This International Women’s Day we profile several women from Assam who have turned creative passions into thriving small businesses-rising from home baking and fashion to jewellery design, makeup artistry, clay crafts and food entrepreneurship-and in the process challenging social expectations and creating economic opportunities for themselves and others. Their stories illustrate how determination, confidence and vision are reshaping Assam’s creative and business landscape.
Guwahati-based Dimpal Das began baking during the 2020 lockdown despite a Master of Commerce degree and a corporate background. By 2022 she had launched a home-based academy to train students. Without a physical shop, Dimpal focuses on health-conscious recipes and a “home-touch” to her cakes. “I’m able to serve people in my business that is what attracted me towards this business. It is also a compliment for me. And I have also received good response from people,” she said, urging women to be self-reliant: “We must always keep our grab in the society, leaving aside who our parents or husband is. You should always be confident and never keep fear in your mind.”
From Bongaigaon, dentist and entrepreneur Dr. Upasana Thakuria, who has practised in Guwahati for nine years, launched her Assamese jewellery label gohona.asom in 2024. She designs pieces herself and collaborates with makers in Barpeta to blend traditional motifs with contemporary forms. Stressing economic independence, she said, “In today’s world a second option is very important. And as you women you need to stand on your feet,” and added, “As a women we are very proud. Keep attitude positive and believe in yourself.”
Makeup artist Puja Deka of Nagaon learned under mentor Dilip Phukan and joined a Guwahati news organisation in 2014, servicing anchors and outside clients. Her work has taken her statewide and to high-profile events; reflecting on her progress she said, “According to me, I have achieved a bit not much. But I will strive for success. But yes I have got an identity for myself.” She stresses hard work: “We need to work hard and with determination.”
Fashion designer Sumee Kalita began stitching during the 2020 lockdown, later completing an online course from an institute in Surat. Her designs have gone viral on social media, attracting orders from across India and overseas, and she now runs a small team with plans to open a store. She credits practical help from her fiancé during lockdown: “He was the one who helped me in delivering the orders, took me everywhere,” and urged women to recognise their power: “Women should utilize their power that God has given. Women itself is a big word. We can also stay at home and work online in today’s world.”
Mother-daughter duo Kongkona and Tilottama Gogoi launched Purple Glitzy in January 2024 in Chandmari, Guwahati, producing clay accessories, upcycled décor and crochet items. Their business runs entirely via social media; Kongkona says customer appreciation helped build confidence, noting, “Ladies must be independent and achieve all dreams they have.”
Aditi Buragohain turned home experiments with passion fruit into Darika Food and Beverage, making chemical-free fruit wines, jams, pickles and squashes that support local farmers and women entrepreneurs. Her products have been showcased at events including World Food India, underscoring a focus on sustainability and community livelihoods.
Together these women show how creative skills, digital tools and perseverance can convert small beginnings into sustainable enterprises-and how entrepreneurship is widening the path to economic independence for women across Assam.
Original Source: https://nenews.in/lifestyle/crafting-dreams-women-who-have-turned-passion-into-a-unique-niche/44283/
Category: Lifestyle,business,Entrepreneur,International Women’s Day
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Publish Date: 2026-03-08 18:56:00
