Leadership Bulletin

From corporate life to Runway Nagaland – what triggered the shift and what were the early challenges?
Yes, it was definitely a big shift. Moving from the corporate world with brands like Dabur and HDFC Life to starting something as grassroots and culture-driven as Runway Nagaland. But in many ways, it felt like coming home. Working in corporate gave me structure, discipline, and system understanding. But over time, I felt a strong desire to return home and create something meaningful. I saw creativity and talent, especially among women, with little support or visibility. That’s how Runway Nagaland began—not from a perfect plan, but a real desire to build something rooted in our culture and led by our people.

In the beginning, I faced challenges as a first-generation woman entrepreneur—gender stereotypes, lack of capital, and not being taken seriously. But I never wasted time proving myself; I believed in action, and true enough, action speaks louder than words.

What unique challenges do entrepreneurs in Nagaland face? How does WENN support women in business?
Building something in Nagaland feels very different from doing it in places like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore. Challenges here are deeply rooted in geography, policy, and perception. Infrastructure is limited. Logistics, shipping, raw materials—it all takes more time and money. We don’t have direct access to big markets or platforms. Most of all, our stories and crafts are seen as ‘niche’, not part of the mainstream. We have to work twice as hard—not just to grow but to prove why our work matters.

As Co-founder of the Women Entrepreneurs Network Nagaland (WENN), I’ve seen how much the organisation supports women like me. It’s a real community. We organise events like the WENN Bazaar, workshops on financial literacy, and WENN Social for mental and physical well-being. Being part of this network helps women feel safe, empowered, and encouraged to grow.

Tell us about Hengna & Maben and your role in reimagining Nagaland’s jewellery space.
Hengna & Maben was born when two purpose-driven individuals came together to make a meaningful difference. While Runway Nagaland began in 2011, we registered Hengna & Maben as a private limited company in 2021.

Today, it houses Runway Nagaland, The Banana Co., and Runway India.
Working with traditional indigenous designs isn’t about adding to India’s crowded jewellery space—it’s about bringing something personal and culturally significant. Our heritage in Nagaland is rich, bold, and powerful. Every piece told a story of strength and identity. Reinterpreting these elements in contemporary jewellery is about telling that story today. Runway Nagaland has played a pivotal role in boosting the handmade jewellery industry here—one that’s now helping young people build sustainable livelihoods with dignity.

What impact has the GP Birla Fellowship had on your leadership journey?
As a leader working with women from diverse backgrounds, I realised how important it is to grow continuously. When I heard about the GP Birla Fellowship, it felt like the right opportunity to develop my leadership skills and make a greater impact.

The biggest challenge during the fellowship was stepping out of my comfort zone and truly opening up. I had to pause, listen, and reflect. That was hard but freeing. I’ve come out with a new mindset.

The biggest learning? Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being grounded in your values, being open and curious. I’ve learned to listen, hold space, and let others find their own voice. I now focus on building people, not just projects, and think deeply about long-term impact. It’s helped me reconnect with my values and lead with intention.

The fellowship is a rare space for young entrepreneurs—especially from the North-East—to build confidence, connect with mentors, and reflect deeply. It’s made a real difference. My next challenge is scaling without losing purpose—to keep the work meaningful and real.