knot your average

Jesmina Zeliang approaches design as a lifeline, deeply intertwined with the growth of community and preservation of culture

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For Jesmina Zeliang, weaving is a metaphor for life. Through Heirloom Naga, Jesmina threads together culture, community, and sustainability, transforming the lives of women artisans in Nagaland while fostering a dialogue that transcends borders. Her journey reveals a deeply philosophical approach to design, one that prioritises humanity and heritage in equal measure. From its modest beginnings in the early 90s, Heirloom Naga has become a globally respected brand. What started with a single weaver has grown into a network of over 400 women artisans who craft exquisite textiles from their homes. "Only when women are financially empowered can they become changemakers," Jesmina says. "At Heirloom Naga, our artisans have total control over their work, ensuring dignity and sustainability."