Vilasee shines in home decor business

Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA

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Women played a crucial role in providing support to the armed forces when the country was at a decisive war. Some supported behind the scene and there were many who were actively participating by way of serving the armed forces. In both ways, the contribution made by these women was invaluable. Subadra Palliyaguru was directly involved with the war efforts and the discipline, exposure and the experience she gained through her army career laid a strong foundation for the path chosen after retirement.

She ventured into the home decor business and her creations speaks volumes of her inborn talents. Her growing clientele has contributed the business to grow rapidly and the work is admired by all with more orders coming her way. The peaceful environment in the country and the accelerated development taking place have uplifted the living standards. This has created many thriving business opportunities and ventures similar to Subadra’s have benefited immensely in this backdrop. Her Vilasee Curtain Palace proves to be a successful business model and has carved a name among competing similar ventures which have mushroomed today.

She was interviewed by Daily News Business.

Excerpts of the interview:

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Q: How do you describe your line of business?

A: I ventured into the home deco business after retiring from the Army to spend time meaningfully. I started the venture on a small scale as Vilasee Fashion House. My first order was from a restaurant in Kollupitiya to do their curtaining. Though I had sewing skills this was my first attempt and it was a success. From

then onwards there were orders coming in and in 2003 the business was set up in Makola Road, Kiribathgoda under the name Vilasee Curtain Palace. I sharpen my skills on the job and was in constant touch with latest trends in the home deco industry. The updated knowledge helped me to build the business and gradually I consolidated myself as a home deco designer. We do designing, tailoring and installing of latest fashion curtaining at reasonable prices.

During the latter stage of my Army career I was assigned to the Seva Vanitha Unit where I was in-charge of the sewing centre. This unit was newly set up then to provide life skills for differently abled army personnel to acquire sewing skills. It provided army uniforms and I was surrounded by sewing machines. This was an ideal opportunity to further my skills and I was fascinated in this job which also later became a good business for me.

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

A: My husband R Kularatne is working at the Security Service Department of the Central Bank. We have three daughters. I schedule my work to accommodate all important requirements of my daughters. I have three employees and they play a major role in meeting orders on time and supporting to adjust my work schedule. I do not overwork and undertake orders within our capacity so that my clients get the best end product.

Q: What motivated you to venture into business?

A: As I led a busy life serving the Army I had no intention to just play the role of a housewife after retirement. This prompted me to find an alternate way to engage myself meaningfully. I had the skills for sewing and I try my hand at it where it took me this far.

The business was a platform to showcase my skills. The venture gives me the flexibility to meet the social commitments while providing a quality product to the clients.

Q: What are your goals?

A: This venture gives me immense satisfaction. I closely follow the trends in the home decor industry with special emphasis on curtaining. I always strive to give my clients an excellent product where quality becomes the key. I have been successful in sustaining clients from the beginning and this speaks for the standard of my work. Hence, my goal would be to keep on improving on the end product to delight the customers.

Q: How do you face the challenge of competition?

A: The experience and training from the Army was a blessing in every aspect of life. It has moulded me to face challenges. I always try to produce something which exceeds customer expectations. As I do not keep big margins, my products are within the reach of everyone. Living in a pleasant environment is a joy and home decor plays an important part in creating a soothing atmosphere. I treat my employees well and this also gives me the competitive edge as their output increases. I only undertake orders that I can meet within the time frame. As all orders are not accepted I do not compromise on quality. I always ensure value for money. This allows me to face competition successfully.

Q: What example do you provide others?

A: Though there are a number of similar ventures, some are not up to the mark. My products are of high quality and this has become my hallmark. The attractiveness of the products has paved way to earn me more orders by fulfilling customer requirements.

Q: What is your speciality?

A: My prime focus is not the monetary gains from the venture as it has given me so much more. I have built long lasting relationships with my clients and they have become one big family.

I consider human relationships and customer satisfaction to be more important than money. I also spend a considerable amount for religious activities and this brings solace to life. I look forward to each day with courage and hope to make a better life for others.

Q: What are your achievements in business?

A: The best return I get is the positive feedback of the customers. I have undertaken to do curtaining for the Presidential Secretariat and the Army Commander’s office. The past orders also include high ranking government officers’ residences and institutions. Their confidence in my product is a testimony and it is rewarding.

Q: What is your message to society?

A: You are able to reach the sky with courage, commitment and dedication. Any challenge could be met with success if you see it as an opportunity.

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