…Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear courage, compassion… and carry the quiet power to change lives… Such a woman is Artilin Row Thangkhiew… one who has consciously chosen purpose over noise and built an ecosystem where impact matters far more than applause.

Artilin’s Artful Enterprises

From the misty hills of Shillong, Meghalaya to the buzzing heart of Mumbai, Artilin has brought together over 100 farmers to bridge a long-ignored gap between rural producers and urban markets… ensuring dignity, fair value, and visibility for indigenous growers through Country Spices.

By directly bridging the gap between indigenous farmers, their ancestral spices, and modern markets, she has transformed livelihoods while preserving provenance. Through fair partnerships, buy-back assurances, and uncompromising quality, Artilin ensures that the stories of the soil travel intact… from Meghalaya’s fields to India’s urban tables… creating a model of entrepreneurship where commerce becomes a conduit for dignity, sustainability, and shared growth.

As CEO of ETPL India and CEO of Country Spices, Artilin’s leadership spans industries, yet her core philosophy remains unwavering: growth must be inclusive, ethical, and human. Her work doesn’t stop at commerce. Through her travel venture, PoArt Travels & Tours, she channels proceeds toward caring for stray animals… turning journeys into acts of kindness and travel into a tool for social good.

A survivor, a storyteller, and a healer at heart, Artilin is also the author of Pink of Hope & Love, a deeply personal book born out of resilience and grace, now available on Amazon. The book stands as a testament to her belief that even in the darkest tunnels, light finds a way.

Her mission to spotlight Meghalaya’s rich culinary heritage takes centre stage at the Meghalaya Spice Event, unfolding in Mumbai at Jio World Drive on February 27–28, 2026 to March 1, 2026… a cultural ‘not-to-be-missed’ showcase that celebrates ancestral spices, sustainable farming, and the stories behind every harvest.

In fact, it was Artilin who encouraged the Meghalaya Government to bring the Meghalaya Spice Event to Mumbai, astutely gauging the growing interest and demand across Mumbai and Gujarat. Asked to elaborate, Artilin shares, “I discussed the idea with Mr. Maqbool several times, passionately advocating for a Mumbai showcase, until it finally became a reality. “

The Meghalaya Spice Festival is now set to unfold at Jio World Drive on February 27–28, 2026 to March 1, 2026... a moment of pride for Meghalaya and a landmark cultural showcase for the city.

Furthermore, Artilin is also the proprietor of Poart Enterprise and is working in partnership with the Meghalaya Government (MAL, MEGNOLIA) to put up this majestic event end-to-end.

Artilin adds, “With the support of the Honourable CM, Commissioner Dr Vijay Kumar, Mr Maqbool, Mr Robert, Ms Saloni and the Government officials from DOFP, Agriculture, MEGNOLIA, MAL…  today, together we are rolling this festival end to end out.”

In true TheGlitz spirit, Artilin Row Thangkhiew is a woman of substance with a conscience, leader with a soul, and successful entrepreneur who uplifts many. She doesn’t just build brands… she builds bridges, communities, and hope.

In an exclusive conversation with Sumita Chakraborty, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, TheGlitz, Artilin Row Thangkhiew, opens up about resilience, indigenous empowerment, and the quiet power of entrepreneurship rooted in empathy… revealing how vision, courage, and compassion can shape economies and touch lives far beyond balance sheets.

In Conversation with Artilin Row Thangkhiew

You began your entrepreneurial journey in 2004. What inspired you to build Country Spices as a brand? What sparked the idea?

Artilin Row Thangkhiew – I had been in the corporate sector for nearly 15 years. I worked across different corporate environments in IT, and my last role was in fact in Mumbai.

I studied across Delhi and Bombay and completed my PGDM from the Oberoi School of Delhi. I also completed a program at ISB Hyderabad, where I won the Women’s Business Award for the best business plan in 2011… during my entrepreneurial journey itself.

I am originally from Shillong, Meghalaya. Whenever I would go home for holidays, I realised there was a huge gap in the IT sector. IT was still very new in India around 2000. During one visit, I met a fashion entrepreneur who was struggling with basic IT issues like hardware lock keys and banking software. I found myself explaining how these systems worked, and that’s when I realised how much support and education was needed.

In 2004, I resigned and came back to Shillong for six months just to study the market. That’s how our first company, ETPL India, was born which focused on IT software and services. We were also the first in the state to roll out employable skill programs for Class 12 students, graduates, and engineers, even before NSDC existed.

How did Country Spices emerge from this journey?

Artilin Row Thangkhiew – While travelling to our training centres across Meghalaya, I noticed farmers struggling to sell their produce. I saw people carrying goods, walking long distances, trying to find buyers. When I asked why there was no market access, they said they didn’t know where to sell beyond local mandis.

That’s when I thought… why not Mumbai? In 2015, I began introducing Lakadong turmeric, which now has GI tagging. Initially, I didn’t even package it. I simply distributed it among friends, support staff, and well-wishers. The feedback was incredible.

That’s when I registered Country Spices, completed FSSAI formalities, trademarked the brand, and began packaging. Our first markets were the farmer’s markets in Mumbai. Today, we also have an e-commerce platform where customers can order directly.

Entrepreneurship comes with challenges. What were some key lessons you learned along the way?

Artilin Row Thangkhiew – Persistence and patience are everything. You have to follow the process, follow government guidelines, and not chase quick money. If you look for shortcuts, the business won’t last.

Quality, customer service, and marketing must align with what the customer truly needs. There were many learnings… right and wrong decisions… but you have to stay open and adaptable to move forward.

Country Spices collaborates with over 100 farmers across Northeast India. How did you build these rural partnerships?

Artilin Row Thangkhiew – Country Spices was started with the sole focus of supporting farmers. We don’t buy from traders to repackage. We go directly to the fields.

We identify crops, fund cultivation, and offer buyback assurance. For example, perilla seeds… rich in omega-3 and omega-6… were not known in Mumbai earlier. We identified the demand, supported farmers financially, and bought the produce back from them. This builds trust and confidence.

Is this farmer collaboration supported by the government?

Artilin Row Thangkhiew – Absolutely. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without government support. The Meghalaya state government is extremely entrepreneur-friendly.

From the Chief Minister to officials across agriculture, horticulture, and farmer departments, the support has been 100%. I always say this at trade fairs… few states support entrepreneurs the way Meghalaya does.

Looking back at your journey, are there milestones you cherish?

Artilin Row Thangkhiew – Spices are a niche market. It’s a very different ballgame. But my milestones include entering the B2B bulk segment, supplying to hotels, introducing products like black sticky rice, Bhut Jolokia, and Lakadong turmeric to chefs and food connoisseurs.

We also created a reseller network… housewives, students, and individuals who earned commissions through word-of-mouth sales. That grassroots approach worked beautifully.

You are also an author. What inspired you to write Pink of Hope and Love?

Artilin Row Thangkhiew – I wrote it during a very tough phase of my life. My husband was in Mumbai, my daughter was studying law in Pune, and I was undergoing treatment. Writing became my outlet.

I wasn’t planning to publish it… it was deeply personal. But a friend encouraged me to share it. Today, the feedback I receive… from cancer survivors to young readers… is incredibly humbling.

Did writing the book help you heal?

Artilin Row Thangkhiew – Yes, it did. Writing helped me process everything. During treatment, your emotions fluctuate. Writing gave me strength and clarity. It was just me, my dog, and my thoughts. It truly helped me heal.

If there is one quote that defines you, what would it be?

Artilin Row Thangkhiew – There is always light at the end of a dark tunnel.

Never give up. Every roadblock has another way around it. Always look at the brighter side. Even during my illness, I focused on gratitude and strength.

You’re in Mumbai for the Meghalaya Spice Event – do you believe the Meghalaya Spice Event in Mumbai paves the way for heritage tourism?

Artilin Row Thangkhiew – Absolutely. It’s a cultural showcase of ancestral spices and traditions. The response has been overwhelming. People keep saying, “Why didn’t this come to Mumbai earlier?”

We already see a high footfall of Maharashtrians and Gujaratis travelling to Meghalaya. Events like this strengthen cultural tourism and awareness.

Any final thoughts you’d like to share?

Artilin Row Thangkhiew – I’m grateful to the government, to the farmers, and to everyone who believed in this journey. If my work can support livelihoods, preserve culture, and inspire resilience, then it’s all been worth it.