IMTISENLA JAMIR | Mokokchung Times

 

Everyone has the potential for creativity; how we conceptualize it makes the difference. It’s also commendable to mention how creative people can come up with their own original creations. They initially put in a little more effort, and their works later evolve into the most notable and universally praised masterpieces.

 

Irene Sungbeni

 

Having said that, today, Mokokchung Times would like to share an exclusive conversation with Irene Sungbeni, the proprietor of Humtsoe Crafts and a pioneering designer of clay jewelry from Nagaland.

 

Irene Sungbeni is a self-taught creator of handmade clay jewelry and the owner of the business “Humtsoe Crafts” on Instagram. It is also worth noting that Irene is determined to learn whenever the chance arises. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from SD Jain Girls College in Dimapur. Irene is supported by her parents, two brothers, and two sisters.

 

Irene not only designs jewellery, but she also plans events and works in churches and ministries. Irene discovered a passion for clay design and seized the chance to launch Humtsoe Crafts in the year 2017. Humtsoe Crafts is a home-based jewellery business that began with tassel earrings. Later, she moved on to working with beads, clay, and resin.

 

Irene described her fascination with clay jewellery when she first saw photographs of it on the internet. She is open to talk about how she quickly did a comprehensive Google and YouTube search, and over time she was able to discover a lot of ideas and techniques for making clay masterpieces.

 

 

Irene claimed that YouTube was quite helpful for starting her clay works because there wasn’t a clay jewellery creator in Nagaland at the time. She admitted that she put in a lot of effort during the lockdown since she couldn’t imagine where making clay jewellery would lead her.

 

Speaking from her experience as a clay jeweler, she expressed how difficult it can be for a jewellery designer to manage the tasks. Nonetheless, she outlined how the demand for handcrafted jewellery has grown in Nagaland. In general, she observed, “our market is competitive.” She continued by saying that she incorporates creativity and imagination into her work.

 

Also, Irene highlighted that her main medium of choice is clay, adding that only those who are really committed and knowledgeable about clays can successfully work with this material. She said that she did more than simply sit around creating things. She did admit that prior to making it a reality, she performed extensive research and assembled a rudimentary work of art. She said, “It feels like I spend most of my time designing.”

 

According to her, jewelry designers should exercise creativity and resist the urge to copy already-existing styles. She continued by adding that unique designs must be chosen in order to make the piece stand out.

 

 

Later, she said, “I create distinctive and eye-catching items, which ultimately improve my sales and the demand for jewelry.”

 

Speaking on the viability of local handmade products in the market, Irene noted that Nagaland is widely renowned for local handmade business and that demand for locally created jewellery is growing on a daily basis. Aside from jewellery, she does point out that numerous local goods like wine, soap, clothing, and other necessities, are exported to many other states.

 

The local handmade culture makes an effort to promote each of the various identities by collaborating, which in today’s generation is known as “fusion,” Irene said. Further, she mentioned that entrepreneurs enhance people’s lives and communities’ quality of life in addition to improving the economy as a whole.

 

Meanwhile, Irene exhorts all the upcoming artists to be passionate about whatever interests them. “We live in a world where people are starting to accept handcrafted items,” she urged. In addition, she stated that pursuing a profession in handicrafts might lead one to a variety of places, pointing out that the world of crafts is both colourful and difficult.

 

In her capacity as an entrepreneur, she acknowledged that she faces numerous difficulties, including the need to find the right raw materials, design the finished product, and make deliveries. Irene added that managing a business is not easy. She also suggested that customers should be more responsible and exact when communicating with business owners about orders or custom designs.

 

 

Regarding how she organizes and prioritizes her duties, she said, “One of my hidden keys to keeping the Humtsoe Crafts alive is being consistent.” She further stated that the aforementioned aids her in learning more and raising the bar on her work each day. While acknowledging that a digital business could be profitable, she also said that success depends on how one runs the business and markets oneself. She adds that she also wants to open a store, but for the time being, she is taking it slowly.

 

Also, it is noteworthy that Irene Sungbeni, the proprietor of Humtsoe Crafts, frequently organizes an event for the showcasing of her jewellery products. She also displays her jewellery items on various occasions.

 

 

She also collaborate with other local handmade designers on photo and video sharing social networking platforms such as Instagram, including @zaben_murry_design, @h_unghs_clothing_, @thj.scrunchies, and @muffets tea room (Muffet’s pantry) and more. Further, in addition to working with local designers, she also informed that she wants to work with those from other Indian states.

 

“I pursued a passion for jewellery making and event planning because I wanted to be an entrepreneur in addition to working in a variety of fields,” Irene stated. She recalled how her love for jewellery had been the driving force behind her decision to become a jewellery designer.

 

Sharing a thought with customers, Irene said, “Please respect the efforts that we are pouring into our jewelry creations that you wear.”

 

“We are without a doubt giving our best effort,” she adds, and concludes that it will all show in the pieces that you wear.

 

 

 

Mokokchung Times

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