Solongo Khishignyam’s story

Meet Solongo Khishignyam, a young and determined entrepreneur from Khovd province, located in the western part of Mongolia. Despite the distance from the capital city and the challenges of rural entrepreneurship, Solongo’s vision to create job opportunities for unemployed and underserved women led her to establish a sewing business in her hometown. After completing her education in design, Solongo took a risk and returned to her roots in Khovd province. Her mission was clear – to be a catalyst for positive change by empowering women in her community through decent work opportunities. 

In 2020, Solongo laid the foundation for her sewing business, Artistic Bow LLC, focusing on producing sportswear for local youth and uniforms for public and private sector officers. Her strategic approach to target mining and agricultural companies as the primary buyers ensured a steady and reliable customer base. Solongo’s journey as a young entrepreneur received a boost when she joined YBI member Youth Business Mongolia-Development Solutions’ support programme. With the support from dedicated mentors, she has been able to enhance her management skills and gain valuable insights into running a successful business. 

Despite being a small factory, Solongo’s Artistic Bow LLC has made a significant social impact in the community. By providing employment to unemployed and underserved women, she is not only uplifting families but also contributing to the overall economic development of the region. Solongo’s commitment to environmental sustainability sets her business apart. She aspires to run the first garment factory in the province to adopt a zero-waste business model.