Manipur’s diverse landscape is home to stunning flowers, and 27-year-old Khundrakpam Rani from Tera Lukram Leirak, Imphal West, has turned her love for them into a successful business. Inspired by her mother’s passion for gardening, Rani launched Dry Bloom in December 2020, specializing in wildflower bouquets and floral accessories.
From Passion to Business
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rani was inspired by social media to create long-lasting floral arrangements from wildflowers. Despite initial doubts, her first bouquet made from flamingo celosia received positive feedback, encouraging her to expand.
Initially, her mother, Khundrakpam Nandarani, was skeptical but later became her strongest supporter. Together, they experimented with wildflower dyeing and bouquet designs, which gained popularity.
Growing Success & Challenges
Rani balanced Dry Bloom while completing her master’s in botany at Manipur University. Despite setbacks due to unrest in Manipur, the business now earns around Rs 2 lakh per month, with customers across Delhi, Bengaluru, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Andhra Pradesh.
Eco-Friendly Approach
Rani follows sustainable methods, using non-toxic wildflowers like Anaphalis, andropogon, pampas, and maize husk. Flowers are naturally dried, hand-dyed, and handcrafted into bouquets, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Creating Jobs & Empowering Women
Beyond financial stability, Dry Bloom provides jobs for local women, helping them gain financial independence. Rani has also trained over 100 people in floral curation, inspiring others to explore creative entrepreneurship.
With continued expansion, Rani hopes to make Dry Bloom a household name in India and encourage more women to pursue their passions.
