Evolving Amid the Crisis

Covid-19 and Entrepreneurship doesn’t go hand in hand. But an entrepreneur has to find a way to thrive. Talking to NET, young Entrepreneur from Assam Drubajyoti Deka reveals how he maintained his venture during this time of crisis.

The pandemic was a big blow on the world. How did it affect your world?

When this deadly pandemic started our operations were mostly crippled. We were at loss and confused as to what to do. Moreover, we were an e-commerce startup that too of handicraft and handloom. In producing some of the products including that of brass and bell metal we would require 4-5 artisans working together in a small areas. So for such products, there was no production from our side. However, we were able to continue with the handloom as the weavers weave separately so social distancing could be maintained during weaving.

How did you deal with the whole situation?

We are entrepreneurs and we have to thrive. So when in 4th April, Ministry of Health and Family suggested the use of cloth masks we thought this would be a great way to use our resources which would thereby benefit the people during the time. So, we started making cloth masks including Gamusa masks which sold like hotcakes. We sold around 10 lakhs of these masks.

Were there any issues in delivering the shipments because the lockdown was prevailing at that time?

Yes, there were some issues. The deliveries would get delayed. Usually, the shipments which would get delivered in 3-4 days would take 10-12 days. But, there were no options as the virus was at the peak and the government had been taking measures to contain the virus.

How much time do you think it would take for Brahmaputra Fables to get back to its PreCovid state?