In a bustling world of entrepreneurship, amidst the glimmer of success and the trials of adversity, there exists the captivating tale of a courageous individual who turned her passion for creativity into a thriving business venture. Meet Arenpongla Jamir, the founder of “Stones Planets and Earrings” (SPE), a business that not only radiates elegance but also personifies the spirit of “perseverance.”
For Arenpongla Jamir, the journey into the world of earrings began with a childhood steeped in creativity. “My mother and aunt have always been crafty and would make tribal jewellery,” she reminisces fondly. “I witnessed their moments of crafting growing up, and this creative environment nurtured my strive to want to create and make accessories of my own.”
For Jamir, her battle with cancer profoundly influenced her entrepreneurial journey. “Being diagnosed with cancer puts many things into perspective for me”, she reflects. “It is only when you realize the certainty of death, that you start thinking of the things you missed out on, and wishing that you had done it. Surviving cancer made me realize that I should not put off the things I want to do In life. I want to use my second lease in life to live as creatively and voraciously as I can, without any regrets”, reflects Jamir.
In early January 2020, Arenpongla was diagnosed with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC), a challenging diagnosis that coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the uncertainties surrounding her health and the world’s situation, Jamir embarked on a journey that led to the establishment of her jewelry business.
“Throughout my cancer treatment, which occurred amidst the pandemic’s chaos, I experienced a whirlwind of emotions and challenges. The lockdown restrictions further isolated me, amplifying the feelings of uncertainty and anxiety as I underwent intensive medical procedures,” says Jamir.
As treatment concluded, Arenpongla found herself confined at home, awaiting the outcome of tests and scans to determine the efficacy of the treatment. It was during this period of waiting that the young Cancer survivor and her mother stumbled upon a jewelry kit online. With a desire to express gratitude to friends and loved ones who supported them during the tumultuous times, they decided to craft earrings as tokens of appreciation.
“Little did we know that this seemingly small gesture would ignite a passion within me for jewelry making. The process of creating earrings not only provided a creative outlet but also served as a therapeutic escape from the challenges of illness and isolation. With each pair of earrings we crafted, I found solace and purpose amid the uncertainty that surrounded me,” says Jamir.
Driven by newfound passion and determination, Arenpongla and her mother began exploring the world of jewelry-making more seriously. What started as a simple gesture of gratitude evolved into a business venture fueled by passion, resilience, and a desire to create beauty amidst adversity.
Through perseverance and dedication, she says, “we transformed our hobby into a thriving jewelry business, offering unique designs crafted with love and dedication.”
Jamir discussed the challenges encountered during the launch and growth phases of her business, particularly amidst her recovery period. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledged the significant obstacle of fatigue, a long-term side effect stemming from cancer treatments. Initially, she struggled with prolonged periods of sitting and crafting her pieces due to this fatigue. However, over time, she found solace and empowerment in engaging in mental and physical exercises through her work. She highlighted how this active involvement aided her recovery by preventing stagnation and despondency amidst fatigue.
Referring to the questions asked about the impact of her personal journey on her business ethos and values, Arenpongla says, “Now that I look at life as a second chance, I work with the aim of sharing my love for jewellery making with as many people as I can. This has influenced my business in such that I try to make my pieces as affordable as possible, without compromising the quality, so everyone can share in the love of jewellery and accessories.”
When asked about what sets her earrings apart from others in the market, she emphasized the meticulous handcrafting process. “It is different because it is made by hands that have been through torturous rounds of needles,” she reflects, “But mostly it is different because I give emphasis to a certain niche of jewellery sourcing pearls and gemstones exclusively within India”. Her focus on creating jewelry with a unique blend of pearls and gemstones, distinguishes her pieces from the rest.
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Jamir stated balancing creativity with the demands of running a business is no easy feat. For Jamir, social media serves as both a platform for creativity and a tool for marketing. “They both go hand in hand,” she explains. “The balance is between keeping up with social media schedules while overcoming the urge to constantly stay sat next to my very messy table where all the craft happens.”
“When faced with setbacks or challenges, I find motivation and resilience through the nurturing and supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs on Instagram’s small business network, where we offer each other encouragement and support”, shares Arenpongla.
The cancer survivor further acknowledges, “Being asked to share my story with the Nagaland Tribune and being acknowledged by the Yimyu Baptist Church Women’s Ministry, Mokokchung, for my entrepreneurial efforts, today marked a significant milestone in my entrepreneurial journey; an honor I will forever cherish with pride.”
In response to how she gives back to the cancer survivor community, Jamir emphasized her commitment to openness about her diagnosis. “I believe in being transparent about my cancer journey, hoping to spark conversations and raise awareness about NPC in Nagaland,” says Jamir. Reflecting on the prevalence of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) in the region, she stressed the importance of shedding light on the condition.
“More than half of the people I know from Nagaland who have battled cancer have faced NPC. It’s crucial to break the silence surrounding cancer conversations and encourage early detection,” says Jamir calling for increased efforts from relevant authorities to make awareness and facilitate timely diagnosis, aiming to improve outcomes for individuals facing similar challenges.
Jamir shared invaluable advice for peers facing health challenges, emphasizing resource utilization and prioritizing health. “Make use of the many resources available online and adapt your skills to your limitations,” Jamir advises. Stressing the importance of health, she urges “Always remember to put your health first.”
Looking ahead, Jamir outlined ambitious goals for her business, expressing aspirations to establish a website with a personalized domain. “In the future, I hope to build a website with my own domain for SPE,” reveals Arenpongla. Additionally, she hopes to expand her skill set, including wire work, clay modeling, and jewelry smithing, to enhance her designs.
