Manoranjini tastes success in novel venture

Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA

Food is a basic human need and we all strive to fulfil this need by consuming a variety of items. There are many food outlets in the country. However, the continuity of these outlets depends on consumer attraction where the food quality and taste become key ingredients.

Customer satisfaction is the key for any business to progress rapidly. Understanding the changing needs of the customers and catering to meet their expectation goes a long way and will ensure the sustainability of a venture. This is true especially in the food industry where quality and taste matters a lot. It is not easy to produce palatable food to suit everyone’s desire. Manoranjini De Rose fondly called Viji made maximum use of her culinary art skills and experience gained to provide mouth-watering dishes to her loyal customers.

Her passion in giving food to make one happy has paid rich dividends and she successfully runs the “Home Vegetarian” outlet attracting more customers. The venture is a popular food outlet in a prime location in Nawala and she has made great strides in the outdoor catering industry.

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 engage in an outdoor catering service and runs the Home Vegetarian food outlet in Nawala. The venture was started in September 1997. I cater to outdoor dining requirements and the outlet serves as a meeting point for customers.

I started in a small way and the business has grown significantly today. The food items on offer are dosai, masala dosai, gee dosai, onion dosai, parata, idly, poori, chapathy, vadai and bonda. This is a family business.

My brother owns a hotel and this inspired me to start the outlet. He supported me throughout the initial stages and also provided me with staff to carry on the business. My parents are from India and I inherited their capabilities, especially my mother’s culinary skills. I tried out many dishes and continue with most popular items at present. I have customers who were there from the inception and word of mouth the message has spread fast. I change my preparations and improve the product range from time to time according to customer feed back and their changing needs.

The most demanded food item is the Ulundu wadai. I have good business in the weekends. I supply on orders and also cater to functions. The busy lifestyles prevailing today have provided me an opportunity to grow. However, there is an impact due to the rising cost of living where people have limited resources to spend on additional food. Though this affects my business at times I was able to win customers due to food quality and reasonable price.

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

A. I am a widow and I have three children. The venture is a great strength to me as it helps me to manage the home economy. I take my children to school and look after their needs. My mother and brother support this business. I consider family support to be valuable. I open my outlet in the evenings and I have free time in mornings. This enables me to complete all household work and concentrate on the business. I spend quality time with my children and assist them in their studies. Therefore, striking a balance is not a difficult task.

Q. What were the challenges you faced?

A. The outdoor catering industry faces fluctuations due to the external environment. This results in shifting demand which has a negative impact on the business.

At the initial stages I had the fear of not selling my food. It was a challenge to attract customers where there is a large number of players in the catering industry. However, with time all my fears were allayed.

I was able to attract a sufficient number of customers to continue the business. I am happy that my food is recognised and appreciated by the customers and I have a set of regular clients. Though this business is not an easy field to survive, my hard work and family support enabled me to overcome all barriers. I also face the problem of finding suitable staff, as I am unable to provide them with accommodation.

Q. What are your goals?

A. I want my children to do well in life. I provide them the right education, as it is the strong foundation of a quality life. Although, I live in a rented house, building a house is not a priority at present. I own a block of land and once my children complete their education I will concentrate on building a house.

I also like to expand my business to cater to a larger segment of customers. I need to be financially strong and this will take a few years. I plan to make a difference to my catering service by providing a holistic meal option to my clients.

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

A. Yes. It was an advantage for me. Women are capable of running a business and providing a better service. As a woman I was courageous and determined to become successful. This was necessary as I had to shoulder family responsibilities. While being a good mother to my children I improved my business. The strong qualities of womanhood were an advantage for me.

Q. What is your advice to women in business?

A. It is necessary to have a thorough knowledge of the business. Be courageous and determined and committed to the task. They need to treat workers with respect and dignity and make them feel at home. This will motivate them to work honestly and efficiently for a business to prosper.

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

A. I am happy that my children are hard working and studying well. This is a blessing and motivates me to further improve my business. We are a closly knit family and as a single parent I support and guide my children to ensure their well-being.

With regard to the business I am satisfied with the progress I have made so far. However, it is important that the country’s economy grow for a business of this nature to perform well. I feel people need to think twice before they make a purchase and food is not an exception. I wish a rapid economic development so that people will spend more on food for similar ventures to thrive.

Q. What is your contribution to society?

A. I have provided employment for ten people and hope to increase the number in future with the expansion plan. This venture being a vegetarian outlet, many people have the opportunity to enjoy a good meal. As there is a tendency for people to become vegetarian, the business has an opportunity to grow. The food is ideal for health conscious people.

Most of my customers are drive-in customers and I need space to build a parking lot for their convenience. Considering the nature of the business, I think my venture is a service to society.