Lanka Institute of Fashion Technology ( LIFT ) Alumni Spotlight: Success Story of Ayodya Heenatigala
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Entrepreneurship requires bold action! Today we are proud to feature our alumnus who took this challenge and transformed her business dream into reality.
Ayodya Heenatigala graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design from Lanka Institute of Fashion Technology (LIFT). She also secured an award for “best design category” designed for the winner of Mister Teen Model of the Year 2017 competition held in Bangkok. Upon graduation she had an opportunity to join MAS to thorough her skills.
A young fashion enthusiast with an entrepreneurial spirit, Ayodya is currently working on her brand ‘IO Design Studio’. Some excerpts from the interview with Ayodya follow:
Before creating your brand, how did you get involved in fashion and
what is your academic and
professional background?
I graduated from Gateway College in 2014, during my school term I started my foundation at Lanka Institute of Fashion Technology. Following my school graduation, I continued my further studies at LIFT, choosing the Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design as my career pathway. Soon after my graduation I got an employment opportunity at MAS and currently am working as a Senior Designer at ‘Suit & Tie by Raphael.
During my study we had our accessories project based on shoes, necklaces, ear pieces etc. While doing the research I realised that I had much interest for shoes. During that period my teacher guided and made me realise that I have the talent for shoes and potential to specialise in it, that’s when I got influenced to start my own brand “IO Design Studio” in very simple way.
What made you to choose ‘Lanka Institute of Fashion Technology’ for your studies?
I searched & visited few institutes here in Sri Lanka, during that time I came across Lanka Institute of Fashion Technology via a recommendation from a friend of mine who also had studied there, so I paid a visit to the campus and suddenly I got the instinct that this would be the best place for me to begin my higher studies! The student counselors were super helpful in choosing the best pathway they could possibly offer me according to my requirements & future-plan.
What has been the highlight during your campus life?
Well, there were so many highlights during my college life. The teachers were so helpful and I have had so many ups and downs during the course of the time. Being able to create a student body for the institute was one of my highlights and being a part of many events. Most of all the teachers and the directorate were always backing me up throughout. Not forgetting about the friendships, I made during IGFS (International Fashion Graduate Spectacle) which I know for a fact will last forever!
What’s the best thing
about your job?
For me the best thing is to see how happy the clients are to see their garments at its best and being able to help them with my ideas. Putting my best for the outcome and learning new things every day.
What’s the biggest challenge
you’ve overcome?
To complete my finals (Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design) in the menswear field because everyone said I won’t be able to do so, and it will be a tough choice, but I still went for it! I’m happy that I did give my best and completed with an awesome result! I would also like to mention that I designed for the winner of Mister Teen Model of the Year 2017 competition held in Bangkok in which my model won the best designed category award, I was so thrilled and happy!
What did you learn at LIFT that was determinant to conceptualise and develop ‘IO Design Studio’?
The product development process from scratch which I learnt at my campus helped me a lot to understand the full process of making a shoe which was also a part of my curriculum and most of all it was the belief the lecturers had on my talent for shoes ignited my passion and eventually I was determined to develop my own brand! In few words I would say that I learnt how to love, develop and give my talent the full potential at LIFT.
What advice do you have for students who would like to take up Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design at Lanka Institute of Fashion Technology (LIFT)?
You can learn everything from the basics with the help of the best lecturers you could ask for and you wouldn’t have to worry about having the skill to draw or stitch during your enrolment. I can also assure and advice you that with the curriculum the campus provides is a 100% guarantee that you could work & go to great heights at any work place given!
Level up in 2020! It’s the perfect time to get qualified. We offer a range of qualification for students who are keen on learning the nuances of fashion creation and designing. With 20 years of commitment and success in the industry we are proud to boast that 99% of our graduates are in employment or education locally & internationally. Applications are in progress for 2020 courses, HURRY before the seats fill out! Visit www.lift.lk also feel free to speak to our student advisors on 0112554394 / 98 for more information.