In the village of Lamlang in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, 30-year-old Yaoreishim LA is creating a name for himself. From wallets and belts to custom-made bags and cowboy hats, his designs blend traditional leatherwork with a modern touch.
Raised by a single mother, Yaoreishim’s story is one of hard work and hope. After completing a one-year diploma in footwear manufacturing from the Central Footwear Training Institute (CFTI) in Agra, supported by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), he gained hands-on experience in Agra and Gujarat.
“I received a message from MSME after applying for footwear training in Agra. I attended an interview in Imphal and was selected. Through MSME, I got the opportunity to pursue a one-year diploma course in footwear making in Agra.”
Yaoreishim LA, Leather Artisan, Manipur
After the COVID-19 outbreak forced him to leave his job, he returned to Manipur in 2020 with a dream to start his own brand. In September 2021, with the support of friends and family, ‘Yaoreishim’ was born.
But the journey hasn’t been easy. One major setback came when internet services were shut down for over a month in Manipur, disrupting online sales which were his main source of income.
“It was a big problem for a startup like mine, as we rely on the internet, WhatsApp & Instagram to sell our products. During that time, we couldn’t make any online sales because the internet was shut down for over a month. It has been a real challenge for people like us.”
Yaoreishim LA, Leather Artisan, Manipur
Still, Yaoreishim remains hopeful. He dreams of showcasing his leather goods to a global audience and starting exports. His products are fully custom-made and designed for both men and women.
His journey is a powerful example of what determination, skill, and community support can achieve. Despite setbacks, Yaoreishim continues to inspire many with his passion for leather craftsmanship and vision for a better future in Manipur.
Source – ANI
