Banana Fiber and Big Dreams: Gloria Awomi Champions Eco-Friendly Innovation in Zunheboto

April 7, 2025 7 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Zunheboto | April 7

Gloria Phuleshe, a dynamic and dedicated entrepreneur, has been making significant strides in both her professional and personal life.

Hailing from Satami Village in the Zunheboto District, Gloria is a Computer Assistant under RD Zunheboto, while also serving as the Media Secretary of the Sumi Totimi Hoho (STH). Her entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond her office duties, as she is the proud owner of Meraki Event Planner and Makeup Artist, based in Zunheboto.

In addition, Gloria has cultivated a unique brand identity through Musa Mix, a venture that produces eco-friendly products like bags, baskets, lampshades, and home décor, all made from banana fiber. Her innovative work stands out as a testament to her creativity and commitment to sustainability.

Speaking exclusively to The Morung Express, Gloria shared her passion for blending creativity with practicality. “Doing something based on our own ideas and creativity is what I prefer,” she explained. “I try to keep busy as possible because doing nothing makes me feel I’m nothing.”

Gloria’s journey is a blend of ambition and determination. After completing her higher secondary education at Love Dale School in Zunheboto, she pursued higher studies at Tetso College in Dimapur English Honours. Upon graduation, she returned to her village and initially worked in agriculture, cultivating paddy fields and producing sticky rice (Asüphà ajiu) —an essential staple for the village. Her success in producing 115 tins of sticky rice became the seed capital for launching her event planning business.

“My top priorities are my office duties, my business, and other activities come after my office work,” she emphasized. “Even if my business schedule is full, if my office demands my attention, I will always cancel my business plans to fulfill my duties as a Computer Assistant. Helping my community is my first responsibility.”

One of Gloria’s most notable ventures, Musa Mix, came to life when she sought to make use of her free time while assisting a family member in Dimapur. While browsing online, she discovered Runway India’s training program on banana fiber products. After completing the week-long course, she began creating eco-friendly products that support her livelihood and contribute to the local economy.

However, her success has not come without challenges. The primary hurdle she faces is the lack of access to sufficient banana fiber, as she does not yet possess the machinery required to produce it at scale. This limitation has impacted her ability to meet increasing demand for her products.

“I always wake up early and start working with banana fiber while cooking. Afterward, I go to the office to resume my duties, and once I return home, I continue working on my banana fiber creations,” Gloria said, highlighting her relentless work ethic.

Her efforts align with broader environmental concerns, as she explained, “It’s eco-friendly, and with the state government banning single-use plastic, banana fiber products could serve as a great alternative that benefits both the environment and local businesses.”

Currently, Gloria runs her business with a small but dedicated team of three, including herself. Despite her busy schedule, she remains committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, incorporating daily exercise and jogging into her routine to ensure her physical and mental well-being.