Kamini Nath, a resident of Rangamati village in Assam’s Kamrup district, has transformed her passion for handloom weaving into a thriving enterprise. Born and raised near the VIP Air Force Gate area, Kamini was married at a young age and had to balance her responsibilities with her desire to learn and grow. Despite the challenges, she never gave up and is now one of the trained rural women entrepreneurs under the Udyamini Project implemented by Grameen Sahara.
Kamini’s journey into weaving began in 2010, inspired by her mother-in-law’s skill and dedication to the craft. She started learning under her guidance and soon developed the confidence to weave independently. What began as a supplementary activity to support her family during times of financial need eventually turned into a livelihood opportunity. Today, Kamini primarily weaves and sells traditional Assamese textiles, including Gamosas, to customers in nearby villages and surrounding communities.
However, Kamini’s journey has not been without obstacles. Finding reliable markets and accessing quality yarn have been significant challenges. At times, products remain unsold for weeks, while at other times she struggles to meet sudden demand. Despite these challenges, Kamini has sustained her enterprise through careful financial management, reinvesting earnings from product sales into purchasing yarn and other raw materials.
A significant turning point in her entrepreneurial journey came through her participation in the Udyamini Project. The training programmes organised under the project helped her diversify her product range and strengthen her business management skills. Kamini now maintains records of her sales and expenses, which has helped her monitor her business activities more systematically.
Kamini’s enterprise has contributed significantly to her household income, especially during peak festive seasons. She earns up to ₹10,000 through Gamosa sales and generates between ₹2,500 and ₹5,000 during lean periods. Looking ahead, Kamini dreams of taking her enterprise to the next level by purchasing a Jacquard Loom, which would enable her to create more intricate designs and higher-value products.
Kamini’s story is a testament to the resilience and determination of rural women entrepreneurs. With continued access to training, markets, and resources, entrepreneurs like Kamini are not only preserving Assam’s rich weaving heritage but also creating pathways toward greater financial independence and empowerment.
