Beautician with multiple talents

Sanjeevi Jayasuriya

Paving the way for a secured future for others gives immense pleasure and it in turn will become a blessing to one's life. The trend for women to play a key role in the family economy is ever increasing with the facilities to enhance skills and education. Having multiple talents Ramani Arsecularatne has proved that running an established business is a relatively easy task and her contribution and efforts to uplift living standards of women is commendable.

As the Managing Director of Ramani Arsecularatne International Academy of Cosmetology and Fine Arts, her experience spans over two decades where her pioneering efforts have become a valuable source of income for many. From a diversified pool of talents Ramani has become a renowned beautician and skin care therapist where a large number of women has benefited by her vast knowledge acquired over the years. The Academy is a testimony for her success and the constant flowing of inquires for courses conducted shows that beauty culture and fine arts has become part and parcel of women's advancement in a rapid changing lifestyle led by modern technology evolution. She was interviewed by Daily News Business.

Excerpts of the interview.

Q. How do you describe your line of business?

A. I ventured into business 23 years ago by conducting business oriented classes to impart knowledge on setting up host of useful cottage industries. The teaching included handicraft, cake making, cookery, flower arrangement, interior designing, clay ornaments and flowers, fish skill craft, rag dolls, soft toys, candle making, fruit and vegetable carvings and related classes. These art, craft and paintings especially for housewives to guide them to start their own business in floristry, needle craft such as patch work, and handmade jewellery. There are thousands of families engaged in making productive ornaments at present. I have trained a majority of leading florists in the country and proud that they are doing well. I was able to conduct more than 100 craft courses, and had the opportunity to conduct international craft exhibitions in countries such as USA, Canada, Sweden, Dubai, Abudabi and Singapore.I saw a huge potential in well organised training in this field and started the academy with three students. It received good response and I even had students from the Maldives and Pakistan as there was a bright future for beauty care and hair dressing businesses.

I got myself trained abroad gaining wider experiences in over 10 countries. There are over 50,000 certificate holders where we have maintained records of every students trained by the academy to-date. The 18 month internationally recognised Cosmology certificate cause has enabled many to venture into business.

Q. How do you mange time to handle your personal life?

A. I have divided my time according to the day's schedule. I do not neglect my duties as a housewife. My husband Priyan is a professional and my only daughter Shanika is qualified in medicine. Her knowledge is a key ingredient in the business success.

Q. What motivated you to venture into business?

A. I have faith in my teaching abilities and believe that no one can do better than what I do. This prompted me to venture into business and I consider that it has reached the next level.

Q. What are your goals?

A. I set one goal each year and strive to reach it by the end where another goal is set. Therefore, this becomes the focus point to guide me throughout the year. My success is due to being goal oriented. There are plans to spread wings overseas to expand the business further.

Q. How do you face the challenges of competition?

A. The Academy is different from traditional beauty care service and education institutions as it operates with novelty catering to the modern day needs. We have started an exclusive bridal design and accessories store named Christella to meet the changing trends in present day wedding arrangements. We have become a trend setter and our students are positioned well above others boosting our reputation further. These factors have enabled us to go beyond competition in a meaningful manner.

Q. What example do you provide to others?

A. Hard working, dedication and courage in whatever task at hand. I do not give up easily and strive to achieve the best under any circumstances.

Q. What is your specialty?

A. The Academy not only caters to English medium students, but also accommodates the Sinhala medium students to make them gain knowledge in this field. This has given them the edge and the possibility to set up businesses in their respective areas where they are comfortable in their own environment. We deploy latest technology and I also get my daughter's support as she is a medical doctor. We show results after two or three treatment processes unlike in the case of some beauty care providers. The service seekers have confidence in us and this is a plus point.

Q. What are your achievements in business?

A. I am invited by other countries to share my success story and I take this opportunity to project Sri Lanka as a potential destination for tourism and human capital.

We are confident that our skin care treatment is 100 percent result oriented. I have the satisfaction of providing livelihood for thousands of women thus enabling them to set up businesses. The wives of war heroes were given 50 scholarships and 25 children of low income families were provided free education. I help people who seek to improve living conditions in whatever manner possible. I support students who have funding requirements to obtain loan facilities from banks.

Q. What is your message to society?

A. My message will be especially addressed to women who play a dominant role in family economy today.

They should never complain about lack of recourses and time. They could emerge victorious if they have the will power. It is always necessary to try and achieve the set goals. There are no words such as do not and cannot.

Be positive and face the problems to show your capabilities. Be in a positive frame of mind with a ‘can do’ attitude. You are never old to study things and have plenty of will power and courage to come out with flying colours.