Woman spins success tale through local lifestyle products
Source: Chronicle News Service / Joyshree K Sharma

Imphal, April 12 2022: Clean, sustainable and cruelty-free is what brand KUMSHUNG is all about, a mindful lifestyle cosmetic brand that stands for more than just the products.

Changing the landscape of beauty and lifestyle in Manipur and India, KUMSHUNG is redefining everything that a beauty-lifestyle brand must stand for in today's day and age.

This one of a kind brand brings forward the concept of purposefulness, sustainability and humanity to the conscious.

A true revolu tion of its kind, Kumshung provides a wide range of vegan, sustainable, cruelty free products inspired by the purity of nature.

Founded and headed by Dr Sujata Wangkheirakpam, who is a combination of mother, working lady and entrepreneur, KUMSHUNG envisions invigoration of the state's economy through its products.

In set a tete-a-tete, Dr Sujata, who completed her Masters in Chemistry from Mumbai University and PhD in Manipur University (in Natural Product Chemistry) and is currently working as a lecturer in NIT, Manipur, said that the brand came as a breakthrough idea while she was in University, where she worked on a patent for her products since the year 2010 .

"I initially had two products and wanted patent rights for both for commercialisation," recounted Dr Sujata, adding that here endeavour received a shot in the arm after she processed for the patent while attending a programme at NIT Incubation Centre (IIC).

After receiving fund under the Manipur Start-Up Scheme, she decided to name her firm as KUMSHUNGBAM which signifies a place for processing Kum, the plant source of the beauty and lifestyle products.

Dr Sujata said she later shortened the firm's name to Kumshung and used it as the brand name, while for the logo she chose Moirangthoibi, who remains a symbol of strong and beautiful woman.

Regarding the products, Dr Sujata confid ed she uses essential oils for her top selling hair dyes in black and brown colours, soaps of six varieties.

As per the preference of customers and their feedbacks, she collaborated with soap scientists to make the products suitable for the users.

Further stating that materials used for packaging of the products give emphasis on sustainability and zero wastage regardless of the usual hardships familiar with almost all the entrepreneurs in the state due to lack of resources and funds, Dr Sujata confided she too faced serious hurdles during the formative stages of her firm, that even led to Some of her colleagues parting ways in search of secure jobs and income.

Expressing that lack of support to her endeavour in the initial stages might be related to the gender factor as women entrepreneurs generally have to prove their mettle before others back them, she, however had steely resolve to pursue her goal and debunk the concept that male are stronger and resilient than the women.

Dr Sujata also disclosed of initiating relevant process to receive manufacturing license for more lifestyle products and conveyed gratitude to the research team for helping and encouraging her.

Stating that she quite contented with whatever she has achieved thus far, the entrepreneur also sought continuous positive feedbacks of her products from the consumers so as to make the user friendly.

It is learnt that the ingredients used for her products mainly consist of coconut oil, lye, turmeric for acne, dry powdered herbs, castor, palm oils, nomangkha (scientific name Phlogacanthus thyrsiformis) leaves, lemongrass oil and Kum plant.

According to Dr Sujata, the hair dyes are ammonia free and she makes it mandatory to undertake intensive study, consult with subject experts and use the products herself before release of her products in the market.

KUMSHUNG presently has one each support staff, lab attendant, chemist and marketing executive while for chartered accountancy and technical support necessary personnel are engaged on part time basis as and when necessary due to fund paucity.

Stating that she plans to recruit more employees to expand the firm and create employment opportunities, Dr Sujata informed that she is working to manufacture and market nutraceutical products in the near future after installation of modern machineries in her firm.

She also expressed strong desire to launch a 'Do It Yourself' (DIY) shampoo within the shortest possible time.

Any interested consumer can purchase her products through the online platforms of Amazon, Meesho, India Mart, Panthoibi, Paona Mart, etc., or KUMSHUNG outlets opened in Singjamei and Manipur University areas.

She also advises women who are interested in starting their own start-up to foray into the same without any hesitation.

Noting that the presence of many women's groups in different parts of the state producing and selling toiletries, food items and other products of daily use testify characteristics of industriousness and resilience of Manipuri women, she, however, stressed on the importance of undergoing subject-specific training to maintain quality of any lifestyle products.

Having struggled herself, Dr Sujata said she will extend all possible support to womenfolk interested in becoming an entrepreneur.

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