Urlong Tea: From the Heart of Khasi Hills to the World – A Journey of Tradition, Innovation, and Community Empowerment

I was born into the gentle embrace of Meghalaya’s Eastern Highlands, where the mist rolls in like an old friend and the land speaks in stories. I’ve always treasured my roots and embraced my identity as a source of strength—even in the face of challenges. I truly believe that community is power, and culture is wealth.

My journey didn’t begin in a boardroom but in the fields of Mawlyngot, where tea grows stubbornly on rocky mountain soil over 1,600 meters above sea level. With a background in horticulture and a heart rooted in culture, I founded Longsha Private Limited—a startup driven by the dreams of farmers, elders, and changemakers. Through our certified brand, Urlong—which means "dreams come true" in Khasi—we are building more than just a business. We are nurturing a movement.

Nearly two decades ago, my family began cultivating tea with a simple, powerful idea: to create a livelihood ecosystem where parents could fund their children’s education through tea farming. I was around ten years old then, and those early years planted something deep in me. Eventually, I walked that path—launching my own artisan micro-factory to craft premium, small-batch teas. It may sound refined, but the journey wasn’t fancy—it was hands-on, raw, and real. I burnt my hands during countless R&D trials, learning through failures and small wins, slowly uncovering the magic behind each leaf. From that deep, hands-on process, I shaped the Urlong Tea Traditional Experience Model, weaving taste, ritual, and story. What began as trial and error became art—and that art made me one of the first Tea Artists from my community to bring this cultural experience to life.

Today, this model honors tea as wellness, connection, and memory. Every cup tells a story—of mountains, people, and purpose. And while the journey was rooted in culture, it was also grounded in a commitment to sustainability. For me, sustainability is not just a trend but a way of life passed down through generations.

Facing the crowded and competitive market landscape, I decided to adopt a Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) model to cut through the noise. The challenge was significant, especially when the products we were offering were unfamiliar to many. Initially, awareness within our local community was key, then expanded nationally, and eventually, I reached a global audience. I learned that it wasn’t just about selling tea, but about sharing a piece of our story and culture—creating connections that transcend borders.

This journey—one of patience, innovation, and commitment—has taught me that building a business is not just about selling products. It’s about crafting concepts that reflect who we are and what we can offer to the world. The work is never easy, but when the purpose is rooted in culture and the vision is clear, the rewards are deeply meaningful.

I carry the soul of tradition and the energy of innovation—walking a path that honors our ancestral knowledge while fearlessly exploring global frontiers and sparking conversations with every cup of tea.

As I continue to work with communities, I am reminded that true leadership involves honoring heritage while embracing the future. It’s not just about what’s sold—it’s about how we share what’s meaningful. Through this journey, we empower our local communities to realize the value of their skills and heritage, creating opportunities for them to thrive.

To those reading this, I urge you: honor your roots while fearlessly exploring the frontiers of what’s possible.

I carry no grand title—only the quiet resolve of an Indigenous woman entrepreneur, tea visionary, and storyteller—steeped in who we are and serving the world with hope.