A view of ‘Teps Hillview Homestay’ in Tseminyu, the brainchild of Shayhunlo Tep (inset), which offers authentic Rengma cuisine, and nature-based activities.
Morung Express News
Kohima | April 28
Thirty-one-year-old Shayhunlo Tep always dreamed of becoming a doctor like his uncle. However, financial constraints compelled him to 'give up' his dream and pursue a degree in the arts instead.
‘That’s the reality of a low income family,’ opined Tep, the first from his family of eight to get a graduate degree. His parents had no regular jobs.
Although medical aspiration was unfulfilled, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to become a proud of owner of ‘Teps Hillview Homestay’ in his hometown, Tseminyu today.
Queried about the motivation behind venturing into the challenging homestay business, Tep recalled his college years observing a thriving homestay sector when the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama used to be flooded with tourists during the Hornbill Festival.
Years later after graduating from the Japfü Christian College Kigwema, the enthusiasm for the hospitality industry was reignited when a friend suggested the potential of the homestay business, he added.
From hopes to despair
As Tep pondered over this idea, he had the opportunity to attend a seminar on the Chief Minister Micro Finance Initiative (CMMFI) scheme in Tseminyu. This experience infused him with the hope needed to turn his dream into reality.
After learning about the various benefits under CMMFI for entrepreneurs, he “enthusiastically” submitted his application for the homestay loan scheme.
“Probably I was the first person to submit my documents in Tseminyu district,” he recalled.
As a 'genuine beneficiary,' Tep eagerly awaited the good news, but weeks stretched into months, and eventually, a year passed without any progress on his application.
“To this day, I still await the good news, hoping that some benevolent person would take notice of my application and give me the opportunity to do what I have been dreaming of,” he added with a glimmer of hope.
Dejected with the rejection of his application Tep opined, ‘As a free country and a democratic country, I will take the privilege to say that those people who govern people should not politicise everything.’
He further asserted that the CMMFI scheme was meant for people like him who do not have any resources, but to get the help of the government to realise their dreams.
Unfortunately, for him, it never materialised.
Uphill journey
Undeterred by the rejection, Tep decided to take the leap and embark on a daring venture – building his own homestay from scratch.
“It was not an easy task, with no source of income to say the least,” he shared.
With immense determination and a willingness to take risks, the young entrepreneur announced with pride that he was able to complete his homestay, potentially becoming the first in the Tseminyu district, with support of his family, friends, and some generous and benevolent individuals.
He further noted that meticulous effort been poured into creating his homestay as an ideal, welcoming, and comfortable environment for his guests.
“As I travel and have been to places, I can proudly say that it is at par or better than most hotels and homestays I have been to,” Tep added, beaming with pride at the culmination of his hard work.
Having established his new homestay and recognising the significance of marketing, he mentioned that he's been actively promoting his business on various social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, etc., in addition to displaying banners and distributing flyers in prominent locations.
When asked about what guests can anticipate at his homestay, Tep emphasised his serious commitment to sanitation, offering authentic Rengma cuisine, and providing nature-based activities such as nature walks and trekking to the highest mountain range in Tseminyu.
Lesson learnt
Reflecting on lesson learnt from his experience, young entrepreneur stressed the importance of always having a plan B or even a plan C, noting that "things never work out the way we expect them to be."
Despite encountering daunting obstacles, Tep’s steadfast determination and unwavering faith have served as the driving forces behind his success, which he attributes to God.
From envisioning, planning, working, and sourcing resources, he admitted to experiencing almost breakdowns from time to time.
Despite this, Tep extended sincere wishes and prayers to any fellow friends who might find themselves in similar positions and situations, wishing them success in pursuing their dreams.
Furthermore, he urged young entrepreneurs never to lose hope but to persevere in realising their dreams.
