Hard work pays rich dividends

Dilani shines as home decorator:

Sanjeevi Jayasuriya

Courage is an essential ingredient to achieve success. Dilani Ranasinghe is a shining example for a courageous woman who has climbed up in the business ladder.

Today, she is a much sought after home decorator. Despite her busy schedule she plays a silent but crucial role to uplift the morale of women who are in need.

The secret behind her success is a combination of determination, hard work and commitment. She was interviewed for Daily News Business.

Q: What business are you engaged in and how do you set about it?

A: I was an ardent lover of art and music from my childhood. Though I married early in life and became a mother of three daughters my passion for arts and creative subjects did not diminish.

I have improved my talent and today I engage in home decorating specializing in curtaining. I have a showroom and I work under the brand name Dills N and A.

I also make soft toys and have the skill for pencil drawing which I intend to improve further. I look into every minor detail when I undertake home decorating.

I also consider interior designing to make beautiful houses.

Several years ago I joined a Korean based company in Sri Lanka as a soft toy designer where the soft toys were supplied to Disneyland.

I worked there for several years and joined another company where they specialized in curtaining. These experiences were a platform for my future ventures. Besides all these, I update myself on the latest developments in these fields.

Q: How do you balance family and business?

A: Since my daughters are grown up and are independent today, I have once again involved myself in arts especially interior decor, pencil drawings, designing of soft toys and music.

Two of my daughters are married and all of them are very supportive towards the business.

Q: What were the challenges you faced?

A: Life is all about facing challenges and hurdles. Life does not always give us what we yearn for.

That is fate. However, in the business sphere I have not come across challenges as such.

The very first customer is still a customer today. I maintain a cordial relationship with my customers.

Q: What are your goals?

A: I do believe in sincere business deals. Cheating people is not right and one should refrain from it.

It gives me immense pleasure when my creations are admired by my clients. Hard work always pays rich dividends.

Q: What is your advice to women in business?

A: Woman should know to realize the reality and transform every situation in to a positive aspect.

I really did this and today when I go down the memory lane I am happy for the sweet and sour milestones I had travelled past in life.

Women should be courageous and never give up.

Women should keep the house neat and create a homely environment.

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

A: Yes. I am proud of being a woman. Womanhood is a blessing in many ways. I have ups and downs in my life and when I look back I am happy with what I have achieved.

Q: What were your achievements in family and business?

A: I have three daughters who are doing well in life. Their support is a tower of strength to me.

They live abroad and keep constant contact and they pay regular visits.

It is a blessing to have them as my children.

My business is related to beautification of houses which gives happiness and pride to household members.

I do a proper job of work and appreciation is a motivation to move forward. The creativity is a talent that could be harnessed by application.

I received a certification of recognition for my soft toy designing and this kind of appreciation goes a long way.

Q: What is your contribution to society?

A: I initiated some programs to help women in need during the past few years.

Today I derive much satisfaction by imparting my knowledge and experience among needy women who strive to stand on their own in society and to strengthen their mentality and morale.

I started teaching designing of soft toys at Sun Flower Village at Mulleriyawa where handicapped women are housed and rehabilitated.

I taught at the Centre of Hope in Mattakkuliya too. I conducted a six- month soft toy design course at the Good Shepherd Convent Kotahena where I awarded certificates to the students.

For the past one year I have been teaching at the Mulleriyawa Hospital in ward 18.

I trained twelve patients in soft toy designing and at the World Health Day, Dr Metha who visited Sri Lanka praised me for the good work.

These are treasured moments in my life.

My three daughters are supportive of meritorious deeds and encourage me in this direction.

My intention is to uplift the morale, mentality and strengths of women in need and see them smiling with confidence tomorrow.