At just 21, Yangmila Zimik from Manipur transformed personal struggles into a story of success, resilience, and empowerment. Defying societal stigma and financial challenges as a single mother, she created Shirin Products, a thriving food brand that now champions local flavors and uplifts her community.
A Journey Born of Adversity
In 1991, Yangmila welcomed her son into the world under challenging circumstances. Unmarried and abandoned by the child’s father, she faced the daunting task of raising her child alone. Despite the emotional and financial hardships, she resolved to provide for her son.
“Neither he nor his family took responsibility for the child. I didn’t receive alimony. But how could I turn my back on my child? I took on all the responsibility,” Yangmila recalls. After her father’s passing, who had initially supported her, she became the sole provider.
To make ends meet, the Class 10 dropout pursued various small-scale businesses—selling vegetables, second-hand clothes, running a tea shop, and even trying her hand at poultry farming. Despite numerous setbacks, including market failures and bird flu outbreaks, Yangmila’s determination remained unshaken.
Humble Beginnings with a Spark of Inspiration
In 2015, inspired by childhood memories of candies made from wild fruits, she began experimenting at home with gooseberries and other fruits from her village. With just ₹500, she bought a tin of gooseberries and sugar, creating her first batch of candy. Though most of the initial batch was distributed as free samples to friends and local shops, she earned ₹650. Encouraged by this modest success, she reinvested her earnings and gradually expanded her product line.
In 2016, armed with basic training in candy-making through organizations like PASDO and ICAR, she officially launched Shirin Products. From gooseberry candy, her repertoire grew to over 40 varieties, including pickles, candies, and squashes made from wild fruits and vegetables sourced locally.
A Thriving Business Rooted in Community
Today, Shirin Products sources raw materials from over 100 farmers across 20 neighboring villages and employs six local women. With her 5,000-square-foot kitchen garden, she grows vegetables like radish, broccoli, and lettuce, which are integral to her pickles.
“Pickles made from green chilies, yongchak (monkey beans), radish, and perilla are among our best sellers,” Yangmila shares. Her products, featuring unique flavors of the Ukhrul hills, have garnered a loyal customer base across Manipur, Assam, Nagaland, and even cities like Mumbai and Delhi. Monthly sales exceed ₹1 lakh, with a profit margin of 25%.
Challenges in a Conflict-Ridden State
Despite her success, Yangmila continues to face challenges, including the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, which has disrupted markets in several districts. “We’ve lost markets in at least three districts due to the ongoing war between tribes. But the horticulture department has been a great support,” she shares.
Additionally, limited space in her small shed poses constraints on further expansion and creating additional employment opportunities. However, Yangmila remains optimistic and plans to leverage social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to grow her business.
Recognition and Resilience
Yangmila’s journey has earned her national recognition, including the Vijaya Lakshmi Das Entrepreneurship Award (2020) and the Assam Women Entrepreneurs Award (2021). Even Chief Minister Biren Singh praised her on social media, describing her story as a testament to the resilience and potential of Manipur’s people.
Her son, Shangreiphao, who pursued a master’s degree in forestry, credits his mother as his greatest inspiration. “My ava (mother) is a very strong woman. From her, I’ve learned the true meaning of consistency and perseverance,” he says. Despite being a dropout herself, Yangmila ensured her son received a quality education.
Breaking Societal Barriers
For Yangmila, her journey is about more than business success. It’s about breaking societal norms and proving that circumstances don’t define one’s destiny. Her advice to women facing similar struggles is clear: “Do not feel bogged down by what happens to you. Nurture the talent given to you by God; be strong and courageous, and good things will happen.”
From starting with ₹500 and a tin of gooseberries to building a successful business that uplifts her community, Yangmila Zimik’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience, vision, and hard work can turn even the smallest opportunities into life-changing successes.