Wangyel Flower Nursery Blossoms into a Beacon of Resilience and Beauty
On the road to RTC College, opposite Dumra Homes, lies the Wangyel Flower Nursery, renowned for its landmark Wangyel Café. Both establishments, situated in Ngabiphu, Chang Gewog under Thimphu, are the brainchild of the remarkable Nengboi Wangyel, a resilient woman with a passion for flowers and a heart of gold.
Originally hailing from Manipur in North-East India, Nengboi’s journey to Bhutan saw her face personal and political turmoil, including the disruption of her pre-university studies in Anthropology. However, her love for flowers became her solace during trying times.
Nengboi’s venture into floriculture officially began in 2019, marked by the issuance of her license on March 19th, though her affinity for flowers had taken root as early as 2014. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “In 2014, my family and I faced significant challenges, and I found myself in need of
solace. Flowers became my therapy, offering healing during my darkest days. As a mother of three boys, far from my homeland, I immersed myself in the beauty of blossoms, unknowingly laying the foundation for what would later become Wangyel Flower Nursery.”
She said, “What started as a personal sanctuary gradually bloomed into a business idea, spurred by the desire to share the joy and healing power of flowers with others.”
Today, Wangyel Flower Nursery stands not only as a testament to Nengboi’s resilience but also as a sanctuary of beauty and tranquility for the community. With her unwavering determination and passion, Nengboi has cultivated not just flowers but a thriving business that serves as a source of inspiration and solace for all who visit. As the petals of her floral journey continue to unfurl, Nengboi remains committed to nurturing her business and spreading the fragrance of hope and resilience to all who cross her path.
There are about 300 different species of flowers at Wangyel Flower Nursery. You may find a variety of plants, ranging from tree plants to interior plants, at their nursery located in Ngabiphu. Beautiful flowers and plants can be purchased for as little as Nu. 50 or as much as Nu. 7,500 per tree plant. Nengboi also tried breeding the flowers from seeds, although it was one of the most difficult tasks. Calibrachos, also known as a million bells, are the results of one of her successful experiments and it resemble mini-petunias.
Every entrepreneur has its fair share of challenges, for Nengboi the main challenge while doing flower business is, “Importing flowers, any kind of seeds, or tree plants is not easy. The concerned agencies required suppliers to issue documents like “Phytosanitary Certificate” or “GMO” (Genetically Modified Organism), which are difficult for suppliers to send, especially from regional countries. Third-world countries are acceptable sources for suppliers, but the cost is higher. So, it is difficult to do the flower business unless and until we can do something from within ourselves. Another challenge
is competition since there are lots of flower nursery businesses in the country.”
Even though there are many flower nurseries, Wangyel Flower Nursery stands out for its meticulous flower care. For flowers to flourish, they need special care, which includes consistent irrigation, the right amount of sunlight, sufficient fertilizer, and the maintenance of ideal soil conditions. Regular checks are made by Nengboi at Wangyel Flower Nursery to ensure the healthy growth of her plants and blooms. Like her own sons, she cares for her flowers and plants.
“There are several meanings to the word entrepreneur. Lately, I saw online that some Indian entrepreneurs use words like ‘Passion-preneur.’ This was a fantastic word and new to me. For me, “entrepreneur” means not only “profit and loss” but also who we are as businessmen and businesswomen, it is more of our character!” she exclaimed.
From now to five years they are hopeful about their business as she will continue to learn every year and they intend to incorporate new ideas. She want to live by her vision and dreams regarding business. On her final note, “My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is, “don’t limit yourself” Dream Big! There is no harm in dreaming big. We don’t have to pay to dream big. Have your vision and dream, and entrepreneurship will follow.”
Wangyel Flower Nursery is a place where every bloom tells a story! Crafting unforgettable floral arrangements that bring beauty and joy to everyone with a diverse selection of vibrant blooms. With their dedication to quality, creativity, and personalized service, Nengboi is here to make your floral dreams blossom into reality and explore her stunning collection at Wangyel Flower Nursery
By Rinzin Dema
