Dreamy, delicious, divine treats from Dilani
Sanjeevi
Jayasuriya
Skills and talents are inherent and they play a decisive role in
shaping one’s future. Training to stimulate capabilities goes a long way
in reaching set goals and this is exactly what Dilani Abeysuriya did.
Her inborn talents inherited from her grandmother and mother were
further inspired by the training she gained in the field of culinary
art.
Her natural skills blend well with what she produce as goodies and
they are well accepted paving the way for a lucrative opportunity.
As people have a craving for sweets, products such as cupcakes,
brownies and special cakes always have a high demand. It is encouraging
to note that there is adequate market space for quality products and
many businesses benefit from the busy lifestyle at present that create
more avenues for catering services.
Hence, Delights Treats from Dilani is a real treat for the tempting
taste buds and her mouth watering products have never-ending demand at
special occasions fulfilling the desire to indulge in a sweet treat.
Dilani Abeysuriya |
Her venture took a back seat when she became a mother of two and as
her children are now grown up she is in full swing to cater to the
demand.
She believes in quality more than quantity and always strives to
exceed customer expectations which is the secret behind her repeat
customers.
Although she has not advertised in a big way, word of mouth brings
her business to keep her hands full.
She intends using social media and high tech to have an interactive
dialogue to promote Delights Treats where plans are under way to
relaunch the venture with a difference.
She was interviewed by Daily News Business.
Excerpts of the interview.
Q. How do you describe your line of
business?
A. Delights Treats focus
on catering to a discerning clientele with gourmet cupcakes, brownies
and specialty cakes. At Delights Treats, all our products are baked in
small batches using only the freshest quality ingredients. We bake all
our items the old fashioned way without any preservatives so they are
intended to be enjoyed fresh from the oven for maximum taste.
Each
one of our products are given its own unique flavour and hand frosted
using one of our signature butter cream frostings. Finally, each cupcake
is topped with a hand moulded fondant flower, specially imported
chocolate, high quality sugar sprinkles or candy. This results in an
elegant exquisite tasting cupcake.
Q. What motivated you to venture into
business?
A. Having always had a
passion for baking and decorating cakes and with experience gained in
the United Kingdom and Australia, I was inspired to make something truly
distinctive that sits apart from what is available in Sri Lanka. To make
a difference, all my products are custom made. I want my customers to
have a truly memorable experience to suit their special occasions and
build a business that always meets the needs of the client.
Q. How you manage time to handle your
personal life?
A. I have been in business
for 25 years making wedding structures, engagement and birthday cakes as
well as catering to corporate functions. Since getting married and
having two children I gave my business a back seat to be a full time
mother for my children. Now that both my children are overseas attending
universities, I ventured into a more specialized line of business.
Q. What are your goals?
A. My dream is to bring my
home based business to a storefront location and later expand to a few
outlets. My goal is never to compromise on quality for quantity as
usually happens as businesses expand. I want to train more staff who are
committed to my standards and give employment to young talent.
Delights Treats of Dilani |
Q. How do you face challenges of
competition?
A. Delights Treats has one
of a kind product range, handmade with quality ingredients. The goodies
from Delights Treats are not only delicious but also packed in specially
designed gift boxes sealed with our Delights sticker for freshness and
quality. Attention to detail sets Delights Treats apart from their
competitors.
Q. What examples do you provide to
others?
A. Sri Lankan businesses
lack customer service and attention to detail. Sales people even do not
take an effort to be fully knowledgeable about the products they sell.
To make your customer truly satisfied the customer should be able to
discuss their requirement with a specialist who is knowledgeable about
the product or service.
I make the effort and find the time to speak to my clients and find
out their needs and cater to the occasion and ensure that what they get
a real “Wow” factor.
Q. What is your specialty?
A. Delights Treats
specialize in providing products not only that look good but also taste
great. One of our unique product lines is to offer gourmet cupcakes to
weddings and special occasions.
Serving cupcakes or gifting a cupcake flavour has become a new trend.
We specialize in customizing these cakes to suite any colour and theme.
Q. What are your achievements in
business?
A. I built my business
solely on word of mouth from my satisfied customers.
I used to get orders from companies for their corporate functions,
which also expanded as heads of corporates once experienced my food
wanted me to cater to other companies too.
Until I restarted Delights Treats, I have never advertised.
Delights Treats plans to make use of its web site
www.delightstreats.com to reach its customers with a complete
description of our products.
We use social media such as facebook (www.facebook.com/Delightstreats)
to spread the word and obtain customer feedback.
Q. What is your message to the
society?
A. I believe Sri Lankan
consumers are not yet demanding their money’s worth and accept
substandard products without complaining. My advice is for consumers to
be more discerning and not to compromise on getting value for their
money.
Providing feedback of negative or positive comments is very important
for any establishment to succeed.
jayasuriya.Sanjeevi@ gmail.com |