Sachra Fashions, a shop with glamour and style

Sanjeevi Jayasuriya

Today's busy life styles present many opportunities for diverse business which could be converted into lucrative avenues of revenue generating. Currently, most requirements are outsourced in order to be able keep up with different time consuming activities. Therefore less emphasis is paid to producing ready made garments at home,creating an ever increasing demand for quality fashionable ready made garments.

The demand for clothing that keeps pace with changing trends in the fashion world, manages to sustain the demand even during trying times, despite the cost factor. Samadhei Pramadha has correctly identified the market needs in the quality fashion outfits and set up the Sachra Fashion shop at Jubilee Post Junction in Nugegoda, catering to the niche market, where the expectations of fashion conscious middle and high end customers are met. Having an eye for design which makes possible a repeat customer base,her unique garments cater to different market segments while providing the best in terms of both price and quality. As most women desire to dress well and make a fashion statement,Sachra Fashion garments makes it possible by changing their outer appearance to a pleasant sight and a treat to watch. Samadei has won admiration from her clientele for maintaining quality as well as fashionable in her end product. She was interviewed by Daily News Business.

Excerpts of the interview.

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Q. How do you describe your line of business?

A. I started business eight years ago under the brand name Sachra. The Jubilee Post fashion shop was set up recently to enable easy access to my customers needs. I have participated in several exhibitions in the past, where I came to realize the potential for a permanent place for display and sales. This was why I opted to start the shop at Jubilee Post Junction in Nugegoda. It is centrally located and convenient to customers. I provide my customers a product of value and high quality. We handle any alterations free of charge, which has become an added attraction in our service.

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

A. As I am presently single, my time and attention is devoted to further develop my business by maximizing customer satisfaction.

Q. What motivated you to enter in to business?

A. My aunt and uncle Chandrika and Ranjith Wanigaratne, had been in the clothing business for a long period. Since I was brought up by them, I had a keen interest on their venture. I was fascinated by the way they turned out garments and also customer responses.

I wanted to pursue in this direction after gaining required experience. I followed a course at the Clothing Industry Training Institute where education and experience were supportive towards the venture in my mind. My ability to sew and passion to produce fashionable clothing were also added advantages.

Q. What are your goals?

A. My prime objective is customer satisfaction and business growth that is expected along with it. I always try to give something that suits my customers both in terms of value and product.

Q. How do you face the challenges of competition?

A. There are a large number of players involved in the clothing industry and there is an equal number of fashion stores in and around the country. When you consider Nugegoda, the area is regarded as a place for clothing needs. There are quite a number of fashion stores, big and small, that offer products similar to Sachra. However, my personal touch in the end product and customer centric approach, has won many a customer.

I always try to understand their needs and the their budget before selling. Our products are similar in nature as they all are Kurta tops. We have given it a new dimension by making more fashionable to suit any occasion. The alteration facility has given us the competitive edge over others.

Q. What is your specialty?

A. Kurta tops is itself a different garment. We have added colour to this item by giving it a new look. Our designs are well accepted in the market. This has also created a fashion trend in the consumers mind. The outfit has given customers the confidence to face any situation as a well dressed person.

Q. What are your achievements in business?

A. I have reached this level by my sole efforts, backed by the support of my aunt and uncle. When you are successful with the venture that itself is an achievement. However, the eight year journey had not been a bed of roses, as I have faced the problem of finding right people for the job. It was always a problem as worker retention was difficult.

I managed to overcome this issue with by providing additional incentives and creating a better working environment for them. The target oriented approach and proper worker mentality has been important in moving forward.

As most of the customers go for the best where it enables to save money and time, it makes my venture progress. The loyal customer base has been a blessing where sustainability of the business largely depends on. Although I have never advertised, word of mouth has taken me this far.

Q. What is your message to society?

A. When you wake up each day, think how fortunate you are to be alive and how precious human life is. “I am not going to waste my time. Iam going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to be angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can.”

Try to be optimistic, it feels better. Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive. If a problem is fixable, if a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry. If it's not fixable, then there is no help in worrying. There is no benefit in worrying whatsoever. Dalai Lama XIV.