Empowering traditional artisans: Arunachal entrepreneur sets an inspiring example

INTERNATIONAL DESK: In the heartlands of Arunachal Pradesh, a trailblazing entrepreneur is reshaping the landscape of sustainable living while preserving the rich tapestry of indigenous art and craftsmanship. Meet Ninna Lego, the visionary force behind House of Macnok (HoM), a dynamic startup that celebrates local culture, heritage, and skills through an array of exquisite jewelry, home decor, accessories, and wellness products. Lego’s journey is one of passion, business acumen, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of her community.

Hailing from the serene town of Mariyang nestled in the Upper Siang district, Lego brings to her enterprise a unique blend of influences. With a background in civil engineering from Chennai’s Dr. MGR University and an MBA in HR from Rajiv Gandhi University, she embodies the perfect fusion of technical knowledge and compassionate leadership.

HoM’s genesis can be traced back to Lego’s childhood, deeply rooted in the Adi community – a community dedicated to social welfare. An early introduction to traditional handloom techniques ignited her interest, leading her to craft intricate earrings that soon gained remarkable popularity among friends and family. This pivotal moment marked the birth of HoM, driven by Lego’s resolute ambition to uplift rural artisans, women, youth, and farmers across Arunachal Pradesh.

Collaborating with numerous women self-help groups, HoM has become a platform for crafting bamboo products, handlooms, crochet dolls, dreamcatchers, and more. It’s not just about commerce, but about preserving the essence of indigenous craftsmanship. The products reflect the multifaceted diversity of Arunachal, representing various tribes and regions. Through strategic partnerships, HoM empowers these grassroots artisans, primarily women, allowing them to showcase their skills and heritage to the world.

In a bid to harmonize innovation with tradition, HoM carefully infuses new designs into timeless art forms. For example, traditional bamboo weaving is rejuvenated with contemporary motifs, breathing new life into classic pieces. The commitment to authenticity ensures that the soul of indigenous practices remains intact.

HoM is not merely a commercial venture; it’s a bridge between generations. Master trainers and craftsmen are brought in to mentor and train the younger generation, guaranteeing the continuity of age-old skills. This approach not only safeguards cultural heritage but also provides sustainable livelihoods to these mentors.

Lego’s venture extends to agro-based collaborations with local villagers and agricultural institutions, spotlighting aromatic herbs and spices with health benefits. This symbiotic relationship contributes to the holistic vision of Arunachal’s development.

Embracing ethical entrepreneurship, HoM’s revenue-sharing model eliminates intermediaries, resulting in cost-effective products. The endeavor challenges the misconception that sustainability translates to exorbitance, offering wild honey as an example. Where traders sell it for INR 1,500, HoM provides the same quality at INR 450.

Ever conscious of environmental impact, Lego introduces upcycled fabrics, crafting dolls and mats, championing waste reduction. Furthermore, HoM is pioneering biodegradable, eco-friendly, and reusable sanitary pads, making hygiene accessible and affordable.

Recently crowned the winner of the North East Entrepreneurship Challenge 2023 in the Incubation Category, Lego’s journey is far from over. She envisions HoM as a catalyst for transformative change, with an unwavering commitment to preserving tradition, empowering communities, and redefining sustainable commerce. As she continues to blaze this trail, the heartlands of Arunachal Pradesh find in Ninna Lego a visionary leader and an inspirational role model. (NE WEEKLY)