Fusion rubber slippers are fashion accessories:

She fuses comfort with style

Sanjeevi Jayasuriya

Entrepreneurship skill is not a common thing among many and becoming a successful entrepreneur needs a great deal of effort, commitment and dedication. Niluka Perera today has emerged as a capable businesswoman with a blossoming business venture to her credit.

She was interviewed by Daily News Business.

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

A. After returning to Sri Lanka from UK, leaving behind a career in Genetics, I joined my father in his business. That was my entry point into the footwear industry. His company manufactures rubber slippers and other footwear to leading brands locally and internationally. However, I soon realized in this sunny, warm country where most of us like to frolic outdoors, especially at the beaches, there is so much more potential for the ‘rubber slipper’ to be a fashion accessory than being just an ordinary bathroom slipper.

Hence the idea was born to create a comfortable flip flop with a bit of pizzazz. The name Fusion simply reflects our idea to fuse comfort with style.

I have since branched out on my own, launching ‘Fusion’ into the footwear market, which has grown to be a household name in Colombo. I am encouraged by some of the feedback. I get from my customers regarding the quality of the product. Fusion is designed by women for women and our aim is to treat the discerning women of Sri Lanka with a good quality product. Fusion boasts of six different categories to meet the need of every occasion.

‘Chloe’ is the soft casual range for one to lounge in and spend time with one’s self. ‘Summer Magic’ brings out the joy of flowers with its bright and bold colours that reflects fullness of lives. ‘Mystique collection’ brings in an ethnic touch with its strings and stones and soft earthly shades.

‘Cachet’ the designer range is for one to dazzle in a bit of glitz and glamour and dress up for the evening, whilst ‘Gizelle’ personifies the bride with its soft colours and graceful characteristics. For the tiny feet we have the ‘Felicity’ collection which captures the young eye with its vibrant colours.

The intricate and delicate handiwork that fashions the slipper is the result of a team of women from a little village in the outskirts of Kandy. Taking the opportunity to help the under-privileged women in our society, I employed these local women from the village and set up a workshop for them to be trained and develop their skills.

What was once an arduous task for them is now their pride and joy and it is fulfilling to see the lives of these women and their families being touched through my business. Additionally I outsource the work to other villagers who operate cottage industries in the outskirts of Colombo thereby contributing to the growth of the local micro economy.

The assembling and manufacturing of Fusion slippers are carried out in conjunction with the manufacturing plant in Kandy which is the main manufacturing plant of my father’s business.

I see a good future for Fusion which has been growing steadily from the start. We have expanded our product range vastly and believe in continually changing designs to cater to the ever changing fashion trends.

Whilst maintaining our own outlet ‘The Flip Flop Shop’ at Duplication Road, our distribution points have expanded to a few stores in Colombo.

As a product born and bred locally, we have taken advantage of industry benefits to give us an edge over imported collections. The heavy taxation on imports means that we can capitalize on a gap in the market that others cannot afford to fill.

Q. How do you balance family life and business?

A. The backbone of my business is undoubtedly my father who has always extended his unconditional support from the very inception of my business venture.

With his expertise as a rubber technologist coupled with his experience in the trade for over 25 years, he has a wealth of knowledge for me to draw upon from.

My mom has always been my pillar of strength, inspiring me and supporting me in every decision I take. It is her tireless efforts, guidance and counsel that has propelled me this far.

Q. What were the challenges you faced?

A. Being a Geneticist by profession, venturing into business was very challenging.

But with the support of my family and a few very close friends I managed to pull myself together and stand on my own two feet.

In the male dominated footwear industry, being a young female entrepreneur brought challenges of its own nature. Initially these challenges were overbearing and I felt like I did not belong in the trade.

However, over time with Fusion firmly establishing its place in the market these challenges somehow were not so prominent.

Q. What is your advice to women in business?

A. I believe every woman is a capable person with a great strength and courage. We should draw from these qualities, understand our true potential and use them to focus on our goals in life. Setting clearly defined goals will help you get there.

Q. What are your goals?

A. I always strive to do the best. I like to see my customers happy and satisfied with my business.

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

A. The business caters for women and involves fashion accessories - slippers. I understand women’s needs better and this had helped me in the business.

Q. What were your achievements in business and family?

A. I have secured a Degree in Genetics from the Manchester University UK. I worked there in the same field gaining valuable experience. My passion is Genetics and I love to get back to this field one day.

I started the business and it has reached greater heights. I also have regular overseas visitors apart from the enthusiastic local customers. I am content with the way my life goes on.

Q. What is your contribution to the society?

A. I am a laidback person. I love what I do and enjoy every aspect of it. As a Christian, I believe my business is truly a gift from God to touch my life and so many other lives. He has directed my path and guided me through some very turbulent times. I also believe in a healthy lifestyle. I workout regularly, which I believe is imperative not only for a healthy body but also for a healthy mind.

I have provided employment opportunities for over 25 people. They are a part of the success of the business.

I am also a member of Zonta Club 11 of Colombo which in its entirety has greatly contributed to my life. Through Zonta, we reach out to the lesser privileged women and children in an effort to uplift their standards of living. Providing them with means of a livelihood, assisting them with their education, reaching out the needy through various medical programs are but just a few programs we have conducted with many more going on. These efforts would help create a brighter tomorrow and a better society.