Senapati (Manipur) [India], June 19 (HBTV): In the scenic hills of Senapati district, 38-year-old Nelly Chacheya is garnering attention for her eco-friendly handicrafts—delicate dolls made from discarded vegetable waste. A florist by profession, Chacheya is now celebrated as a dollmaker who transforms corn husks and silk into unique artistic creations.
Her journey began with a simple but powerful idea: to breathe new life into what others throw away. Using corn peel for the body and corn silk for hair, she began crafting dolls that combine creativity with sustainability.
‘I made corn dolls using corn peel and husk. I create beautiful pieces from this corn,’ Chacheya said.
Each doll is handcrafted, often adorned with dried flowers and painted with intricate detail. While they may appear modest, the dolls reflect hours of skilled effort and artistic refinement. What started as a personal hobby has now evolved into a small-scale business, drawing customers from across state borders.
Her studio in Senapati has become a hub for art lovers and eco-conscious consumers. ‘I came here to buy flowers and dolls, which are fascinating to me. She collected corn trash and transformed it into dolls. It's so beautiful,’ said Rachoyia, a customer.
Chacheya also customises her dolls to suit individual preferences, making each piece one of a kind. Her creations are particularly popular among young girls, and her success has inspired many in the local community to embrace handmade, sustainable products.
Her story reflects a growing movement in Manipur, where women in rural regions are turning to entrepreneurship to achieve financial independence. With the help of digital platforms and local community support, artisans like Chacheya are not only earning livelihoods but also preserving cultural traditions and promoting environmental awareness.
Her work serves as a compelling example of how art, sustainability, and empowerment can intersect—demonstrating that even discarded fragments of nature can be reborn as timeless treasures.
(ANI)