Phurpa, a mother of four from Silambi Gewog in Mongar Dzongkhag, is a woman of quiet strength and remarkable determination. Having moved to Thimphu at the age of 17, she has spent most of her life in the capital. Though she never had the chance to attend school, Phurpa mastered the art of weaving by the time she was just 8 years old—a skill that would later define her life and career.
For many years, Phurpa worked under others, weaving for clients and employers who recognized her talent. But in 2020, she took a courageous step forward and started her own business: Phuensum Yoebum – Bhutan Nettle Plant.
The idea behind her venture was more than just financial—it was deeply personal and rooted in compassion. “I wanted to create something that could support people like me,” said Phurpa, who is divorced and understands the challenges that come with it. Her business provides daily-wage jobs, especially to women facing difficult circumstances, giving them a safe space to earn a living and rebuild their lives.
The Bhutan Nettle Plant, traditionally used for weaving, is central to her enterprise. Phurpa and her team use fibers from the nettle plant to produce textiles that are not only beautiful but also strong, eco-friendly, and deeply connected to Bhutanese tradition.
“I believe that our culture is our strength,” she said. “Through weaving, we can preserve our heritage and also teach the younger generation about the value of hard work and tradition.”
A key part of Phurpa’s mission is training youth in traditional weaving techniques. By doing so, she ensures that ancient skills are not lost to time and that young people can find purpose and income through cultural crafts. Many of the young trainees at Phuensum Yoebum come from rural backgrounds and are given hands-on experience that blends tradition with livelihood.
Despite challenges, Phurpa continues to work tirelessly to grow her business and support her team. Her workshop is now a space of empowerment, healing, and creativity—where each thread woven carries a story of resilience and hope.
Through Phuensum Yoebum, Phurpa is not just weaving fabric—she’s weaving futures. Her story is a powerful reminder that education doesn’t only come from classrooms, and leadership can come from life experiences, strength, and a heart full of purpose.
As she looks ahead, Phurpa hopes to expand her reach, train more youth, and bring the rich legacy of Bhutanese weaving to wider audiences. In doing so, she continues to inspire many, showing that even the simplest threads, when woven with love and intention, can create something truly extraordinary.
