Chitrangani strikes balance

In family and business:

Sanjeevi Jayasuriya

Sri Lanka suffered heavily as a result of the three decades of war. The country was free from terrorism due to sacrifices made by the war heroes and their service to the country is invaluable. The armed forces and the police receive tremendous support from their families to fight the war. Shouldering family responsibilities and running a successful venture need great deal of courage, commitment and determination. Chitrangani Dembatapitiya has plenty of these qualities and her inherited talents were made best use while striking a balance between her family life and business. She readily helped her husband who served in the army providing every support and mental strength as a dutiful wife. She in her own way is a heroine in our time where she set an example for women to engage in viable ventures thus making maximum use of precious time.

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 started the Chitrangani Dembatapitiya Home Science and Bridal Centre in Kandy in 1990. During the early stages the venture was carried out in my house. I conducted classes for cookery, cake decoration, ribbon embroidery, Brazilian embroidery, fabric painting and saree workings. I also undertook orders for bridal dresses, dresses for bride’s maids, flower girls, party dresses and other ladies wear. I do cake structures, cakes for engagement and occasions.

I had the talent for sewing and dress-making at a very young age. My mother Anula Gangodatenna was instrumental in moulding me as she had ample talents for cookery and sewing.

When I was in grade ten I designed my clothes and also made my sister’s wedding dress and flower bouquet. As I had the ability to grasp things quickly I was able to improve on my talents fast.

I was a student of culinary expert Mallika Joseph. She identified my skills and helped to further them. She also introduced me to potential customers in Kandy when I embarked on my venture. I am grateful to her as her guidance made me to reach this far.

When my husband was transferred to Anuradhapura I had spare time to enhance my skills. I followed classes and was armed with knowledge in the culinary art started this venture. It is running successfully and I have a steady growth in the number of students as well as customers patronizing my products.

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

A. My husband retired Major General D R N S Dembatapitiya has supported me though he served in the Army for 32 years and was away in the battlefield most of the time. My mother supported me and she was a source of inspiration. I have three grown up daughters Tharushi, Hasara and Nayanahari. I never mixed up family life with what I was doing as a business.

Family came first for me and I did all my duties including running a proper home. My day starts from 4.30 am. The business was set up due to the encouragement and motivation from my husband.

I was in two minds in starting the business and my husband’s strong backing enabled the business to take off. I conducted exhibitions annually however with the demise of my mother in 1997 I was unable to have any exhibitions.

Q. What were the challenges you faced?

A. When I started classes in 1990, I faced many challenges. As this is a highly competitive industry, newcomers undergo a lot of difficulties. However, I faced all these challenges successfully. Looking back I am happy of what I have achieved so far.

Q. What are your goals?

A. My goal is to provide quality service without being a burden to others. As I conduct specialized short courses for A/L completed students my intention is to make them prepared for the future. Their parents appreciated this move as I provide them skills in sewing and cookery. I am always punctual and ready to help others.

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

A. Yes. Women could do any task tenderly, cleanly and with a human touch. My venture is directed mostly towards women and I have a set of satisfied customers. I have the trust of mothers’ as they know that their children are in safe hands.

Q. What is your advice to women in business?

A. Face challenges with courage and never give up. Do not be disheartened when faced with obstacles. Do whatever the task completely and accurately. Be pleasant, courteous and passionate. These were the secrets of my success.

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

A. I am leading a successful family life for the past 24 years. As my husband was an army officer I had to shoulder most of the family responsibilities. However, he was there whenever I need him.

I am proud of my husband who rendered a dedicated service for the country. My three daughters are doing well and they too have inherited talents.

In the business sphere I have won many awards. I won the challenge trophy for cake decoration and cake structure in 1990. This gave me a moral boost to continue in the trade.

I was able to secure the first place in Teacher’s Grade in 1991 and also the first place in Special Grade in 1992. These awards gave me the strength to go that extra mile.

Q. What is your contribution to society?

A. I have been engaged in cake decoration and cookery classes for the past 20 years. I have trained a large number of students and have help to enrich their talents. Many of my students have embarked on ventures of their own and doing successful businesses, in Sri Lanka and abroad.

I provided my services to the Army Seva Vanitha Movement and have conducted classes for war widows free. I am in-charge of the Sewing Centre and continuously share my knowledge. I am also the Vice President of Old Girls’ Association of Girls’ High School Kandy. I appreciate and thank all the employees who supported me to bring this venture to remarkable heights. Without their support this would not have been possible. My view is that as business women we need to contribute for the betterment of the society to make it a pleasant place to live.