Rajshree Upadhyaya | Business Remedies | In the serene village of Iapngar in Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya, where weaving is not merely an occupation but a way of life, Kong Iaishah Rymbai began shaping what would become EriWeave in 2019. A schoolteacher and traditional handloom weaver, she had grown up surrounded by the quiet rhythm of spinning wheels and looms. Yet, she also witnessed the gradual decline of structured opportunities for local artisans, especially women who possessed extraordinary weaving skills but lacked market access and steady income. Determined to bridge that gap, she founded EriWeave with a vision rooted in sustainability, heritage preservation, and community empowerment.
EriWeave was born from a deeply personal turning point. In 2018, Iaishah faced a major setback when she could not fulfil a scarf order due to a shortage of quality yarn. That experience exposed weaknesses in the local supply chain and inspired her to build a stronger ecosystem for Eri silk production. By collaborating with local weavers and the Raid Iapngar Handloom Weaver Cooperative Society, she began creating a structured network that ensured consistent raw material sourcing and dignified employment for rural women.
The enterprise focuses on hand spun Eri silk yarn, hand woven Eri silk fabric, and finished textile products such as stoles, scarves, and running fabrics. What sets the brand apart is its emphasis on eco- conscious processes. The silk used is cruelty free, as Eri silk allows the moth to emerge before spinning begins. The yarn and fabrics are coloured using natural dyes derived from lac, turmeric, leaves, and tree bark, ensuring that every piece reflects both environmental responsibility and cultural authenticity. Over time, the brand’s handwoven stoles emerged as bestsellers, resonating strongly with customers seeking ethical and artisanal fashion.
While the groundwork began in 2019, the business took a formal leap when it was incorporated as ERI WEAVE PRIVATE LIMITED on 21 July 2022 under the Registrar of Companies in Shillong. Around the same time, the brand was incubated under the PRIME Meghalaya initiative and officially launched at the PRIME Startup Hub in Shillong. This institutional support provided mentorship and structure, helping the enterprise transition from a grassroots initiative into a growing textile company.
National recognition arrived when EriWeave appeared on Shark Tank India Season 4. Iaishah, accompanied by her daughter Lebaini Rymbai, presented not just a business pitch but a powerful narrative of resilience, single motherhood, and the desire to uplift more than a hundred artisan families connected to the weaving network. Their authenticity struck a chord with the investors. Anupam Mittal and Namita Thapar jointly offered Rs. 20 lakh for 12 percent equity, valuing the company at approximately Rs. 1.67 crore. The moment marked a significant milestone not only for the brand but also for Meghalaya’s entrepreneurial landscape.
The exposure accelerated EriWeave’s visibility across India. Orders expanded beyond local exhibitions to metropolitan markets, and online demand grew steadily. The company strengthened its supply chain, expanded artisan participation, and continued refining its product lines while staying rooted in its founding philosophy of sustainability and community first growth.
As of 2026, ERI WEAVE PRIVATE LIMITED remains an active registered company under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, confirming that the brand is currently operational. From a small village loom to a nationally recognised ethical textile enterprise, EriWeave’s journey reflects how traditional craftsmanship, when supported by structured entrepreneurship and strong storytelling, can find renewed relevance in modern India while preserving cultural identity for generations to come.
