Kalakriti 2026: Meet the Women Entrepreneurs Transforming Assam’s Indigenous Crafts
From Decoupage and Handloom to Clay Jewellery and Home Décor, Kalakriti celebrates the remarkable journeys of women entrepreneurs who are building successful businesses while preserving Assam's rich cultural heritage.
GUWAHATI: Traditional craftsmanship, innovation and digital entrepreneurship came together at Kalakriti, an exhibition organised by Axomi24 – The Indigenous Story , recently in Guwahati. The event brought together indigenous women entrepreneurs from across Assam, providing them with a platform to showcase their products, connect with customers and expand their businesses.
From handloom and home furnishings to jewellery, home décor and handcrafted accessories, the exhibition reflected the diversity of Assam’s indigenous arts and crafts. More importantly, it highlighted how many women are successfully running home-based enterprises by combining traditional skills with the opportunities created by the internet.
Established in October 2021, Axomi24 – The Indigenous Story is a registered trust committed to the economic empowerment of indigenous women entrepreneurs. Through exhibitions, networking, training programmes and market access initiatives, the organisation aims to help women transform their skills into sustainable businesses.
The Vision Behind Axomi24 – The Indigenous Story
The driving force behind Kalakriti is Axomi24 – The Indigenous Story. The organisation works to create opportunities for indigenous women entrepreneurs by connecting them with larger markets and encouraging entrepreneurship based on traditional knowledge and craftsmanship.
▶ Watch the Managing Trustee’s Interview
Creating a Platform for Women Entrepreneurs
Kalakriti is more than an exhibition—it is a meeting point where entrepreneurs, customers and artisans interact directly. According to the organisers, such initiatives help women gain visibility, build confidence and discover new business opportunities.
▶ Watch the Member Trustee’s Interview
4. “Meet the Entrepreneurs”
Featured Entrepreneurs
• Daisy Lius – Decoupage Art
• Jutikha – Home Furnishing
• Bhuyashi Bordoloi – Mekhela Chador
• Jahnvi Barua – Textile Entrepreneur
• Tinat Atifa Masood – Home-based Entrepreneur
• Anwesha Borah – Traditional Jewellery
• Dikshita Borah – Clay Jewellery
From Everyday Objects to Artistic Creations
Daisy Lius | Decoupage Artist
Daisy Lius specialises in Decoupage, a decorative art in which ordinary objects are transformed into elegant handcrafted pieces using paper designs and protective varnish. Her work demonstrates how creativity can turn simple household items into premium home décor products.
▶ Watch Daisy Lius Share Her Journey
Handmade Comfort with a Traditional Touch
Jutikha | Home Furnishing Entrepreneur
Using pure cotton fabrics, Jutikha creates handcrafted home furnishing products that combine traditional Assamese aesthetics with modern living. Every product is carefully designed and made by hand, reflecting both comfort and craftsmanship.
▶ Watch Jutikha’s Story
Keeping Assam’s Weaving Heritage Alive
Bhuyashi Bordoloi | Handloom Weaver
The traditional Mekhela Chador remains one of Assam’s strongest cultural identities. Through her weaving, Bhuyashi Bordoloi is preserving this centuries-old tradition while introducing designs that appeal to today’s customers.
▶ Watch Bhuyashi Bordoloi’s Story
Choosing Entrepreneurship Over Employment
Jahnvi Barua | Textile Entrepreneur
After completing her Master’s degree in Textile Design, Jahnvi Barua chose entrepreneurship instead of pursuing a conventional job. Based in Sonapur, she trained women from her village and established her own textile enterprise. Today, her products reach customers across India through online platforms, creating employment opportunities within her community.
▶ Watch Jahnvi Barua’s Story
Jewellery Inspired by Assam’s Traditions
Anwesha Borah | Traditional Jewellery Designer
Drawing inspiration from Assam’s rich cultural heritage, Anwesha Borah designs handcrafted jewellery that blends traditional artistry with contemporary styles. Her creations continue to attract customers looking for authentic indigenous craftsmanship.
▶ Watch Anwesha Borah’s Story
Giving Clay a Contemporary Identity
Dikshita Borah | Clay Jewellery Artist
Clay jewellery has emerged as a popular handmade fashion accessory, and Dikshita Borah is among the artisans bringing this eco-friendly craft to a wider audience. Each piece is individually handcrafted, making every design unique.
▶ Watch Dikshita Borah’s Story
What Visitors Had to Say
Visitors appreciated not only the quality of the products but also the opportunity to interact directly with the women behind the brands. Many described Kalakriti as a refreshing platform that promotes local craftsmanship while supporting indigenous women entrepreneurs.
▶ Watch Visitors Share Their Experience
Where Tradition Meets Technology
One of the most significant aspects of Kalakriti is that many of the participating entrepreneurs operate from their homes. Without large factories or major investments, they design, manufacture and package their products themselves.
The internet has played a transformative role in their success. Social media, digital payments and online marketplaces have enabled these women to take their businesses beyond their homes and reach customers across India—and, in several cases, overseas.
For Axomi24 – The Indigenous Story, Kalakriti is not just an exhibition. It is a celebration of indigenous entrepreneurship, where traditional craftsmanship finds modern markets and women transform their skills into successful enterprises.
As these entrepreneurs continue to grow, they are not only preserving Assam’s rich cultural heritage but also inspiring a new generation of women to pursue entrepreneurship with confidence and creativity.
