A renowned florist/entrepreneur from Rikhumai Taphou Village in Senapati District.She is the Owner and Founder of DIANTHE Pvt LTD.

TOS: What inspired you to start Dianthe private Limited?

Chokhone: I was inspired by the vision of reviving the Mao village farmers’ floral market, so I founded Dianthe Pvt. Ltd. in 2021.My goal was to turn my interests into a profitable business that creates self-employment opportunities for youth while connecting farmers with urban consumers. This helps bridge the gap between supply and demand.

TOS: Can you tell us about your background and how it influenced your entrepreneurial journey?

Chokhone: I grew up in a modest farming family, which instilled in me the hardworking and entrepreneurial values of the Mao community. I hold an honors degree in Botany from Pune University and a master’s degree in Biotechnology from Assam Downtown University. I interned as a quality analyst at a pharmaceutical company in Bengaluru under a DST-DBT project and also worked as a lecturer for two years. My achievements include receiving a grant from RKVY RAAFTAR, being named one of the top 5 startups in India by the Regional Startup Network, and being selected for the AWARD fellowship through NDHI EIR.

TOS: What makes Mao a unique place for your business?

Chokhone: Mao, often called the land of flowers, fruits, and vegetables, has the charm of a quaint hill station in North-East India. It’s a popular travel spot in Manipur, known for its love of organic products and diverse flora. The fertile soil, nourished by spring waters and ideal climate, makes it the perfect place for Dianthe, which means “flower of the Gods.”

TOS: How does Dianthe Pvt. Ltd support local farmers and youth?

Chokhone: Dianthe Private Limited supports local farmers and youth in several ways:

Sourcing Locally: We obtain flowers and plants directly from local farmers, promoting fresh and sustainable products.

Farmer Partnerships: We create stable markets for local farmers, offer fair prices, and provide training in sustainable farming.

Employment Opportunities: We offer jobs to local youth in farming, processing, delivery, and other business areas, enhancing their skills and employment prospects. Educational Initiatives: We collaborate with community centers to educate youth on floristry, gardening, and entrepreneurship, inspiring future careers.

Community Engagement: We host workshops and events involving local farmers and youth to build community spirit and interest in agriculture and floristry.

Environmental Responsibility: We adopt eco-friendly practices like composting and sustainable packaging, setting an example of responsible business. Dianthe Private Limited uses its position to positively impact the local community by supporting agriculture, providing jobs, and nurturing future generations.

TOS: How do you differentiate yourself from other florist in the area?

Chokhone: At Dianthe, I act as a key mediator between local farmers and urban consumers through digital platforms. We focus on promoting local varieties suited to the region, minimizing the use of foam, plastic, and chemicals, and supporting sustainable farming practices. I’m committed to innovation and adding value to our products.

TOS: What types of products do you offer through Dianthe Pvt Ltd?

Chokhone: We offer a range of services and products tailored to meet the diverse needs of our customers such as; custom floral arrangement, event and wedding services, delivery services, subscription services, funeral and sympathy flowers, consultations and advice, fresh cut flowers, dry flowers, houseplants and succulents, seasonal blooms, gift baskets, home décor items, seasonal and holiday special.

TOS: How do you ensure the quality and authenticity of your products.

Chokhone: Ensuring the quality and authenticity of products is crucial for building trust and satisfaction among customers. For that we ensure:

Direct Sourcing: Source flowers directly from trusted local growers and wholesalers known for their quality and reliability. Establishing long-term relationships with suppliers ensures consistency in the freshness and quality of flowers.

Inspection and Selection: Personally inspect incoming flower shipments to ensure they meet the standards for freshness, appearance, and health Storage and Handling Implement proper storage and handling practices to preserve the freshness of flowers. This includes maintaining optimal temperatures, humidity levels, and using clean containers and water to prolong vase life.

Transparent Pricing: Provide transparent pricing that reflects the quality and value of your floral products. Avoid misleading pricing strategies and clearly communicate any additional charges or fees upfront.

Customization and Personalization: Tailor floral arrangements to meet individual customer preferences and specifications. Consult with customers to understand their preferences for flower types, colors, styles, and occasion-specific themes.

Customer Feedback and Satisfaction: Actively seek feedback from customers to gauge their satisfaction with your products and services. Use this feedback to continuously improve and address any concerns promptly.

TOS: What are the main challenges you face in running Dianthe Pvt Ltd, and how do you overcome them?

Chokhone: As a startup like any entrepreneur there’s a lot of challenges along the way with my little knowledge I face so much difficulty in ensuring financial stability, dealing with competition from established businesses, uncertainty and risk, customer acquisition and retention, legal and regulatory, scaling and operations, expanding into new. markets, supply chain issues etc. By proactively addressing these challenges and adapting strategies to meet customer needs we navigate obstacles effectively and position our business for sustainable success.

TOS: How has your business evolved since you first started?

Chokhone: Dianthe Pvt Ltd continues to evolve by adapting to market trends, embracing innovation and maintaining customer centric approach. By focusing on quality, sustainability and community involvement, our business aims to sustain its growth and maintain its position. We expanded our products to a wider variety and services, expanded its reach through online platforms and strategic partnerships, Recognize the importance of sustainability and embracing technological advancement.

TOS: What are your future goals for Dianthe Pvt Ltd?

Chokhone: As a florist company, Dianthe Private limited has several future goals aimed at growth, sustainability and customer satisfaction, Position as a trusted and innovative florist in the competitive market. Make this region a flower hub and provide a lot of employment to the locals.

TOS: How can consumers get involved or support Dianthe Pvt Ltd?

Chokhone: Support Dianthe Private Limited by purchasing our flowers, plants, or floral arrangements, which will help our business grow. Boost our visibility by sharing positive reviews on social media and review sites, engaging with our online content, and providing feedback on our products and services. You can also get involved in or promote our community and charitable efforts and choose sustainably sourced options to support our eco-friendly practices.

TOS: What Message would you like to share with aspiring entrepreneurs?

Chokhone: Dear Entrepreneurs and those on the brink of giving up, I understand that the entrepreneurial path is tough, filled with challenges and setbacks before reaching success. Choosing passion over financial stability is risky, but it’s essential to find purpose and meaning beyond material wealth. Although you might miss your former titles and the sense of power they brought, remember to follow your passion. Despite hardships, staying true to your heart will fuel your determination. Stay inspired, follow your bliss, and continue your journey.