Aruni, most sought after beautician

Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA

Going beyond traditional thinking needs courage and etermination. Facing the challenges of what could be termed as transformational process was a pleasant experience for Aruni Silva who correctly made a decision to be an entrepreneur. From a teaching profession pursuing her childhood passion was a blessing in disguise for her. Aruni mastered the art of beauty culture and bridal dressing following both local and international courses and her thirst of gaining knowledge and keeping abreast in the industry trends has proven successful by her venture Aruni Bridals and Salon in Battaramulla. From a humble beginning she today has emerged as one of the most sought after beauticians making her a busy person in a highly competitive industry. Her charming personality and pleasing mannerism are the key ingredients of a thriving business that has bought her fame and returns. Aruni is ambitious and considers that beauty care industry to be a gold mine for right person with right attitude. She was interviewed by Daily News Business.

Excerpts of the interview.

Q. How do you describe your line of business?

A. I entered the beauty culture industry at a time where it was gaining recognition and was considered a formal industry in the economy. I switched my role from being a teacher to a beautician as I had the passion from my small days. I inherited this talent from my mother and she was a well known bridal dresser. I am competent in handling entire process of the bridal dressing and this overall service is most welcomed in today’s context. My inborn talents were sharpened through the training I underwent and started Aruni Bridals and Salon at Battaramulla in a small scale. The businesses grew gradually mainly through word of

mouth. I went to Singapore for hair dressing and beauty care and Thailand to learn about the art of make-up. I qualified myself and this gave me the opportunity to learn correct techniques which are the base for a competent beautician. The well-equipped salon in Thalangama North Battaramulla was opened in 2006.

The entire range include bridal dressing, bridal outfits, saree draping, make up, hair-styles, hair tints, re-bonding, perming, facials, waxing, manicure and pedicure. I have expanded my business by adding Aruni’s Beauty School which offers a full course in hair dressing.

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

A. I am 100 percent committed to my business. My husband Shirley Sripathy Perera is a music director. He too is involved in the business. When my customers need a music band his three piece band provides this service. His efforts are important in providing a total service.

Q. What motivated you to venture in to business?

A. Though I had a secured job, my talents in the artistic work were a driving force to start a venture of my own. The passion and talents coupled with the enthusiasm to carve a name in the industry made me venture in to this field.

Q. What are your goals?

A. The venture is inseparable from my life. Therefore I intend doing the maximum possible to delight my customers. Service is my priority and quality is never compromised. I plan to open two more branches in the near future. This I consider giving back to the industry where I have move forward with much satisfaction.

Q. How do you face the challenges of competition?

A. There are around 50 salons in Battaramulla. I am confident of repeat customers where beauty care is concerned. As the bridal dressing is the core business I am never out of reasonable business despite the stiff competition. I have a loyal customer base and they regard my magical touch to give them a pleasant appearance. I am confident that regardless of the competition my venture to move in upward curve. I believe neatness to be the key in this business.

Q. What is your specialty?

A. I provide holistic service including flower arrangements and many more. I undertake the work according to my capacity and give the excellent service that speaks volumes of my capabilities where continuous flow of orders come in. I am open for changes and have the ability to multi task. According to my clients I am clever at work and I go that extra mile in achieving customer satisfaction. As I am qualified the basics are right and also my staff gives me the necessary support. They are treated as my family. This is not strictly on a commercial approach. I re-invest the returns and the today’s position is a gradual rise from a stable long run where it has become a well established business.

Q. What are your achievements in business?

A. I came to this position all by myself coupled with sheer determination and hard work. However, my husband was a tower of strength and his contribution in the venture has made it a holistic service provider. Most of the valuable things in life have been earned through the venture. I built my house and purchased two vehicles from the returns of my hard work. I am a dedicated worker and the good will that the business has earned is a blessing to move on.

I even have dressed foreign brides including from India and France. I received positive response from all of them. The feed back from my customers are the key driving force in the business. They make it a point to call me soon after the function and now it has become a habit to wait for their response. I also share my knowledge by conducting beauty culture TV programmes at Swarnawahini, ITN and Rupavahini. Doing a perfect job always brings me immense pleasure and this has become a norm in my life.

During the past 15 years I have not received a single complaint and this itself is testimony for my quality service.

Q. What is your message to society?

A. There is no gender difference and women have the ability to move forward in their chosen filed. They need to look for opportunities and be in a positive frame of mind. Nothing is impossible when you are courageous, determine and committed.