In a remarkable tale of determination and foresight, Tshering Dendup has emerged as a true visionary, driving the success of Druk Textile in the heart of Bhutan
In the quaint town of Bumthang’s Chamkhar, a young entrepreneur, Tshering Dendup has woven together threads of tradition and innovation to preserve the country’s rich cultural heritage. At the age of 34, Tshering stands as a testament to the power of passion and perseverance, with his trailblazing venture, Druk Textile, revolutionizing fabric manufacturing and ready-made clothing in Bhutan.
Before embarking on this transformative journey, Tshering Dendup was a tour guide, leading curious foreigners through the enchanting valleys and majestic monasteries of Bhutan. It was during one of these encounters that a simple question from a foreign visitor ignited a profound realization within him. Observing students dressed in identical uniforms, the foreigner inquired about the origins of the traditional Bhutanese National Dress.
Without hesitation, Tshering responded that the garments were made in India. The foreigners were taken aback, their surprise tinged with disappointment. In that moment, Tshering saw a reflection of himself in their eyes – a person entrusted with the duty of preserving his nation’s culture but unaware of its vulnerability. The so-called policy of culture promotion and preservation, which seemed robust on the surface, now revealed its fragility.
The seed of an idea took root in Tshering’s mind – an idea that would later flourish into the foundation of Druk Textile. He realized that the fate of Bhutanese culture lay not just in the hands of policymakers or institutions but also in the hearts and minds of individuals like himself. The vision of a textile factory that could proudly produce the Bhutanese National Dress within the country’s borders germinated within him. This venture would not only benefit Tshering personally but also contribute to the preservation of Bhutanese culture for generations to come.
The journey from ideation to realization was a daunting one, fraught with challenges. Druk Textile faced hurdles in financing the venture and assembling a team that shared Tshering’s vision and passion. Unforeseen circumstances, like the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, forced the company to postpone its plans temporarily. Tshering vividly recalls the struggles: “The hardest thing I had to do was find money for my business. Teamwork, legal obligations, government rules and regulations, and unforeseen circumstances were some other obstacles we encountered.”
But Tshering was not one to be deterred. Armed with a careful blend of planning and strategy, coupled with the crucial support from CSI Bank, he charted a course through these turbulent waters. The dream of Druk Textile became a reality, with its foundation laid firmly in Bhutan’s Dhamdum Industrial Park in Samtse in 2021.
Throughout this arduous journey, effective time management emerged as a crucial skill for Tshering. The demands of an entrepreneur’s life are boundless, and Tshering mastered the art of prioritizing essential tasks and setting precise objectives. “To properly manage my time,” he shared, “I start by determining the most crucial tasks and establishing precise objectives. Managing my time with organization, discipline, and initiative enables me to handle the varied demands.”
Fueling his ambition, Tshering sought inspiration from motivational stories of both successful and unsuccessful entrepreneurs. He recognized the value of learning from their experiences, gaining valuable insights, and avoiding potential pitfalls.
Building and nurturing relationships were essential components of Druk Textile’s growth. Trust and transparency in business goals, challenges, and opportunities fostered strong bonds with investors, partners, and stakeholders. Tshering proactively sought real-life mentors through networking and industry events, allowing his development as an entrepreneur to thrive under their guidance.
As Druk Textile’s reputation grew, so did its success. Today, the company stands tall, producing high-quality products that have found a special place in the hearts of Bhutanese citizens. The traditional Bhutanese National Dress is now proudly “Made in Bhutan,” bearing testimony to Tshering Dendup’s vision of preserving the country’s culture.
Ever humble, Tshering offers sage advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “Have a clear vision and a solid plan. Starting a business can be both exciting and challenging, but the satisfaction it brings is unparalleled. Conduct thorough market research, understand your target market, develop a unique selling point, build a strong network of mentors, prioritize lifelong learning, and invest unwavering effort. Embrace enthusiasm, perseverance, and resilience for entrepreneurial success.”
As Bhutan continues its journey into the future, entrepreneurs like Tshering Dendup will serve as torchbearers of tradition, weaving together the threads of heritage and progress to create a brighter tapestry for their beloved nation.
By Tendrel Zangmo
