Sudharma designs for trendy ‘Seasons’

Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA

Fashion industry is fast evolving and any one entering the industry needs to keep abreast of the changing trends in designs and creations. The life span of fashion trends keep on shortening and one cannot lag behind if one needs to taste success.

The high-end design store ‘Seasons’ at Rajagiriya speaks volumes of hard work of Sudharma Nethicumara. Her efforts to provide unique fashion line and to see that fashion conscious women are given the top priority has paid rich dividends today. She always strives to offer beyond fashion and consider customer satisfaction to be the key to the bottom line growth.

Her capabilities are not limited to this venture as she is already a teledrama producer, a field that is different from running a fashion business.

She was interviewed by Daily News Business.

Here are some excerpts of the interview.

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

A. I am into fashion clothing business and the venture was started with Sherine Kumaratunga two years ago. The fashion store ‘Seasons’ gained popularity within a short period of time and we are happy the way things are moving. Prior to starting this store, I was in Australia where I was involved in the fashion clothing industry.

Upon my return, I started an event organizing company ‘Sthree’ with Sherine and Sangeetha four years ago. Through this company we organized mega shows for charity. With the passing of time Sherine and I got together and started this ‘Seasons’ fashion store and it became a huge success. I do smart casual and casual wear and cater to the niche market. Our items are exclusive unlike where there is mass production. We have been able to retain our customer base over the years and there is a growing demand which is very encouraging. The items are imported from Bangkok and India and we travel often to ensure that we provide the latest designs to our customers.

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

A. My husband Gamini Nethicumara is a reputed businessman and he is the proprietor of the Salaka Group. His business lines are mainly focussed on photography and food outlets and there are a few branches of ‘Game Kade’ in Colombo. We have three children Manik, Ryan and Nathasha. They are still studying. Despite my involvement in business, I always have quality time with them. I am also fortunate to get my sister Subashini de Zoysa’s assistance. Since my children are grown up I have more free time now. I consider that if you have the desire and the will balancing family life is not a difficult task. The essential ingredients are time management and commitment.

Q. What were the challenges you faced?

A. Life itself is a challenge, especially when you have the responsibility of bringing up children. It is the most difficult part and if you can succeed there then the other challenges are easy to face. I do not consider challenges as obstacles in the business environment as I always find a way to overcome them. Though the fashion industry is highly competitive and one needs to constantly be aware of the changing trends and market, I manage to face these successfully. However, as my three children are schooling at international schools I face this cultural gap and as a parent is a matter of concern.

Q. What are your goals?

A. My main goal is educating my children. I want to see them do well in life. Family life is very important to me and I believe in strong and closer relationships. With regard to business, I plan to expand ‘Seasons’ to other cities.

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

A. It acts in both ways as in some instances it is an advantage and in others it is not. Womanhood is a package and with the way we talk, our approach and appearance we could derive benefits. These things count where gender becomes immaterial.

Q. What is your advice to women in business?

A. Life does not stop at motherhood. It is important to love yourself. Do not allow anyone to hold you from reaching your goals. Listen to your heart and conscience. No matter what difficulty you encounter, go forward with your plan.

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

A. I have three healthy children and I consider this as a blessing. I support my husband in all his work and we are family oriented. I believe that I have more to achieve in every way and I am moving towards it. With regard to business, I have set up a unique fashion store. Considering the competitiveness in the fashion industry I am happy for what I have achieved in a short period of time.

Q. What is your contribution to society?

A. Through ‘Sthree’ we organized mega shows for charity and the funds collected were channelled to the Jeewan Kumaratunga Foundation to conduct social service. ‘Sthree’ is a non- profit organization and we are planning to have a very big show in the near future. I am the producer of ‘Ganga Addara’ teledrama and by producing two or more teledramas hope to venture in to film production. As in the fashion industry there is a strong competition in the teledrama production too.

The producers need to be mindful of the message they disseminate through this medium where it needs to be a value driven message. As the medium of art could be a trend setter, I intend using this powerful tool for the maximum benefit of the society.