On December 21, The Local Boys cafe in Ukhrul hosted a vibrant candle-making and branding workshop. Sponsored by the Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA) and Haoram Farmers Producer Company Limited (FPCL), the event aimed to nurture local talent and empower aspiring entrepreneurs. Drawing over 40 enthusiastic participants, the workshop featured hands-on training in candle-making and an insightful session on branding.
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The Local Boys: A Hub for Community and Creativity
Founded by Kachuimi Luithui and Jolison Woleng, The Local Boys is known for its youthful energy and purpose, and caters especially to the youth, students, and families seeking quality food. This cafe introduces a refreshing perspective with its clean, vibrant space and mission to make good food accessible to all.
The minimalist interior design, paired with ample natural light and stunning window view creates an inviting atmosphere. The large seating area fosters a sense of community, making it a favorite hangout spot for friends, students, and even families.
The cafe operates on a self-service model, adding a casual and efficient touch to the dining experience. Their menu is thoughtfully curated, featuring a mix of local and global dishes like Local Boys Ramen, Thai Stir Chicken, and the special Jajangmyeon, alongside comforting beverages such as Chai, Pikha, and Green Tea. The price points starting at just ₹20, is a testament to their commitment to affordability without compromising quality.
At its core, The Local Boys, with its clean aesthetics, budget-friendly offerings, and focus on creating a welcoming environment, promises an experience that feels both familiar and refreshing – much like its name suggests.
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Hands-On Candle-Making with October Pumpkin
The morning session was led by Rinchon Kashung Vashum, founder of October Pumpkin-shi Pvt. Ltd., a brand that blends creativity, sustainability and cultural preservation. Co-founded with Aleks Vashum, October Pumpkin is known for crafting quality soy wax candles housed in unique Longpi Black Pottery jars handmade by Tangkhul Naga artisans, showcasing how artistry and sustainability can create a lasting impact.
Rinchon’s session was a masterclass in crafting high-quality, eco-friendly candles while emphasizing sustainable practices. Participants learned techniques like molding, wick selection, mixing scent, and selecting wick and wax. They had the unique opportunity to create two candles – one under Rinchon’s guidance and the second independently. Adding a creative twist, participants named their candles and designed stickers based on the emotions evoked by the scents they created. This hands-on experience left attendees with new skills, tangible products, and a deeper appreciation for the artistry of candle-making.
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The Branding Session by Pikhāchā Design
The afternoon session on branding brought a fresh perspective to the entrepreneurial aspirations of the participants. Led by the talented team from Pikhāchā Design, including Thorigso Luikham (Product Designer), Wungramvao Shimray (Lead Designer), and Lungshai Leisan (Visual Designer), the session offered a deep dive into the art and strategy of branding.
Founded in 2022, Pikhāchā Design is a creative agency rooted in the culture of Northeast India. Their journey began in 2010 when the founding members, united by their passion for creativity, met and began collaborating. Over the years, their evolution from The IO (Input Output) to Pikhāchā Design was marked by milestones like the Zhereih project in 2021, which solidified their focus on culturally relevant, purpose-driven branding.
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The workshop reflected Pikhāchā’s approach of making branding simple, humble, and accessible – much like the meaning of their name, “Black Tea.” The team guided participants through essential branding elements such as brand identity, color theory, typography, and storytelling. They highlighted how these components work in harmony to create impactful brands. Case studies of Zhereih and Barak Foods, two local brands offering similar fruit candy products, illustrated how thoughtful design can diversify audiences and elevate a brand’s presence.
Through Zhereih, Pikhāchā showcased how blending cultural identity with modern branding bridges the gap between tradition and contemporary appeal. Similarly, their work with Barak Foods demonstrated how strategic branding can foster inclusivity and reach a broader customer base. These success stories indicated by sales before and after branding, inspired participants to apply similar strategies to their own ventures.
The event also featured a special address by Wungreithan RA, a representative from Haoram FPCL. Known for its community-driven initiatives, Haoram FPCL reaffirmed its commitment to fostering skill-building programs that promote organic and sustainable practices. Wungreithan highlighted the role of MOMA in supporting local entrepreneurship and emphasized the importance of such initiatives in unlocking the economic potential of the region.
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Participants enjoyed THAPO’s wine, unlimited pikha (red tea), and food from The Local Boys. The event featured a product exhibition and a wine-tasting session, showcasing homegrown organic brands like THAPO’s Misty Hills and Eshilo from Ukhrul, Barak Foods and Zhereih from Senapati. Attendees received tote bags designed by Pikhāchā Design, filled with goodies like fruit candies and eco-friendly meeting essentials.
This workshop was a testament to the collaborative efforts of MOMA, Haoram FPCL, October Pumpkin, Pikhāchā Design, and The Local Boys who together inspired and empowered local entrepreneurs. By blending creativity, sustainability, and community spirit, the event marked a significant step toward fostering skill development and economic opportunities in Ukhrul.
(This is a sponsored publication)
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