A self-made entrepreneur

Medotso Khape: A self-made entrepreneur

When you become an entrepreneur, you have freedom to do what you want; start a business where there is less competition,” says 33-year-old Medotso Khape, the owner of Khape’s Leather Goods Design and Repairs located at Red Cross Complex, Officers’ Hill here.

Son of a farmer parents, Khape could rarely afford to buy new shoes in college. He would buy second hand shoes and modify them, and even make sandals out of torn jeans. In no time, he started repairing shoes for his friends and relatives and eventually opened his shop.

With Rs.10,000 in hand and very less knowledge about leather works, Khape started his business. He worked hard and learnt from his mistakes and has come a long way since then. “I learnt from my mistakes. The more mistakes I made, I put more focus on my work,” he shares.

Khape does not have any degree in designs or repairs, but he spent a lot of time watching YouTube, observing people, and visiting factories in and outside the state.

The content entrepreneur also had his share of bitter experience chasing after government job. “I am fed up of going for job interview. Political backing is very much needed,” Khape laments.

Sharing from his experience, he observes that “Naga society is only good at criticizing others; we don’t try to help each other.”

Meanwhile, Khape maintains that employers do not want to hire local people because they are impatient. However, he employs only Naga people. “If we can employ Nagas, we can train them and let him train his friends or family and it will continue on.”

Khape’s store lacks modern machinery, but there is no dearth of customer. “I will get fewer complaints from my customers if I have modern machinery,” he says with a smile.

According to Khape, in business, dedication is the most important thing and one has to take risks. He further encourages educated unemployed people saying, “Think of your future, if you give up, your struggle will bear no fruit. Don’t struggle alone, go meet people and find your way out…depend on your inner will, keep trying, you will achieve.”