At 21, Manipur-based Yangmila Zimik faced early motherhood, unwed and unsupported. But her unwavering spirit set her on a path to change her destiny.

With limited resources, the Class 10 dropout juggled various small businesses — selling vegetables, running a tea shop, and poultry rearing — before eventually venturing into food processing.

Inspired by childhood memories of homemade candies, she launched ‘Shirin Products’ in 2016, starting with a gooseberry candy that set her entrepreneurial journey in motion.

“I had just Rs 500 with me. With that, I bought a tin of gooseberries and some sugar. I prepared the first batch of candy and visited shops to distribute samples,” she adds.

Using local, wild fruits, and vegetables, her product line now includes over 40 varieties of pickles, candies, and squashes, capturing the unique tastes of the Ukhrul hills.

With monthly sales exceeding Rs 1 lakh and a 25 percent profit margin, her venture has drawn attention far beyond her home state.

By showcasing her regional delicacies at exhibitions in cities like Delhi and Guwahati, she brings northeast India’s culinary heritage to a broader audience.

However, the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur has affected her business’s reach. Yangmila remains hopeful and leverages social media to expand her customer base.

Meanwhile, she encourages women to harness their talents, be courageous, and believe in the possibility of good things unfolding, despite the odds.

Her message to women in similar straits is clear: “Do not feel bogged down by what happens to you. Nurture the talent given to you by God; be strong and courageous, and good things will happen.”