From Single Mother to Successful Meghalaya Entrepreneur: The Eri Weaves Business Journey

Shark Tank India season 4 is full of exceptional stories, but one pitch by Meghalaya entrepreneurs shakes all the judges of Shark Tank India to its core. Yes, we are talking about Eri Weaves—a company born out of sheer necessity and an unbreakable bond with tradition. Kong Laishah Rymbai, a mother from Meghalaya, shared her story of resilience, hardship, and hope. With her daughter Lebaini Rymbai by her side, she introduced the sharks to her brand, Eri Weaves. But what made their pitch truly moving was the story behind the brand and the deep-rooted purpose it serves. Let’s dive deeper into Eri Weaves' journey and how it caught the attention of the sharks.

What is Eri Weaves?

Eri Weaves is a Shillong-based brand that is redefining the world of handwoven Eri silk by combining centuries-old traditions with modern-day entrepreneurship. At its core, the company focuses on creating luxurious, ethically produced silk products, including handwoven stoles, scarves, and yardage fabric. It uses Eri silk, a type of silk that is not only eco-friendly but also has thermoregulatory properties. Unlike traditional silk production, which involves killing the silkworms, Eri silk is extracted without harming the creatures, making it a cruelty-free option for eco-conscious consumers.

The brand’s dedication to quality is reflected in every product it creates. The Rymbai family collaborates closely with the Raid Iapngar Handloom Weaver Cooperative Society to ensure fair trade practices and the preservation of local traditions. Their product line includes everything from stunning handwoven scarves to larger yardage fabrics, all made using dyes derived from natural sources such as turmeric, lac, leaves, and bark, emphasising their commitment to sustainability.

But Eri Weaves is more than just a brand; it is a movement that aims to uplift and empower the women of Iapngar, a village in the Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya. These women are the backbone of the company, skillfully hand-spinning the Eri silk yarn in a community-driven effort that ensures economic sustainability for many families. By offering these women a steady income, the company is playing a crucial role in empowering them while keeping the legacy of Eri silk weaving alive.

The Eri Weaves Founders’ Backstory: A Tale of Resilience

The story of Eri Weaves is a testament to the strength and perseverance of its founders. Kong Iaishah Rymbai, a school teacher by profession, had always been involved in weaving as a way to support her four daughters after she got divorced at the age of 20. Her journey was not easy, and the hardships she faced as a single mother were immense. However, the spirit of entrepreneurship and the desire to create something meaningful drove her to start Eri Weaves in 2019.

The catalyst for the brand’s creation came in 2018, when a scarf order was delayed due to a yarn shortage. This setback made Kong Iaishah Rymbai realise how limited the knowledge of spinning and weaving was in the region. Determined to find a solution, she gathered a team and partnered with local cooperatives to ensure a steady supply of quality yarn. What began as a side project to supplement her income soon grew into a full-fledged business that now provides livelihoods to over 100 families.

However, Eri Weaves wasn’t without its challenges. The company struggled with a significant debt of Rs. 35 lakh, which made it difficult for Kong Iaishah Rymbai to expand the business. Despite working tirelessly as a teacher and a businesswoman, she found it nearly impossible to pay off the loan. As she emotionally shared during her pitch on Shark Tank India, "I know the value of Rs. 100"—a powerful statement that captured the essence of her journey and the determination it took to build the business from the ground up.

Her story wasn’t just about personal struggles, though. It was about a larger mission—reviving Meghalaya's rich textile heritage and empowering the women in her community to become self-sufficient. With this vision in mind, Eri Weaves is slowly but steadily becoming a symbol of hope, tradition, and social enterprise.

The Shark Tank Pitch 

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When Kong Laishah and Lebaini Rymbai stepped onto the Shark Tank India stage, they came with more than just a business proposal they brought with them a story that would leave even the most hardened investors speechless. They were seeking an investment of Rs. 20 lakh for 12% equity in their company, valuing Eri Weaves at Rs. 1.67 crore.

The pitch itself was an emotional rollercoaster. The sharks were moved not just by the quality of the product but by the profound sense of purpose behind it. Peyush Bansal, co-founder of Lenskart, was quick to empathise with Iaishah’s situation, commenting, "You're stuck in a debt trap." Anupam Mittal, the founder of Shaadi.com, echoed this sentiment, explaining the risks of taking on more debt but also noting the potential for growth.

Namita Thapar, executive director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, couldn’t help but be moved by the emotional depth of their story. "There is nothing that women cannot do in this country," she declared, offering her support. After hearing Iaishah speak, Namita added, “For many, today’s episode can serve as an example. For many women, you serve as an inspiration.”

But the real twist came when Anupam Mittal and Namita Thapar joined forces to offer a deal. They agreed to invest Rs. 20 lakh for a 12% equity stake in Eri Weaves, marking a historic moment for the brand as it became the first from Meghalaya to secure investment on the show. With this deal, Eri Weaves not only received financial backing but also the mentorship of two business giants, something that will be instrumental in propelling the brand to new heights.

As Kong Iaishah Rymbai fought back tears, Namita reassured her, “I hope they’re tears of joy,” as the deal was finalised. This moment was not just a personal victory for the founders but a milestone for the entire state of Meghalaya, whose craft had finally been recognised on a national platform.