Kong (In Khasi Language Kong means sister) Iaishah Rymbai’s story takes all of us to the picturesque hills of Meghalaya. Her heartwarming story of passion, tradition, and determination masterclass on fulfilling our dream. Kong Iaishah Rymbai, the remarkable woman behind Eri Weave is not another brand and her hand-woven fabrics are more than just fabric. That’s because it’s a movement that uplifts women in rural Meghalaya, revives ancient artistry, and weaves the community together.
Kong Iaishah faced many personal and professional challenges in her life. She got married at the early age of 20 and got divorced. A single mother of 4 daughters she had overcome many hurdles but never lost hope. To raise her daughters, she needed to earn extra aside from what she did from her day job as a teacher.
Her urge to help other women from her community inspired her to start her entrepreneurial journey and turn her passion for handloom weaving into a movement. She spread awareness among the women around her and inspired them to weave and earn in their free time.
When the Sharks in Shark Tank India asked her how she managed her day job as a teacher and her entrepreneurial endeavours, her answer was simple “I believe in prioritising things and time management. If you can manage time, you can do everything.”
On March 1, 2022, she launched Eri Weave with PRIME Meghalaya, transforming her startup from Iaishah Ryndia into a brand known for eco-friendly, hand-woven silk using traditional dyeing methods.
Inspired by her village’s sericulture legacy, Kong Iaishah revived the ancient art by collaborating with the Raid Iapngar Handloom Weaver Cooperative Society. Faced with yarn scarcity in 2018, she took action and created jobs for women in Iapngar, Ri-Bhoi District. Her action sparked the movement “Kamai haba shongkai” which means sit and earn, celebrating dignified earnings.
Eri Weave isn’t just about fabric; it’s about cultural pride and sustainability. Using natural dyes from lac, turmeric, and plants, the brand preserves heritage while promoting ethical fashion. Today, Eri Weave products are available on eriweave.in and Facebook, sharing Meghalaya’s rich tradition with the world.
Through her journey, Kong Iaishah is not only crafting beautiful textiles but also weaving stories of strengthening community bonds.