Priyanthi - the power behind Prenita Fashion

Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA

Parental influence on a child creates a lasting impact on his/her life and it provides direction to become successful. When one's mother becomes the role model it guarantees good returns in all the efforts taken to ensure quality life. Priyanthi Fernando who is fondly known as Preethi among her large circle of friends considers mother's inspiration to be the key to her fulfilling journey. The main contributor in the success story behind "Prenita Fashion", the high-end designer store in Colombo 7 was her mother Nita Fernando. This elegant store has become a fashion icon in the country where it caters to a special market segment. Her musical voice and radient smile that flashes across the face most often bring

out the warmth in her making one relax. Priyanthi lives up to her reputation as a classy hostess and frequently entertains her friends. She believes in living life to the fullest and follows the path of simplicity.

She was interviewed by Daily News Business.

Excerpts of the interview.

Q. How do you describe your line of business?

A. My business involves fashion wear including sarees, shoes, slippers, bags and accessories. The Prenita Fashion store at Thurstan Road Colombo 7 was opened for business 15 years ago.

The name of the store denotes part of my name and my mother's that has brought me good luck. Today it has become the prime store for purchases for any occasion.

I went beyond my mother's business named Super Jets at Edwards Place 43 years ago. This was the only saree shop at that time and later there was a few more in the country and now this has become a thriving business.

My mother wanted me to return to Sri Lanka in 1982 as I was in London at that time. However, I returned in 1984 and continued the business. We later moved to Thurstan Road, our own property and set up a three storied building.

My elder sister helps me in the management and I have five staff members with plans to add few more. I personally select sarees for occasions such as cocktails, fashion and weddings from India to maintain class in the products.

The venture is my hobby where I put in a lot of effort to give my customers a better product. We have included Western cloths to the product portfolio recently and this has a good appeal.

I build up a crystal collection and this takes a special place in the store. I have plans to have a show in March. There are gift vouches introduced at present and anyone could purchase them. This move has also created a different set of customers and is very popular among them.

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

A. My day starts as early as 3.30 in the morning. I pray and attend to any work that is pending. I go to the gym regularly to keep fit. I was a sport star in my childhood and exercising is nothing new to me.

I enjoy cooking, entertaining friends and guests where I allocate sufficient time to engage in these activities.

I have two sons living in the UK and my only daughter is in Norway. They make it a point to come twice a year to see me and I also visit them.

The regular contacts make the bond between us stronger.

Q. What motivated you to venture in to business?

A. My mother's venture inspired me and the sense for fashion took me this long. I always wanted to dress nicely and this too motivated me to venture in to a business of this nature to make others look beautiful.

Q. What are your goals?

A. I have come a long way in my business and life and during this journey have achieved most of the goals i set for myself. I am very happy with what I have and enjoy life at every moment.

I lead a simple life where entertainment plays a big role. I will work towards further improving the business which is progressing smoothly at present.

Q. How do you face the challenges of competition?

A. I have a different set of clientele, mostly my friends.

They visit the store regularly and these good friends keep me going. There are companies tied up with Prenita Fashion for corporate gifts.

I believe that any product with good designs, price and quality will always move and competition never bothers me.

Q. What example do you provide others?

A. I am hard working and never neglect my duties. I have a lot of friends and conducting parties for them gives me immense pleasure.

I also have an annul party for all who provide services such as cleaning, garbage collecting and laundering on 12 January and this song and dance event is a major happening for them. I plan to have different theme nights on a monthly basis to make others happy.

Q. What is your specialty?

A. I am a friendly and social person. I have a big circle of friends.

They are always with me. I enjoy helping others and admire people who are doing well.

Q. What are your achievements in business?

A. I have been able to retain my long term employees and this is a plus point is business growth. I conduct the best fashion show in Sri Lanka in every five years and have received many international commendations.

Q. What is your message to society?

A. I agree with the saying that, do what you like and you never work a day. This should be the way forward. One should be passionate about the job or avenue of employment. It is important to lead a happy life.

Whenever an opportunity is present, make a lasting first impression as you will never get a second chance for it.