sling/tiffin/pouch in printed and hand-painted. These bags are being made for women, by women for women. Our bags provide a waterproof solution to our rain harvested region.” Co-founders of AD Enterprise

Their journey started when Aiban and Daphilinia noticed that most of the bags were not appropriate for Shillong’s weather. The couple also witnessed that the bags did not have traditional designs on them. This, however, inspired them to start AD enterprise.

“We try to incorporate waterproof material and canvas with customized designs. We want our present generation to know more about our traditions and folktales.” They added

The Journey

Starting a business is a long journey with many obstacles on the way. Aiban and Daphilinia’s journey was not easy at all. When asked about the challenges that came their way, they said,

“Finding the right fabric, getting the stories along with the pictures, having an artist do the paintwork were some of the challenges we faced. Other than that, finding the market and making our brand known in the market, proper packaging and logistics were the other challenges“

However, this didn’t stop them to work for their dreams. They started crafting varieties of bags and uploaded them on their Instagram page.

“One of our customers on Instagram found our page and after interacting she wanted to know more about our folktales and folklore. She then bought a folktale bag from us and she wanted to know more about our tradition and culture. She is planning to research our traditional folktales.“

The couple are now taking orders from Instagram and they also plan to include mass production and exporting as their next step to upgrade their business

Message for the Readers

“Have a solid business plan and prepare for financial challenges. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and build a team that shares the same vision as you.”

We wish Aiban and Daphilinia all the best for their future endeavors. Do check their Instagram page and keep supporting local business