Nilusha creates for the environmentally conscious

Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA

Global warming has become a burning issue. Many countries have adopted strategies to mitigate the adverse effects. As a developing country, Sri Lanka too has taken initiatives where public conduct is centric in preserving the environment. The responsibility taken by the individuals go a long way in making Sri Lanka green and the contribution by Nilusha Fernando, the proprietor of Nilu Fernando eco friendly handmade products provides a shining example where concept of green and economic value goes hand in hand. Her venture while preserving the environment also addresses the issue of waste management where used papers are given an economic value. Her concern regarding environment is timely and commendable as it provides an inspiration for younger generation to follow.

She was interviewed by Daily News Business.

Excerpts of the interview.

Q: How do you describe your line of business?

A: I started Nilu Fernando Eco friendly Handmade Products in 2004 as a commercial operation where it originally started as a project to help children in Modera with assistance from St James Church. At the initial stages it was mainly greeting cards where more than a 100 design collection was made. With the successful response for cards last year, I launched new products to include gift boxes, gift bags, note books, perfume collectors, hotel and wedding stationery. These are totally handmade products. I do the colour combination for papers and at present have 30 different colours to meet the customer requirements. I strive to supply the matching colours to suit customers needs. I am gradually developing the business and intend launching catalogue marketing to expand business opportunities. There will be novel products, paper flowers, introduce to the market shortly.

My products are eco friendly and I promote nature weddings where special emphasis is paid to preservation of nature. I have plans to set up a gallery in near future where display of products is possible. I develop business contact through exhibitions and there is a growing concern for environment sustainability and this has created a good market for my products. I showcase the products at the exhibitions including ‘Shilpa’ exhibitions held annually and looking forward to these platforms this year too.

Q: How do you manage time to handle your personal life?

A: The venture is a full time commitment and I plan my day to accommodate business demands so that things move smoothly. Time management is essential for achieving targets and I work towards reaching my objectives.

Q: What motivated you to venture in to business?

A: I see lot of products in the market which are not eco- friendly. The desire to help under-privileged children in securing proper education motivated me to launch this venture. I saw the need for eco-friendly products and I always lobby for environment preservation through reduce import of paper and re-use of paper waste. This commitment I have shown in my venture.

Q: What are your goals?

A: I want to see many eco friendly industries and green minded people. There needs to be a borderline for plastics and change mindset to preserve environment in a big way. I work towards this.

Q: How do you face the challenge of competition?

A: I face competition with innovations that result in new products.

Q: What example do you provide others?

A I have given an example by practice that we even in a small way could contribute to preserve the environment. The product range on offer is an example for re-cycle and re-use of waste. I have provided inspiration to inculcate a habit to practice at home and office that would lead environment sustainability.

Q: What is your speciality?

A: While catering to the client’s taste and preserving the environment I have ventured in to a successful business.

Q: What are your achievements in business?

A: I have the talent to make products that are eco friendly and I have shown my responsibility towards society and environment. I encourage people whom I come in to contact with to safeguard the environment. The initiative taken to popularise eco friendly products could go in a long way in greening the environment. I have a growing clientele and expect to win more in the coming years with added variety of products. I was instrumental in publishing an email directory in 2009. The idea of making eco friendly products conceived after I met a re-cycle paper manufacturer where I was fascinated by the creations that were possible. This has provided me an occupation and is a service to society.

Q: What is your message to society?

A: Use more eco friendly products and in the same way give value to Sri Lankan products. Ventures grow big with time. However, they begin in a small way. Never be satisfied with the outcome as there is always room for improvement. Environment cannot sustain on it’s own and your positive contribution towards a green world will be an investment for the future.