'Sri Lankan women can do anything':

Cooking her way to fame

Sanjeevi Jayasuriya

Many have different aspirations and likings in their childhood. However, only a few would get the opportunity to pursue a career according to their childhood dreams. Yvonne Fernando was one such lucky woman to cherish her childhood dreams in a big way. Today she is one of the leading cookery demonstrators in the country producing many experts in the field and helping them to generate additional income.

She was interviewed by Daily News Business.

Q. What is the type of your business and how do you set about it?

A. I am a cookery demonstrator by profession and I do conduct classes. I do TV demonstrations. I am an international demonstrator. I travel to countries such as Singapore and Dubai where I find enthusiastic students always eager to learn something new. I also produce 'chillie paste' under the brand name 'Zensai' for the past 15 years as a home based business that is very popular among the customers. I export my production as and when I receive orders. The business is growing steadily and so is the number of students following my classes. However, I do not conduct mass scale classes and select a limited number of students at a time.

I always try to give the best in everything I do, be it my business or conducting classes. I do not want to expand my business beyond my reach and control and keep it at a manageable size. I try my best to do things in a proper and correct way.

It is important that when you teach some one to cook to give them correct ingredients. When my students come to the class I want them to write notes. This is an easy way to refer when they are at home and they have a recipe in hand whenever they need it. I do not conduct classes right throughout as I need to accommodate my overseas travel.

Q. How are you balancing family life and business?

A. My husband Lyn Fernando is my greatest strength. Today I am in this position due to his continued support and encouragement. I wouldn't have come up in life if not for his help. I have a daughter and a son and both are married. I have four grand children. When my children were small I gave first preference to them.

I did all their work without the help of a domestic aid. I enjoy doing everything for them. If you plan your day and work accordingly you could perform more. I also enjoy cooking and feeding others. I value their comments. Cooking is an art and if you master the art it is very easy. You have to plan your menu and arrange the stuff beforehand. Then you do not have to panic.

Q. What are the challenges you faced?

A. In my field I never had challenges. I did things very carefully. I did not overdo things. Whatever I do, I try to do it properly. I pioneered the chillie paste production and I am happy to note that there are nearly 15 producers today, but I am not affected. People go for the name.

Q. What is your advice to women in business?

A. Sri Lankan women can do anything. They are more capable than men. In many instances, the husband only works. The wife is at home. I advice them not to idle and do something productive. They could supplement the husband's income and contribute towards the family welfare. A woman could do so many things and earn. They should work hard and be methodical to improve their living standards.

Q. What are your goals?

A. I like to do many things. My dream has come true. My book Yvonne's Kitchen was launched last week. I worked on the book for three years and at the end it was a success. May be in another year or two I may write one or two books. There is no proper place for general cooks in our country to learn. I intend providing them a training facility to learn and improve their skills. I always have had the idea to do something to assist them to do a small scale business on their own. We have hotel schools only for the chefs and not for the cooks.

Q. As a woman was it an advantage to be in business?

A. As a woman, I was able to do so many things better than men. Women do not have to go to work and they can stay at home and earn a living. You need to have the courage and determination to do something productive and economically benefiting.

Q. What are your achievements in business and family?

A. The launching of my book was a feat accomplished. It is of international standard. I wanted to publish a book not for the sake of publishing a book, but to give the readers something of value. It is divided into eight parts and are mostly my creations. It contains tried and tested recipes that would not waste ingredients and money. My main idea was to help people to cook a proper meal with guidance.

I have also produced chefs of international standard. One of them are working in Dorchester London where 30 foreign chefs are working under him. I am proud of my students who are doing well locally and internationally. Many have been able to generate additional avenues of income due to my training and guidance. They have earned a goodwill running restaurants and I am happy for them.

Q. What is your contribution to the society?

A. I love to entertain people. I have taught so many people through media. They all have benefited from my lessons. I contribute my knowledge to their benefit. I impart my knowledge for others to make use of. Whenever I go abroad, I learn something new. I always try to be myself and imitating some one is not my style. I try to keep up all my good work and do something new for others to benefit. It is a pleasure when someone appreciates and admires my cooking. I like to see the smile on their face. It always brightens my day.