Life style
Every style in every size
Shyamalie Wijegunawardena of Spring and Summer, co-founder of this brand was recognised as number female entrepreneur in the large business category at the International Conference of Women’s Entrepreneurship (ICSE). The fashion industry be it in Sri Lanka or globally, presents exotic, melodramatic or glamorous silhouettes, cuts, patterns and diverse designs majorly curetted to quench the fashion hungry population apparently being women. However, today, the fashion world is witnessing a reformation not merely in the kind of fashion, seeping in but with women designers stealing the ramp with their unique silhouettes that are creating a magnitude of ripples in the fashion world. Shyamalee Wijeyagunawardena with her creative instincts have made a benchmark in this competitive business
by Zanita Careem
How you started your journey?
I always had a liking for fashion, beauty and cosmetics. The desire to make a career out of these elements was something that was certainly in my heart for a long time. While I was a student in university, I remember taking many minor courses in such disciplines. However, my light bulb moment happened after the birth of my second son. I wanted to get engaged with something that would financially contribute to the household. Following my sister’s guidance, I decided to supply to Salu Sala – Sri Lanka’s state-owned fashion retail enterprise at the time. This decision changed my life completely. I was lucky to get a shop in Borella in 1995 even though it was just 300sq ft. I was content. I had a good customer base that kept coming to my store.
Lessons along the way?
a. Family first
b. Always treat your employees like your own family and most of all be a mother to them with all your heart
c. Build a good team that is loyal and they will give their blood and sweat to the company
d. Build a capital by saving. Always spend money wisely by knowing what you can actually spend
Was it different to be a female entrepreneur?
My main challenge is the same as all women face in Sri Lanka, be it at the grassroots or at the top echelons – balancing family and work. In my case because of the supportive network we had built with our employees, I was able to fulfill both my responsibilities and that is how we empower our female staff too to enjoy a stable work-life balance.
How did you manage as a mother?
As a women entrepreneur, we must be willing to break any barriers, which confines us to limit ourselves. For me, my priorities were a wife and mother and looking after the wellbeing of my family. I firmly believe that without my husbands and family’s support and love, I would not have been successful. Fundamentally, entrepreneurs should never forget that the wellbeing of their families should be their first and foremost priority.
How involved is your family now?
Spring & Summer is a business where the warmth and support of the family has led to success. I have the support of not just my sons, who have pursued their higher education, but also the support of their spouses.
Can you tell us a little about your company?
Spring & Summer commenced operations in 1995 with the opening of their first outlet in Borella. Now almost 25 years later, Spring & Summer has grown to become a leading retailer in Sri Lanka with six major outlets in Nugegoda, Maharagama, Wattala, Panadura, Bambalapitiya and Colpetty. As well as these locations, Spring & Summer’s online store caters to customers in every corner of the island. I am the entrepreneur and brainchild behind the brand, building the business from my operations.
We have expanded to employ over 400 staff members. We see the business as a family and aim to care for all our employees like family members. This level of care is passed on to customers, which contributes to a great shopping experience.
Our constant improvements, research and keeping up to date with latest fashion trends have always kept us one step ahead than most of the other local clothing stores. Unlike most of these stores, we do not give priority to imported garments. I can say 85 percent of the clothes we sell at our stores has been designed and stitched locally. It is important to keep up to date with international trends and modern manufacturing practices. It is a must to be creative and innovative to be a success in this industry.
Also, we always look at the contemporary fashion and latest trends in the country and provide the most desired designs with the highest quality. We take care of each other and we take care of our clients. This is the way we will continue to succeed.
What do you consider as your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge was developing a business without a capital. So we had to rely on our friends and family who were very helpful. Also we had to save every penny that we earned from our business to reinvest and expand it.
What leadership characteristics are your strengths and weakness?
Empathy – The ability to understand and share the feelings of another
Courage – Doing the right thing
Some times empathy can be taken advantage of hence it would become a weakness but in the overall scheme of things it’s not because things done with good intensions are always rewarded.
Memorable experience? Make or break moment in your career?
I am proud to say Spring & Summer was the first to introduce a dedicated White Section on the shop floor. This is one of the turning points in our business because If anyone wants something in white, we were known as the place to offer that. Our popularity started to grow exponentially in the market due to this.
Your favourite thing to do in your free time?
Spending time with my five grandkids. I also like to read books and watch movies.
Your inspiration?
For me, my family is my greatest inspiration. Entrepreneurs should never forget that the wellbeing of their families should be their first and foremost priority.
It is important to know what your passion is and also what drives you to better yourself. This passion within the entrepreneur is what gives strength to the business which then translates to customer attraction. Personally, my family is my first priority and as a result of that, massive financial gain has never been a driving force for me.
Institute of Hospitality Sri Lanka
The 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the UK-based Institute of Hospitality’s Sri Lanka Chapter was held recently at the Ramada Hotel Colombo,.The event provided an evening of camaraderie , reflection of the past and present achievements,setting new benchmarks for the future
The AGM had the presence of two distinguished guests, the Chief Guest Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and the Guest of Honour British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick. Their inspiring speeches were lauded by all hoteliers who were present at the occasion
A special thanks was extended to Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality UK, along with his team, sponsors, committee members, and all attendees for making the event memorable.
Dr. Harsha Jayasingh, Past President of the Institute of Hospitality (UK) Sri Lanka Chapter, emphasised the Institute’s longstanding history and the strength of its Sri Lankan branch. “The Institute of Hospitality (IH) UK has a history of 86 years, and we are proud to be the Sri Lanka Branch. IH Sri Lanka is much stronger now with many members from all areas of the hospitality industry,” he stated.
Dr. Jayasingh highlighted the significant role of tourism in Sri Lanka’s economy,. He said tourism it is the third-largest source of revenue for the country. “Tourism accounts for about 13.3% of total foreign exchange earnings and employs 450,000 people directly and indirectly. The hospitality industry in this island of pearl holds tremendous potential for economic growth, job creations, and cultural exchange,” he added.
He also pointed out more women should be attracted to the industry and advocated for the use of technology in hospitality sector to attract the younger generation.
The newly appointed Chairman Ramesh Dassanayake spoke about the challenges faced by the industry, including the reluctance of youth to join the sector. . Dassanayake expressed concerns over the migration of staff between hotels and the overall ‘brain drain’ in the sector. ” We must maintain high standards in the hotel We must try to attract tourists to Sri Lanka, we must have with many facilities Hence, hotel schools and other professional institutions involved in skills development mustincrease their intakes,” he pointed out.
Chief Guest Sajith Premadasa emphasised the importance of eco tourism and said “We need to have an environmental policy related to tourism in place,” . .
The 32nd AGM of the Institute of Hospitality UK, Sri Lanka Chapter, was a testament to the strength and potential of Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry. The insights and commitments shared during the event set a new benchmark for the future.(ZC)
Pix by Thushara Attapathu
Life style
He recognizes human identity beyond boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
Visit of Sri Gurudev to Sri Lanka
Humanitarian, spiritual leader and Global Ambassador of Peace Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Sri Gurudev) was in Sri Lanka on a three day tour on the invitation of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunewardene. Gurudev who inspired a wave of volunteerism and service to moot one of the largest volunteer-based organisations in the world – The Art of Living – visited the various projects under the aegis of the foundation and launched twelve vocational and technical centers around the island. He was accompanied by thousands of followers from Sri Lanka and around the world.
Gurudev who visited Sri Lanka for the sixth time also had a first day cover launched in honour of his visit. He is a strong proponent of spreading happiness, using the unique Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, meditation and practical wisdom to unite people, empower individuals and transform communities. His programmes provide techniques and tools to live a deeper, more joyous life, while his non-profit organisations recognize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
The Art of Living which has more than 30,000 teachers and over one million volunteers across 180 countries has touched in excess of five hundred million people around the world. CNN called it “Life Changing” and The Washington Post headlined it, “Fresh air to millions”.
In Trincomalee, Gurudev met with war victims and had a heartwarming engagement with the children from the children’s homes run by the Foundation. He also visited the Koneswara Temple in Trincomalee and graced the Kumbhabhishekam at Seetha ecogPnize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion. Amman temple at Nuwara Eliya. He held discussions with the trustees on the progress of the foundation’s social service projects, while also holding a special event – Ekamuthuwa – attended by a large number of dignitaries and his devotees from around the world.
His time with the Prime Minister was spent discussing the prospects of unity in diversity and uniting Sri Lanka by adding happiness into the formula of living. In addition he had discussions with the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, prominent business stewards and civil society leaders.
by Zanita Careem
Envison your dream wedding day come to life at the Epitome Hotel, a prestigious city hotel in Kurunegala offering an unrivalled luxury rendors experience for weddings.
The venue is designed to embody opulence and luxury from all quarters for a spectacular wedding in kurunegala,Thier ballroom is the largest banquet facility in Sri Lanka It can be divided into six luxurious pillarless wedding halls on the ground floor and 25pax smaller banquet halls.
It can be easily named as a five star heaven in the heart of the city contributing to a myriad of immense experiences tailored to inspire and delight wedding experiences.
From opulent décor set up to exquisite table decor, lavish food, every detail is meticulously curated to spark your imagination and ignite creativity for a perfect wedding. The previous prestigious wedding shows season one and season two attracted large crowds
were unique events which gave the wedding vendors and potential clients had an opportunity to connect and interact with each other. Beyond being a showcase it was a chance for the wedding vendors to unite and contribute to the vibrancy of the wedding industry. The wedding show covered all area of the bridal industry providing a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became the most popular bridal exhibitions in Kurunegala.This bridal exhibitions allowed brides and grooms to experience first hand the products and services available from suppliers in Sri Lanka
These wedding shows held at The Epitome created a benchmark and gave an opportunity for vendors to create connections to the utmost satisfaction said Harshan Lakshita Executive Director. of the magnificent Hotel
Our wedding shows featured experts and professionals in every field‘ It covered all areas of the bridal industry provided a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became most popular bridal exhibition in this region.We are always open to everyone to join us at our wedding shows in the future. It is an opportunity to discover the incredible talent within our local wedding and bridal vendors to make meaningful relationships and plan thier special day at our breathtaking hotel The Epitome said General Manager Kavinda Caldera
The Epitome Hotel’s bridal show which will be held end of June will buzz with great ideas,advice and inspiration for all those who plan thier dream wedding
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The Hotel Epitome’s Wedding Season 3 will marked excellence, celebration and inspiration for those in the wedding industry. The exhibition halls will resonate with ideas on exquisite bridal wear to decor, florists , photography etc and showshowcase the rich tapestry of talent within the local wedding industry. .
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