In a small northeast state of Manipur, Eli found her calling amidst tea gardens and community aspirations. As the founder of Dweller Teas, she has crafted a brand that not only offers authentic flavors but also champions sustainable livelihoods. A trendsetter in grassroots entrepreneurship, Eli’s journey from a small-town dreamer to an inspiration for women across Northeast India is nothing short of remarkable. In this exclusive interview with OurTimes Magazine, she shares her vision, challenges, and the essence of her brand’s story.
Q.First of all thank you Eli for joining us to talk to us about you and how you started this amazing brand. We’ve all loved dweller teas since the start and we would like if you could tell us a little bit about yourself again.
Thank you for having me. I’m Eli from Manipur, founder of Dweller Teas, a grassroots-origin brand sharing authentic flavours while supporting sustainable livelihoods. Inspired by my childhood memories of indigenous fruits like Hei-mang (Sumac Berry), I’ve made it my mission to preserve traditions and create naturally delightful sips that bring joy and care to your day.
Q.How has entrepreneurship for working women in NE India changed in the last few years.
Entrepreneurship among working women in Northeast India has seen progress in recent years. There are still challenges, but it’s amazing to see how women are building businesses rooted in their identity, culture and community. With better networks, market access and collaboration, I believe women entrepreneurs in the Northeast can achieve even greater heights.
Q.Do tell us how the concept of Dweller gave birth and has it been teas from the beginning or was there something else?
The concept of Dweller was born from a deep love for home, people and the simple joys of life. Growing up in Manipur, I was surrounded by the richness of local flavours and ingredients, which stayed with me even after moving away. I wanted to create something that not only preserved these memories but also shared them with others in a meaningful way.
From the very beginning, tea felt like the perfect way to bring this vision to life. Tea isn’t just a beverage – it’s a moment of comfort, a connection, and a way to share stories. While Dweller started with teas, the idea was always to highlight the local strengths of our region, whether through our unique blends or by working closely with communities to bring their strengths to the forefront.
Dweller has always been about more than tea – it’s about celebrating our roots, uplifting local livelihoods, and creating moments of joy for people everywhere.
Q.On a bad day when you feel you’re out of energy to captain the ship, what do you do to take yourself back to the game?
On days when I feel drained, I take a moment to listen to music and spend some time alone to recharge.
But more than that, it’s the support of my team. They’ve stood by me through thick and thin, and their belief in our shared vision is uplifting. Knowing that we’re in this together gives me the strength to refocus and keep moving forward.
Q. Why is dweller different and what can we learn from how it is structured as a business?
We don’t just make tea.. we share stories, preserve traditional practices, and empower local livelihoods. Our blends are inspired by the unique ingredients and flavours of Northeast India, crafted with care by Dweller Nenes, our team of women makers. It’s a grassroots-origin brand built on collaboration. We work directly with local growers, women gatherers, ensuring fair practices and shared growth. This approach creates a strong connection between our products and the people who make them.
Q.What advice would you give to women who want to start a business?
My advice to women who want to start a business is to believe in yourself and your vision. There will be challenges, moments of doubt, and times when things feel out of control, but focus on building a strong foundation. Reach out to others, embrace your strengths, and stay committed to continuous learning.
Q.Do tell us what entrepreneurship means to you, and the team at Ourtimes wishes you a lifetime of success to you and your team.
To me, entrepreneurship is about creating something meaningful that can make a positive impact. It’s a journey, where you get to shape your own path while uplifting others along the way. At Dweller, it’s about preserving traditions, supporting local livelihoods, and sharing joy through our products.
