Our Correspondent
Kisama, Dec. 5 (EMN): Lanchibemo Tsopoe, an entrepreneur, is empowering local farmers by using local resources to make skincare and wellness products from something that would otherwise go to waste. With his beauty products with the brand name ‘Tongphi Products,’ the enterprising man has goals. He has set up a stall at the Hortiscape displaying his products.
Tongphi Products are from the ‘Land of Plenty,’ Wokha district. The products are said to be organic in that they are based on Aloe vera, Papaya, lemon, and coffee among others.
Tsopoe spoke about his venture, which he started in 2018 August following a training programme on soap making that the department of Horticulture conducted. He said to have run an electronic products store prior to his venturing into manufacturing soap.
He is said to have gained satisfactory and positive feedback from customers, although at first, the people were hesitant about the new products being locally made.
Speaking to Eastern Mirror at his stall displaying a variety of soaps for skin and foot, he said, “The story of Tongphi Products is from a humble beginning and the name of the brand itself, ‘Tongphi’ is a word from Lotha dialect which means ‘Change.”
“Tongphi Products was first launched last year here in Kisama during this time. The response of the people was wonderful,” Tsopoe said.
“Despite apprehension at first about the quality of the products we have won the choice now. Since our products are purely natural, herbal and organic without artificial colours and elements.”
Tsopoe maintained that demand for the products had led to collaboration with Made in Nagaland in Kohima and Fusion Store in Dimapur. The products are on online stores such as Ilandlo.com and Amazon too.
‘The response now is positive and encouraging and we have also brought out new products: Tongphi Coffee Soap and Kacchi Lemon Soap,’ said Tsopoe.
As for future plans and innovations, he said that a shampoo bar also will be launched besides foot soaps and anti-bacterial soaps.
Tongphi Products are said to be certified by a national laboratory, does not have any side effects, and has grade-2 soap manufacturing license.
The prices of the products range from INR 40 to INR 100. The entrepreneur said raw products are purchased from local farmers.