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A view of Heaven’s Delight mart located opposite to the SBI at Chumukedima in Dimapur.[/caption]
Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, June 3 (EMN): The idea of baking was never an option for the proprietor of 'Heaven's Delight' who was first a wedding planner.
The proprietor, Kikalema Jamir (but called as Atemla) who has designed for various beauty pageants in the state and other parts of the region and an occasional wedding planner, made the sudden shift to 'baking' which she says was never her dream.
During a conversation, Atemla narrated to
Eastern Mirror how she shifted from a designer-cum- wedding planner to a successful baker in the year 2002. She shared that her family has always been into home-baking; being the third among six children, she was used to seeing her siblings bake but never tried her hand. Until one fateful day that was: when she tried baking and the outcome, in her words, was something never expected.
Since then, Atemla's families and friends insisted on her pursuing baking. Initially she started baking from home as a ‘non-profit venture’. And her zeal to bake became her most important priority.
It was only in the year 2004, when she and her family felt the need to start up a business.
Blessed with 'multi-tasking' abilities, Atemla in the year 2004, feeling the need to focus more on her new baking venture called 'Heaven's Delight' had to bid adieu to designing.
Atemla says: ‘though I am not professionally trained, I have always been successful in every small venture by the grace of God.' Hence, the name "Heaven's Delight''.
As an extension of Heaven's Delight, 'The Cookies Shop' was opened in the year 2016 to cater to the ever growing demands, especially during festive seasons.
She bakes around 7 to 8 varieties of cookies, chocolates, pastries and numerous varieties of cakes are baked on orders. And she also provides catering service.
Her famous cookie is the 'butter crunch' commonly known as 'melting moments' by her regular customers. She says she is not so much into profit making but makes sure her bakes are pure and unique, making it a 'favourite' among those who taste it.
Also, Atemla is employed as a pharmacist.
Eco-friendly charity mart
After Atemla's father passed away in June 2017, her family felt the need to start a venture on his name. And after series of discussions, a convenience store with the name 'Heaven's Delight Mart' – dealing in all kinds of grocery items and local made products – was opened under the proprietorship of Atemla.
With an initiative to bring about environmental changes in the society, 'Heaven's Delight Mart' plans to run as a plastic-free-zone (except for the readymade packaged items). Atemla has requested the customers to always carry eco-friendly bags. Also, the mart provides non-woven cloth like bags and bio-degradable bags to customers.
On a loan from the SBI, 'Heaven's Delight Mart' was inaugurated on June 2. She says that after the loan is paid off, part of its earnings would be utilised for charity works. Nevetheless, discount would be given to students, orphans or people in need.
Atemla also plans to provide home delivery services in and around Chumukedima town in the days to come.
The mart was graced by Rev. Lanuyanger. And the guest of honour was Razovouto, chairman of Chumukedima Village.
Razovouto encouraged the people to focus more on self-employment opportunities while appreciating women entrepreneurship in the state. He impressed upon the proprietor to promote work culture and dignity of labour through her various initiatives.
Rev. Lanuyanger, while appreciating the initiative taken up by the family, encouraged all to work hard and live on honest earning. He also complimented the honest works of many Naga youth who are into self-dedicated businesses.
Interestingly, the proprietor hires only Naga youth; with an aim to provide employment opportunities to the youth populatiuon in the state. She has around 10 full-time Naga youth working in her establishments. During festive seasons, and as per requirements, she also hires more youth on part-time basis.
