Biography of Iaishah Rymbai: Founder and CEO of Eri Weave -Entrepreneur
Biography of Iaishah Rymbai:
The Origin of Eri Weave
In the scenic village of Iapngar in Meghalaya, a
centuries-old tradition of sericulture centered around Eri Silk flourished. It
was a practice rooted in local culture, primarily for consumption. However, it
was in the early 1970s that Eri Silk spinning and handloom weaving arrived in
the village, thanks to the visionary Kristina Dris Lyngdoh Thaiang. She passed
on her craft, inspiring many to embrace the art, including Kong Prissila
Rymbai, who became a torchbearer of the tradition.
A Teacher’s Determination
Kong Iaishah Rymbai, a dedicated school teacher from
Iapngar, found herself drawn to the art of handloom weaving. In 2018, a scarf
order that was delayed due to a shortage of yarn sparked a new thought in her
mind. She realized that the knowledge of spinning and weaving in the area was
limited, which led her to start thinking about how to revive the craft and make
it accessible to more people.
A Movement Begins
Determined to address the scarcity of yarn and to preserve
the art form, Kong Iaishah began collaborating with the Raid Iapngar Handloom
Weaver Cooperative Society. Together, they founded EriWeave, not just as a
brand, but as a movement that would empower local women, revive traditional
weaving methods, and promote sustainable clothing. What began as a solution to
a problem gradually evolved into a larger mission that brought about
significant change in the community.
Empowering Local Women
EriWeave's core mission is the empowerment of women in the
Iapngar region. The company works with local women to produce handspun Eri Silk
yarn and handwoven fabric. By offering weaving opportunities, EriWeave enables
these women to earn a livelihood while keeping the traditional weaving skills
alive. Through this initiative, EriWeave is not only creating job opportunities
but also promoting gender equality and giving women the tools to take control
of their financial futures.
Sustainability at Its Core
EriWeave’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in
every step of its production process. The company uses Eri silk, which is
derived from silkworms that are not harmed in the process. This humane approach
to silk production is complemented by environmentally friendly dyeing
techniques. The company uses natural plant-based dyes sourced from lac,
turmeric, leaves, and barks, which helps reduce the environmental impact of
fabric production.
The Dyeing Process
The dyeing process used by EriWeave is as unique as the
fabric itself. The women of Iapngar carefully process plant materials to
extract pigments, which are then used to create natural dye baths. These dye
solutions are heated to release vibrant colors, and the fabrics are dyed with
great care to ensure uniform color coverage. After dyeing, the fabric is
air-dried, and all waste is managed carefully, ensuring minimal environmental
impact.
A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
One of the most remarkable aspects of EriWeave is how it
blends tradition with modernity. The intricate patterns, motifs, and color
combinations woven into each piece of fabric are deeply rooted in the cultural
heritage of the region. These traditional designs are preserved and celebrated,
and the weaving process itself continues to follow age-old methods. Yet, the
products are designed to appeal to modern sensibilities, offering stylish and
sustainable clothing that resonates with global consumers.
Bridging Generations
EriWeave serves as a bridge between generations. The older
generation, which has mastered the art of handloom weaving, passes down their
knowledge to younger women, ensuring that the craft survives for future
generations. The company not only fosters a sense of community but also helps
preserve the cultural heritage of Iapngar by keeping the traditions of Eri silk
weaving alive and vibrant.
Shark Tank India Pitch
EriWeave gained national attention when Iaishah and her
daughter appeared on the popular reality show Shark Tank India. They pitched
their business idea to the panel of investors, hoping to secure funding for
their brand. During the pitch, Iaishah explained their unique approach to silk
production, which involves a humane method of extracting the yarn without
harming the silkworms. This ethical approach, along with their commitment to
sustainability, captured the attention of the investors.
The Sharks’ Reaction
As Iaishah presented the scarf made from Eri Silk, Peyush
Bansal, one of the investors, praised its warmth and quality. Although he did
not invest, he recognized the potential of the product. The other sharks, too,
expressed admiration for the quality and the story behind the brand. Despite
initial reservations, the sharks were deeply moved by the Rymbai family's
passion and commitment to the cause.
Namita Thapar's Support
Namita Thapar, one of the sharks, was particularly touched
by the pitch. She acknowledged the role of women in the country and emphasized
how businesses like EriWeave can inspire others, especially women in rural
areas. Her words resonated deeply with Iaishah, who was visibly moved by the
support. Namita’s belief in the power of women entrepreneurs was clear as she
made an offer to partner with Iaishah and her daughter.
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A Deal Is Struck
After a heartfelt conversation, Namita Thapar and Anupam
Mittal offered Iaishah and her daughter a deal of Rs 20 lakh for 12% equity in
the company. This deal was not just about investment; it was a recognition of
the hard work and dedication of the Rymbai family. The moment was a turning
point for EriWeave, as the sharks believed in their potential to grow and
expand the business.
A New Chapter for EriWeave
The deal with Namita and Anupam marked the beginning of a
new chapter for EriWeave. With the investment, Iaishah and her daughter hoped
to scale their business, reach more consumers, and continue their mission of
empowering women and promoting sustainable fashion. The partnership with the
sharks opened up new avenues for growth, allowing EriWeave to refine its
operations and reach a wider audience.
Celebrating the Craft
EriWeave is more than just a clothing brand; it is a
celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Iapngar and the artistry of the
women who weave the fabric. By focusing on Eri silk, a sustainable and humane
material, and using eco-friendly practices, EriWeave stands out as a brand that
honors tradition while embracing innovation. Their products are a testament to
the skill and creativity of the weavers, as well as their commitment to the
environment.
The Road Ahead
As EriWeave continues to grow, it aims to inspire more
communities to adopt sustainable practices and empower women through
traditional crafts. The company plans to expand its product range and increase
its presence in the market, while staying true to its core values of
sustainability and community empowerment. With the support of Namita and
Anupam, EriWeave is poised for a bright future.
A Story of Hope and Empowerment
EriWeave is not just a business; it is a story of hope,
resilience, and empowerment. It is a story of a school teacher who turned into
an entrepreneur to make a difference in her community. Through EriWeave, Kong
Iaishah and her daughter have shown that with passion, dedication, and a strong
sense of purpose, it is possible to revive a dying art form, empower women, and
create a brand that resonates with people around the world. Their journey is an
inspiration to anyone who dares to dream.
Timeline for story
Early 1970s: Eri Silk spinning and handloom weaving
introduced in Iapngar by Kristina Dris Lyngdoh Thaiang.
2018: Kong Iaishah Rymbai, a teacher, is inspired to revive
handloom weaving after a yarn shortage.
2018: EriWeave founded with Raid Iapngar Handloom Weaver
Cooperative Society to empower women and promote sustainable fashion.
2021: EriWeave's growth and success lead to participation in
Shark Tank India.
2021: Namita Thapar and Anupam Mittal offer Rs 20 lakh for
12% equity in EriWeave.
2021 onwards: EriWeave embarks on expansion with investor
support, focusing on sustainable fashion and women's empowerment.
