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By Kushani Ratnayake

"Fab" which means "Fabulous" belongs to Chandra Madanayake. They have seven outlets in and around the city and hope to expand and build a new factory in Ratmalana.

Madanayake who started her own business was influenced by her mother who owned a confectionery business at home.

"During our spare time after school we used to help her in various ways, I learnt my fundamentals under my mother's guidance. She inspired me to start my own business" Madanayake said.

In 1979 with the opening of the economy and the opportunities available she embarked on this venture at a time when a very few women were in the field of business.

"Looking back, I can still recall the days when I woke up as early as 4 a.m. to release goods from the stores and waited till late at night and checked on the next day's work", she said.

She said that the work pressure was high at that time and she had to balance her time between family and work.

"My husband stood like a rock through all this, giving me support and still continues to guide me in all financial matters".

According to Madanayake, she was fortunate to get a competent team with foreign exposure to start the business. At the beginning there were only twelve employees and all the baking was done in her small home oven.

"Today I have been able to provide employment to over 275 people, mostly young girls and boys" she said. Her vision was to provide quality cakes and pastries at an affordable price to the local consumer. Having started with a very small investment they have expanded their business according to the needs of the customer. Quality and the trust of the customer are important to be successful, she said.

Of her three children only her second daughter is working full time with her and is groomed to carry on the business after she retires.

"I have all the confidence that she will carry on the business better than me", she said.

Most of her senior staff members have been with her from the outset and she considers that a great strength.

She feels her success is due to the dedication and team effort by her staff at all levels.

She said that borrowings should be kept to a minimum and one should treat the members of the staff with respect and in return win their respect by being fair, honest and reasonable.

"Looking back over the last 24 years I feel one should start a business in a small way until you understand the needs of the market and only embark on expansion once you are confident of the products and market", she said.

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