Senchumbeni Tsanglao a self-taught Crochet Artist behind ” tender_crochet_boutique”
“ To preserve our culture and tradition of handicrafts I promote it through the art of crochet” – Meet Senchumbeni Tsanglao, a self-taught crochet Artist from Nagaland who pushes the boundaries of fiber by weaving her creative passion into a booming business.
Senchumbeni Tsanglao is based in Wokha Nagaland where she discovers the influences of crochet art creations at a young age by taking immense inspiration from her mother who has won many hearts wide and far and multiple contests through her captivating intricate designs. Growing up in that environment gave her the room of freedom to indulge in experimenting with new skills and creating novel things with her own hands. What sets her apart from fellow crochet enthusiasts is her innate ability to blend traditional techniques with innovative designs, a skill she cherishes as a tribute to her mother’s legacy. This exceptional technique is inseparable from memories of her mother. “My mother was one of the best designers in weaving traditional attires. Although she is in heaven now, she was a multi-talented woman and her works were remarkable. Her love for weaving, knitting, and stitching inspired me to walk in her footsteps and I promise to make her proud one day which I ‘am sure she will be proud of ”said Senchumbeni.
Senchumbeni identified her love for handicrafts since childhood but never did she realize that her means of passion would one day turn into a means of passive income. She started her sustainable crochet business in June 2022 on her Instagram handle @ tender_ crochet_ boutique and has since made numerous custom patchwork pieces. What began as a passion project quickly blossomed into a flourishing enterprise “Initially since my products were mostly for babies, I give it a thought and finally came out with a catchy name for my products and that’s how@ tender _crochet_ boutique brand was born”, she added.
What may appear sublime on the surface may be sometimes subsumed into strenuous efforts. Like many artists, Senchumbeni underwent an evolutionary process in her meticulous craftsmanship that defines her craft. Looking back, she was all by one’s self and is acutely aware of the encounter of copious adversities she would expose. She carries financial constraints and limited supporters as her biggest liability still this doesn’t stop her from creating incandescent masterpieces; her unwavering dedication to her craft propelled her forward. Subsequently, besides the agony and the challenges it is the support of her confidants and family which makes her business flourishes. You will inevitably feel drawn towards her father for being her biggest source of support system or what may be termed the backbone of her thriving business where he even wound balls out of the twisted hank yarns with eternal joyous symbolizing a lasting impression of a father’s boundless love and belief in her daughter’s talent. This image invokes advocacy of empowerment or asserts the conviction that her daughter’s efforts are highly appreciated. Her father, a pillar of support and unwavering encouragement, played a pivotal role in her business’s growth. At present, she is standing tall as his relentless feedback and encouragement are constantly uplifting her indomitable spirit. Such support has been instrumental in Senchumbeni’s flourishing career. “Being a crochet artist, I always put my concern and affection into all my creations. Sometimes I get discouraged, but my commitment to my clients always helps me to pull through. I take negative feedback as a challenge and the positive feedback I received from my clients encourages me to the core and makes me realize that I’m rightfully doing my job” the artist explained. She embraces both positive and negative feedback, using it as fuel to refine her skills and grow as an artist.
It becomes vivid that her story gives a glimpse of the enchanting world associated with fiber crafts, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who appreciate her work. She found herself captivated by crochet’s creative possibilities using her signature style creations. One of Senchumbeni’s remarkable recognizable traits was the creation of Anime character dolls until now when she makes the ultimate use of her imagination power effortlessly.Her masterpiece had considerable influence on the later innovative creations. Her distinct styles of dolls are seen on the babies’ cribs, bouquets on the tables, cardigans on the wardrobes, and bags on the shoulders. “I love making new things and love trying out new patterns every day and I’m pushing hard to learn and create unique masterpieces of my styles” stated Senchumbeni. She continuously seeks to learn and innovate, ensuring each creation is a masterpiece in its own right.
Beneath the surface of her appealing creations, there is here a deep misery that the artist has undergone. As a crochet artist sometimes the experience of creating something with just a yarn and a hook need not always be fascinating. “Like any crochet artist sometimes I become plain when I received custom orders but regardless of all, my love for my clients and their trust in me push my confidence in my creative journey and I create their pieces in no time. When my art can move someone or helps them get through during their hard times, it’s assured that I’m performing my job right”, said Senchumbeni.
The most complex custom order she ever completed was miniature ML characters, requiring meticulous attention to details with several colors into tiny dolls which also require many intricate needle works was a challenging task but Senchumbeni’s tireless efforts never fail to inspire and delight those who receive her amazing pieces. Her main goal is to leave an anecdote of inspiration and a phantom of delight to the people through her extraordinary pieces.Her joys seem visible when her clients find solace in her creation and she is always up for anything new.Like her mother, she has captured the hearts of many and taken the art of crochet to new heights. It feels like Heaven has come down to earth to demonstrate a miracle in her artistry realm. “Before embarking on my sustainable business venture I was helpless and I solely depended on my family for my needs and wants but I keep faith in God and believed that he will make a way for me and He did through this journey. Now I’m very much blessed and I thank God for everything I have today” .Through her unwavering faith in God and her passion for crochet, she has transformed her life, turning her craft into a means of self-sufficiency.
Senchumbeni expressed “I’m still in the learning process and I’ll need every one of your support to help me reach bigger platforms and opportunities”. Grateful for her journey, she remains humble and eager to learn, seeking support from her community to reach new heights and opportunities. Her recognition of artistry talent is meant to preserve the rich Nagaland cultural legacy led down by her ancestor’s bedsides embracing the tangible authenticity of her art form loaded with significance.
Talking about the future goals of expanding her business and collaborations she said “Growth is always on my mind. I aspire to take on more projects and provide my service to more clients. If it gets to the point where I need help, I would bring on other artists to help keep up with orders. Also, I would love to collaborate with local businesses to provide merchandise that will help grow and showcase their brands”. She brilliantly weaves her dreams into reality and hopes to extend her vision beyond her success by relentlessly aiming to empower the young generation of crochet enthusiasts in the enchanting world of fiber crafts.
To aspiring crochet artists, Senchumbeni offers words of encouragement. She stated“All I can say from my experience is that it’s never too late to follow your passion. If you love doing something, give it a shot and you will reap what you sow. Crocheting is not easy work and it requires a lot of patience and dedication so I would encourage those aspiring crochet artists to have patience and focus on their art. Believe in yourself and be confident in your talent, even if it takes time there is always a way to earn through your passion. I encourage them to keep our tradition alive and promote through handicrafts since it has always been a part of our culture”. Senchumbeni’s mission is clear: keeping the tradition alive and promoting the cultural heritage of Nagaland through handicrafts.
Today, Senchumbeni shines as a radiant light and stands as a beacon of inspiration to the crochet community. She has consistently manifested a true entrepreneurial artistry spirit by turning her passion into a successful business which has determined her basic identity as a crochet artist. Her crochet business had increased beyond her wildest dreams and has expanded the multitude of mastery of crafts while also preserving Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage of arts and crafts adding another achievement to her work. With each intricate creation, she demonstrates the boundless creativity and imagination of a true artisan. She expresses that becoming independent is the greatest milestone she has achieved so far. Her story carries narratives of sentimental nostalgia feelings and into the realization of appreciating her artistry business that distinctly gleams limitless growth, perseverance, patience, love, beauty, success, empowerment and infinite creativity.
If you desire to own a piece of Senchumbeni’s extraordinary craftsmanship, visit her Instagram page, @tender_crochet_boutique. From the comfort of your home, you can have her creations delivered right to your doorstep, as her delivery services extend across India. For direct inquiries, feel free to reach out to her via phone calls.
