Blending skills with modern craft

Kamala Uyanage - captures global market:

Sanjeevi Jayasuriya

Womanhood is a blessing and their multi-task capability is an added advantage in trying circumstances. The endurance, dedication and courage become key ingredients in accomplishing great strides in one’s life. Doing business needs novel approaches in a rapid changing world. Kamala Uyanage tasted success due to her untiring efforts that gave rich dividends. She was never disheartened when encountering drawbacks and her upward path in the commercial venture provides ample testimony for her desire to prove that women entrepreneurs though rare could go beyond the stereotyped role the society expects them to play. Kamala with her business blends traditional skills and modern craft to bring out unique designs for customer satisfaction.

She was interviewed by Daily News Business. Excerpts of the interview.

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

A: I am into producing lace designing and batik creations under the brand name Anuja Lace and Batik. I hail from Galle, Magalle. I ventured into pillow lace industry in my early days where there was a family concern and a running business. I continue from two of my grand mothers T.H. Somawathie and T H Ratnawathie who were my mentors and today I own a successful business due to their guidance.

The lace and batik needs to be made into novel creations to suit modern day requirements. I change the patterns from time to time through the blend of innovative ideas. This has proved an instant success where my creations are purchased over others.

There are many players in the lace and batik industry at present and we need to be updated and innovative to capture the market.

My parents were involved in the tourism trade and this too had a positive impact on my business. My grandmother was the first to go to a foreign country from Magalle where she displayed her talents in the lace and batik industry. This created an export market and it was possible to have a few foreign buyers.

I embarked on this industry in 1978 with a mere Rs 500 and was able to find a place closer to my home. However, with the business reaching a certain stability the owner of my business place wanted the premises back. Then I shifted to a place near the Koggala Free Trade Zone and then again I had to move out because that land was taken up for the FTZ expansion.

However, I was determined to move forward despite the obstacles. I started developing direct contacts with Colombo buyers and this gave me the opportunity to travel to Colombo with my production and have a steady market. Though the path was not rosy, I managed to build my business gradually and now I have a steadily growing business and a good demand for my products.

The National Craft Council supported my efforts and I was able to find markets. Colombo happens to be a good market place for my products and I continue the business up to now. The Agro Mart Foundation also supported me to develop skills and entrepreneurship knowledge and find markets. I appreciate the support given by the Export Development Board to improve business volumes.

Q: How do you balance your family life and business?

A: I am single and value my freedom. I do not have a great deal of responsibilities. I live with my brothers and sisters and all the family members support me. There are six girls and four boys in my family and I live in my own house with some of the siblings. We are a close knit family and I help them whenever possible.

Q: What were the challenges you faced?

A: I faced a lot of challenges. However, I was not disheartened at any point. This enabled me to face all the odds courageously and steer the business to the level that it is today. When I go down the memory lane I am proud for what I have achieved so far.

Q: What are your goals?

A: I want to see many women take into this trade and become successful. There are opportunities for quality products and also export markets. These should be captured and that will also bring in foreign exchange and generate employment. Lace creation is a traditional art and I would like this form of art to be preserved for our next generation. I am willing to impart my knowledge if newcomers to the field need my assistance.

Q: Was being a woman an advantage to be in business?

A: This is totally a woman’s field as it brings out the tender nature of women. It suits their skills, patience and application. I found these creations to be fascinating and hope it gives the same feeling for the end -users too.

Q: What is your advice to women in business?

A: I advise women who engage in similar trades not to imitate others. Women need to produce original creations though at times similar products will not do any harm.

Innovation is the key in a field such as lace and batik so, be innovative, creative and user-friendly. This is one such industry that could present our traditional crafts to the world and protection is neded this sector.

Q: What were your achievements in family life and business?

A: I am helpful to my family members and they in turn support me in the business. I had a number of opportunities to go abroad and further my skills. I went to Germany in 1995. In 1998 I went to Thailand with the support of the Agro Mart Foundation. This year I went to India and China with the help of the National Craft Council and the Export Development Board. I am currently having discussions with China and England to explore market opportunities.

I earn a steady income from my creations as the message of the products has spread through word of mouth. I am happy to note that people still appreciate quality local products over foreign products. I strive to maintain high quality and customer satisfaction at all times. I have won many national and provincial awards. In 1995 I won the Presidential Award from the National Craft Council and thereafter continuously receive merit awards.

In 1998 I was selected as the Best Entrepreneur by the Agro Mart Foundation and also received merit awards from the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sri Lanka (FCCISL) for three consecutive years from 1998.

I won the first place in the micro sector at the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry award ceremony in 2007 and also the silver award in small sector in 2008. I received the Gold Award from the Business Peace Alliance in 2009.

I was awarded the Presidential Award for Southern Province by the FCCISL. These awards are encouraging and a source of inspiration to achieve more success.

Q: What is your contribution to society?

A. I am a member of many organizations at village and district levels. I contribute for socio-economic development by engaging in numerous projects carried out for the benefit of others.