Wooden Craft Wonders – A Woman Entrepreneur From Sonitpur

In the quiet village lanes of Tupia Rangasakua in Sonitpur district, the soft tapping of tools signals the presence of Nirmali Saikia a talented artisan crafting wooden jewellery and traditional showpieces from the comfort of her home. Each of her creations, whether it’s a japi necklace, wooden choker, jonbiri pendant, or handcrafted hair jewellery, reflects the essence of Assamese heritage and creativity.

Journey of Nirmali Saikia

Nirmali began her journey as a tailor to support her family. However, her interest in artistic expression gradually led her to experiment with woodwork a craft not commonly explored by women in her locality. “This is my own idea. I just wanted to try something new,” she says, beaming with pride as she showcases her latest designs.

With minimal resources and no formal studio, she transformed a corner of her home into a personal workspace. Her designs, rooted in culture and innovation, have gained appreciation within her village and nearby communities. Her story is not only inspiring but also a testament to how passion and perseverance can pave the way for change.

“Entrepreneurship isn’t always about big money,” she explains. “It’s about heart, tradition, and the courage to begin.”

Meeting women like Nirmali Saikia makes it clear entrepreneurship isn’t just about profit, it’s about purpose. When a woman from a small village like Tupia Rangasakua starts her own venture, she’s doing something incredibly powerful. She’s not just earning for herself she’s breaking barriers, inspiring others, and showing that dreams can grow anywhere, even in the most unexpected corners.

Jewellery and Beyond- Her World of Woodcraft

Blending creativity with deep cultural pride, Nirmali Saikia’s handcrafted wooden pieces reflect the warmth and spirit of Assamese tradition. From her small home workspace, she lovingly creates a range of jewellery japi pendants, jonbiri chokers, hand-painted earrings, and hair accessories that carry the vibrant colours and patterns of her roots. She even adds a personal touch by crafting custom keychains with initials or tiny musical instruments, each one made with care and imagination. Her work doesn’t stop at jewellery. She also brings life to wooden showpieces buffaloes, rhinos, Bihu dancers, and traditional instruments carefully placed on hand-decorated bases. Larger creations like miniature xorai and lamp stands are shaped with simple tools and a lot of patience. Every piece she makes isn’t just something to own it’s a story, a piece of culture, and a reflection of her passion, carved into wood with heart and purpose.

Unseen Battles of a Village Entrepreneur

Nirmali Saikia’s journey in entrepreneurship hasn’t been easy. She struggles with limited funds, making it hard to buy tools or grow her business. Marketing is another challenge. Her work is known locally, but she doesn’t know how to reach buyers outside. “I mostly sell to people nearby,” she says. “I don’t know how to promote it beyond the village.” Her story reflects the common hurdles rural women face starting a business with little support or training.

Ways Forward for Rural Women Entrepreneurs

Many women like Nirmali face challenges like limited funds and little knowledge of marketing. One way forward is joining self-help groups (SHGs), where they can get small loans and support . Exploring government schemes like PMEGP or Mudra Yojana can also provide financial help. Even simple tools like WhatsApp Business or Facebook can make a big difference in reaching more people. With a little guidance from NGOs, local fairs, or even student volunteers, they can slowly grow their business and build confidence in the process.

Women Entrepreneurs Leading Change in Sonitpur

Today, women entrepreneurs are changing the way we think about business. They bring in not just skills and creativity, but also care, courage, and community spirit. Women Entrepreneurs in Sonitpur, where opportunities are often limited, one woman’s initiative can open doors for many more.

As someone studying Women’s Studies and witnessing these stories first-hand during my fieldwork, I’ve come to realise that supporting women entrepreneurs means supporting real, lasting change. It means recognising their potential and helping create a world where more women feel confident to say — “Yes, I can do this too.”

Today, Nirmali Saikia’s work is not only her livelihood but also an inspiration for other women in nearby villages. Her creations are valued for their artistry and the powerful story they carry of a woman who dared to innovate and persist.

Learning from the Grassroots

As a student of Women’s Studies at Tezpur University, I met Nirmali during my fieldwork with the Edupur Foundation. Her story, and the story of Nirmali Saikia’s woodcraft, offers a compelling lens to understand how women in rural India negotiate creativity, labour, and independence. Her success challenges the idea that entrepreneurship is only for urban or formally educated individuals. In fact, she proves it can emerge from humble homes, with determination as the driving force.

The Edupur Foundation, along with the Assam Women’s Association, is working to spotlight stories like Nirmali Saikia woodcraft where women are rewriting the meaning of enterprise in local contexts.