Lalnuntluangi runs a small shop in the busy market of Chandmari in Aizawl, Mizoram where she designs and stitches bridal wear outfits.
She took a loan of Rs. 20,000 to expand this business. Though the shop is small, beautiful bridal costumes are neatly stacked in a closet along with matching bridal jewellery. In the other corner the traditional Mizo dresses "puan" are kept with dress materials. She designs these costumes herself and has employed a tailor for stitching.
She says that though she received the loan early in July, it was only by the end of August that she was able to set up her business in full swing. The loan was not enough to cover the cost of the dress materials and the rent for the shop. So, her family stepped in and helped her financially.Interestingly, she did her Diploma in Electronics from Mizoram and also worked in All India Radio in New Delhi for two years. But she always wanted to start a business back home and came back to Aizawl to venture into the garment business. She started with selling "puans" door to door and later designing party dresses. The loan was a good boost for her business. A wedding dress in her shop starts from around Rs 10,000. People can also rent these dresses and the jewellery. She also designs dresses for bridesmaids. Her average profits are around Rs 20000 - Rs 30000 a month and she still continues to sell the puans through her friends.With the business running successfully, Ms Lalnuntluangi now hopes to take a bigger loan to expand her sales to other states and advertise about her dresses. Ms. Lalnuntluangi lives with her parents. Her mother is a teacher while her father owns a grocery store. Her brothers also have their own businesses. She feels happy that she too has been able to start something of her own.
She says that though she received the loan early in July, it was only by the end of August that she was able to set up her business in full swing. The loan was not enough to cover the cost of the dress materials and the rent for the shop. So, her family stepped in and helped her financially.Interestingly, she did her Diploma in Electronics from Mizoram and also worked in All India Radio in New Delhi for two years. But she always wanted to start a business back home and came back to Aizawl to venture into the garment business. She started with selling "puans" door to door and later designing party dresses. The loan was a good boost for her business. A wedding dress in her shop starts from around Rs 10,000. People can also rent these dresses and the jewellery. She also designs dresses for bridesmaids. Her average profits are around Rs 20000 - Rs 30000 a month and she still continues to sell the puans through her friends.With the business running successfully, Ms Lalnuntluangi now hopes to take a bigger loan to expand her sales to other states and advertise about her dresses. Ms. Lalnuntluangi lives with her parents. Her mother is a teacher while her father owns a grocery store. Her brothers also have their own businesses. She feels happy that she too has been able to start something of her own.
