Guwahati, Feb 13: In a moment of pride for Meghalaya, EriWeave Pvt Ltd has woven its way into history by securing an investment from two renowned Sharks on Shark Tank India Season 4. The company landed a deal of ₹20 lakh for 12% equity from Anupam Mittal and Namita Thapar, becoming the first from the state to achieve this milestone.
EriWeave, a Shillong-based brand, is redefining handwoven Eri silk by empowering local women artisans. Specializing in organically dyed Eri silk yarn and fabrics, the company is deeply committed to sustainable economic development, ethical craftsmanship, and reviving Meghalaya’s rich textile heritage. Their exquisite, handmade stoles, scarves, and running fabrics stand out for their unique color combinations and artistry-qualities that machines simply cannot replicate.
Eri silk weaving in Meghalaya has roots in the village of Iapngar, where sericulture was once limited to silkworm rearing for food. It wasn’t until the 1970s that the craft of Eri silk spinning and handloom weaving took hold, thanks to the vision of Kristina Dris Lyngdoh Thaiang. Her passion for the craft inspired generations, including Kong Prissila Rymbai, who carried forward the tradition.
The spark for EriWeave was lit in 2018 when a delayed scarf order due to yarn shortages made Kong Iaishah Rymbai realize the pressing need for skilled spinners and weavers in the region. Determined to bridge this gap, she gathered a team and collaborated with the Raid Iapngar Handloom Weaver Cooperative Society, turning a challenge into an opportunity.
Founded in 2019, EriWeave has since provided livelihoods to over 100 families. Despite obstacles, the company has steadily grown, proving that tradition and entrepreneurship can go hand in hand.
From Shillong to the World
EriWeave officially incorporated in 2022 and launched its brand at the PRIME Startup Hub in Shillong. Today, its products are highly sought after in Shillong and Delhi, with online customers from Mumbai and beyond. Stoles, their best-selling item, account for 70% of total sales revenue.
The heart of EriWeave lies in the women of Iapngar, Ri-Bhoi district, who skillfully hand-spin the silk yarn. Their craft is not just a means of livelihood but a celebration of heritage, resilience, and self-reliance.
PRIME Meghalaya’s Pride
PRIME Meghalaya, the state’s flagship startup initiative, expressed immense pride in Iaishah Rymbai’s achievement.
“Iaishah’s entrepreneurial journey is driven by a mission to revive and sustain Eri silk production, fostering community pride in handloom weaving and traditional craft. Despite challenges, her vision for sustainable economic development through Eri silk farming and weaving has remained unwavering,” said an official from PRIME Meghalaya.
The official further emphasized that PRIME is committed to fostering entrepreneurship as a preferred career choice among Meghalaya’s youth. “We aim to create a dynamic ecosystem that provides access to credit, technology, skills, mentorship, and high-leverage markets.”
