Shillong, June 22: In an inspiring example of entrepreneurship and self-reliance, a young couple from a rural area of East Khasi Hills District has transformed their creativity and determination into a thriving small business, proving that innovation and hard work can create meaningful livelihood opportunities.
Founders of Forever Memories, Bah Affidavit Syngkli and Kong Haphilabet Kharbyngar, chose the path of self-employment rather than waiting for government jobs. Through their venture, they have not only established a steady source of income for their family but have also become an example for many young people seeking alternative career paths in Meghalaya.
At a time when employment opportunities, particularly in the government sector, remain highly competitive, the couple’s success story highlights the growing importance of entrepreneurship as a viable and sustainable means of livelihood.
Parents to two young children—a two-year-old and a nine-month-old—Bah Affidavit and Kong Haphilabet launched Forever Memories with the aim of securing a better future for their family. The enterprise specialises in designing and producing personalised fridge magnets, badges and keychains that allow customers to preserve cherished moments in a unique and creative form.
The couple regularly participates in trade fairs, exhibitions and public events organised by various institutions and organisations to promote and market their products across the state.
Speaking to media persons in Shillong, Kong Haphilabet said their mission is to help people preserve precious memories in an attractive and meaningful way. Customers can simply send photographs through WhatsApp or scan a QR code, and within approximately five minutes, the images are transformed into customised fridge magnets, badges or keychains.
According to the couple, these personalised products have gained popularity as gifts and return gifts for birthdays, family gatherings, celebrations, outings and other special occasions.
Despite beginning on a modest scale, the business has witnessed steady growth through perseverance, patience and confidence in their abilities. The couple revealed that much of their expertise was acquired through online learning platforms, particularly YouTube, where they learned various techniques for designing and producing customised products.
Bah Affidavit said memory-preservation products remain relatively uncommon in Meghalaya and expressed optimism about the sector’s growth potential in the years ahead.
He added that their primary motivation was to achieve financial independence and provide a secure future for their children through self-employment.
When asked whether they had availed themselves of financial assistance through government schemes or bank loans, the couple said they intentionally avoided borrowing due to concerns about repayment obligations during periods of slow business.
Instead, they invested their personal savings into the venture. Kong Haphilabet said each production machine costs between ₹50,000 and ₹60,000. At present, the business operates with four machines, along with a laptop and other equipment, bringing their total investment to approximately ₹3.5 lakh.
Recalling their early days, the couple said they initially started selling their products at the parking area market in Laitumkhrah. Although the enterprise is only about six months old, they have already built a loyal customer base and are receiving regular orders, reflecting the growing demand for customised keepsakes in the state.
The journey of Bah Affidavit Syngkli and Kong Haphilabet Kharbyngar stands as a testament to the power of creativity, innovation and determination. Their story illustrates that in an era of limited employment opportunities, entrepreneurship can offer not only financial stability but also a fulfilling and rewarding future.
Their venture, Forever Memories, is a reminder that success is not defined solely by securing a government job—sometimes, it begins with a shared dream and the courage to pursue it.
