Malkanthi carving niche markets for quality handloom products

Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA

An opportunity to develop skills and finding a market place for products or services paves the way for any cottage industry to stabilize. Having multiple talents in hand made fancy items and handloom dress making created an ideal opening for Malkanthi where she carved a niche for quality products. Her creations are extremely popular among the younger generation mostly in outstations and she gathered vast experience by experimenting with new items which are eco-friendly. From a limited range she has turned her attention in to a holistic approach with the passing of time winning admiration from her ever growing clientele. Hailing from a creative family in Matara where preserving family traditions is a norm, Malkanthi enjoys her hard work which brings meaning to her life.

She was interviewed by Daily News Business .

Excerpts of the interview.

Q. How do you describe your line of business?

A. I ventured in to handicraft and hand loom products in 1998 and registered the business in 2000 under Malkanthi Handicraft and Lace in Matara. Due to the high quality of products I managed to sustain the demand and gradually ventured in to producing different items of hand loom dresses including shirts and blouses. The other fancy items include bags, belts and utility items in different shapes and styles.

I am very keen on participating in exhibitions and stalls periodically which encourages cottage industries of this nature. These could be considered as a platform for business growth and I had secured many orders through these exhibitions. My customers are mainly locals. However, there are foreign buyers who continually patronize my products. This demand is seasonal as it fluctuates with the tourist arrivals.

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

A. I got married recently and my husband Sumith Mendis now provides the structural support to take the business to the next level. We work hard in the aspects of production and sales and the returns are encouraging. The business has achieved steady progress and with the help of my husband we strive to create a niche market. I have focused my attention on developing the business further and sharing the family responsibility in an equal manner which has proved successful.

Q. What motivated you to venture in to business on your own?

A. My family identified my inherent skills at an early stage of my life and I had their fullest support to harness my true potential. This turned in to a commercially viable venture where we enjoy the benefits at present.

Q. What are your goals?

A. We strive to become the authentic Sri Lankan handicraft producer in handloom and lace sectors establishing “Malkanthi” as a brand name. This is a long journey and we take one step at a time in reaching the end goal. We believe in the market and quality of the output to support our efforts. We are confident that this will be a success in the years to come.

Q. How do you face challenges of competition?

A. We have a systematic plan to upgrade the range of products. This is a long process and we aim at reaching the future market potential.

Hence, the competition is irrelevant and we have set standards and implement controls to maintain the high quality of our products which is the key in sustaining and attracting new markets.

Q. What examples do you provide for the others?

A. The products we manufacture are of high quality.

We have maintained this throughout the last two decades. This has helped in facing the market fluctuations to avoid losses.

Q. What is your specialty?

A. The venture requires a lot of hard work and I am giving 100 percent of my time in moving upwards. The products are unique and we keep abreast of changing fashion trends to give an appealing finish to suit the fashion conscious consumers. We change the range of products from time to time to fulfill the changing needs of our customers. The responses from loyal customers received at the exhibitions and fairs in different parts of the country are encouraging. The product turnaround time is minimal and this gives the edge for us to produce in bulk.

Q. What are your achievements in family life and business?

A. I have won several wards and certificates for the contribution to uplift an industry which is fast fading away at present. I cherish the Swarna Award and the International Women’s Day Award presented to me commending the venture. These awards motivate me to go that extra mile and the secret of my hard work is the commitment to the task.

Q. What is your message to society?

A. We are living in a fast changing world. Many of the traditional industries and ways of living are disappearing to accommodate new life styles. Though change is inevitable, we should not accept all the modern things that are not compatible with our culture. While welcoming the new generation, we as Sri Lankans should weigh the pros and cons of the new world to guide the future of the country to greater heights. A country without rooted values and norms will never be successful in the long run.