Zulanbemo Y. Odyuo, an 18-year-old from Wokha, Nagaland, is merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics to create unique, culturally inspired jewellery that tells the stories of his heritage. The young designer has set his sights on bridging past and present through his brand, ZuzuOdyuo Designs. While currently pursuing a BA degree at Japfu Christian College, Kigwema, Zulanbemo is balancing his studies with the demands of his brand, transforming his youthful passion into a thriving business.
“ZuzuOdyuo Designs is more than jewellery,” Zulanbemo explains, “It is about storytelling and visual expression, blending the richness of Naga heritage with modern design to create pieces that resonate with people.” He invites all on this creative journey, where art meets culture, and imagination knows no bounds.
A Humble Beginning of Zulanbemo’s Journey
Zulanbemo’s journey as a designer began during his higher secondary school years in Wokha. In his spare time, he experimented with beads and threads, creating simple but unique accessories. “Growing up, I was fascinated by the traditional jewellery worn by my family and community,” he says, recalling the influences that sparked his creativity. “I saw an opportunity to blend these cultural elements with modern styles, and as demand for my designs grew, I decided to turn it into a part-time business.”
With time, Zulanbemo invested in quality materials, expanded his online presence, and networked with potential customers, building ZuzuOdyuo Designs into a recognised brand.
The Vision behind ZuzuOdyuo Designs
The foundation of ZuzuOdyuo Designs rests on a clear and impactful vision. Through his jewellery, Zulanbemo aims to preserve traditional craftsmanship while incorporating modern elements. His goals for ZuzuOdyuo Designs are multi-faceted such as persevering traditional craftsmanship by incorporate traditional styles to keep Naga heritage alive in each piece, promote cultural exchange by creating opportunities for local artisans, offer jewellery that tells the stories of Nagaland’s heritage, connecting wearers to the land and its culture, create innovative designs that bring Naga culture to the world, provide employment and financial stability for local youth and establish a community-benefiting business that thrives on ethical practices.
“Growing up in Nagaland, I have seen the beauty of our culture and the struggles of local artisans. My vision is to bridge tradition and modernity, creating a platform for our heritage to thrive,” he says.
Breaking Stereotypes and Defying Societal Norms
Zulanbemo’s path has not been without challenges. Entering a traditionally female-dominated field, he faced scepticism. “Many questioned my choice, saying ‘Boys shouldn’t make jewellery,’ and doubting that I’d ever succeed”, the young designer narrates. Yet he was undeterred, turning the criticism into motivation. “To those who doubted me, your scepticism fuelled my resolve,” he asserts, “Jewellery making knows no gender; it’s about passion, authenticity, and dedication.”
Early on, Zulanbemo also faced hurdles online, with accusations of fake accounts, scam allegations, and disparaging remarks. However, his determination and love for his craft carried him through, and today, he stands as a testament to hard work and resilience, inspiring others to follow their passions.
A Milestone Moment: The First Major Order
A turning point for ZuzuOdyuo Designs came when a customer commissioned him to create brooches for a wedding. “The order was for groomsmen, blending traditional Naga designs with modern elegance. I was overwhelmed with gratitude—it was the validation I needed to push forward.” This significant moment helped Zulanbemo realise his potential as a designer, inspiring him to explore the creative possibilities in the world of jewellery.
Challenges on the Road to Success
Running a jewellery brand and balancing academic responsibilities is not an easy feat. Zulanbemo recounts the obstacles he encountered, including limited financial resources and the constant battle to expand his brand’s visibility. “Marketing and reaching a wider audience were initially difficult,” he reflects. Overcoming self-doubt and societal expectations required resilience, but each challenge only strengthened his resolve.
Today, ZuzuOdyuo Designs has successfully expanded across India, with a presence in states across Northeast India and in major cities like Delhi, Goa, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Social media, influencer collaborations, and online advertising have been instrumental in reaching this wide audience. His future goal? To take ZuzuOdyuo Designs international, establishing a strong network of artisans and designers to bring Nagaland’s culture to the global stage.
The Impact of ZuzuOdyuo Designs
The reach and impact of ZuzuOdyuo Designs extend beyond fashion. Zulanbemo’s venture actively promotes cultural preservation, engages the community, and fosters skill sharing. “Our workshops and local events have created a space for artisans to collaborate, share knowledge, and learn from each other,” he says.
Today, ZuzuOdyuo Designs also collaborates with VVN Entertainment Guwahati as their official jewellery designer, providing jewellery for shows and pageants—a step that has added prestige to his brand.
Core Values and Guiding Principles
When asked what makes his brand so successful, Zulanbemo shared that it all comes down to a commitment to core values and guiding principles.
“Authenticity is everything,” he said. “Staying true to Naga culture is at the heart of what we do. I want each piece to feel like a connection to our heritage.”
He continued, “Quality is also crucial. Exceptional craftsmanship isn’t just about appearance; it’s about respecting our culture and the work we do. It’s a responsibility we take very seriously.”
Zulanbemo remarked, “Empowering local artisans and fostering community engagement are key goals. ZuzuOdyuo Designs is more than a brand—it’s about creating something meaningful for everyone involved.”
Reflecting on Innovation, he explained, “I’ve always believed in merging tradition with modernity. By blending old and new, we’re able to create something timeless and relevant.”
“Sustainability is also a core value,” he shared. “Prioritising eco-friendly practices means we’re not just making jewellery; we’re building a sustainable future for our community.”
Guiding principles, he noted, play just as crucial a role in shaping his work. “Respect is foundational. Honouring culture, artisans, and heritage guides our decisions every step of the way.”
“Integrity is non-negotiable,” he said. “We operate with transparency and honesty, and it’s something I hold myself accountable to.”
“Accountability is essential. I take responsibility for every decision, every action. It’s a way of upholding our standards and values,” he added.
Collaboration is something he holds in high regard. “Collaboration with experts and artisans has enriched our designs and broadened our creative process. I believe in working together to bring out the best in what we do.”
Finally, Zulanbemo shared his perspective on continuous learning. “Embracing new skills, techniques, and knowledge keeps us evolving. It’s a principle that ensures we keep moving forward while staying rooted in our cultural legacy.”
The Creative Process
The creative and production processes at ZuzuOdyuo Designs reflect an artist deeply connected to his roots. “Inspiration comes from Naga culture, nature, art, and architecture,” Zulanbemo explains. He sources quality materials locally, immerses himself in research on traditional designs, and modifies techniques to keep his designs contemporary.
Each piece undergoes a meticulous production process, from conceptualisation to final inspection. Simple designs can take 10 to 30 minutes, while complex pieces may require hours or even days to complete. Every piece tells a story, bridging past and present, tradition and innovation.
A Vision for the Future
Zulanbemo’s vision for ZuzuOdyuo Designs is ambitious yet firmly rooted in his passion for Nagaland. He dreams of making his brand globally recognised, showcasing Nagaland’s rich culture and craftsmanship while empowering local artisans and uplifting the state’s economy. “I want to preserve and promote our traditions, create sustainable livelihoods for artisans, and inspire future generations of entrepreneurs in the Northeast,” he shares.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Designers
For those dreaming of entrepreneurship, Zulanbemo has valuable advice: “Identify your passion, research and learn about your industry, and start small. Build relationships, stay true to your vision, and persevere through challenges.” He also encourages aspiring jewellery designers to focus on quality, understand their market, and create a unique style that blends traditional techniques with modern aesthetics.
