BIZDEV: NAMYA – THE WEAVERS BOUTIQUE by Sonali Mohanty

FLO Bhubaneswar organized an event titled “BIZDEV: NAMYA—THE WEAVERSbBOUTIQUE” on September 21st, 2024. The event aimed to foster entrepreneurship and promote traditional Indian weaving crafts. A prominent entrepreneur named Sonali Mohanty spearheaded the program under the National Initiative—FLO Business Exchange.

The central theme of “NAMYA” was to celebrate and support local weavers, showcasing the intricacies of India’s traditional weaving techniques. The boutique format highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage through modern business practices, creating a sustainable market for handwoven products. The FICCI FLO entrepreneur shared valuable insights on how to blend traditional crafts with modern business models. The discussions emphasised building brand identity for handmade products, exploring both domestic and international markets, and leveraging digital platforms for promotion.

The event stressed the importance of sustainable business practices, focusing on ethical sourcing, fair wages for artisans, and reducing environmental impact. The boutique aimed to empower weavers by giving them the tools and knowledge to operate independently and compete in a competitive market.

The event also served as a networking platform, bringing together weavers, entrepreneurs, fashion designers, buyers, and influencers and hence these connections helped build a supportive ecosystem for local artisans, enabling them to collaborate and scale their businesses. Through these events, FICCI FLO continues to align its mission of societal development with economic empowerment, focusing on sustainable entrepreneurship and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Members Attended: 35