Young female entrepreneurs on following their dreams
As the world celebrates the contributions made by women, the Mirror Magazine features a few trail blazing young female entrepreneurs and tips on how they brough their dreams to life.
Portia Emerson - Founder,The Bride Tribe SL
TIP #1:- “Do what you like and immediately the process will flow with your intentions”
“Never have any doubt on your dreams and ideas. Go for every move you think that you will catch up with your initiative. Do not ponder on your ideas or your skills.
When I started I never had an intention to come this far, but I had the will and love for what I enjoy doing the most. I just kicked it off with everything I had,” said Nuha Althaf, Founder- Brownie and Company.
Nuha (22) pursued her studies at Ilma International School with major dreams of becoming a doctor but her love for Chocolate led her down a path she never dreamed possible. Brownie Company is a Home-based Business initiated by Nuha in 2016. Nuha awaiting for her A/L results with the idea of applying for medical college headed in another direction with ‘Yummy Brownies’.
For Nuha her mother was her strongest pillar through every step she took. On the other hand, she adds that her Dad was always the one to advise her. His compliments and his critique, is a reason that keeps her going, she says. Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, Nuha has faced her ups and downs. Baking was definitely not easy for Nuha till she travelled the lesser known path and found her own skill set she tells us.
Follow her on @the_brownie_company
Jennifer with her family
TIP #2 :- “Find the correct partner and team. The combination of right ideas and right effort is the key in every business and remember to take calculated risks”
“One big issue I faced was finding the correct team. When I hired unreliable staff, they quit on and off. There were times I worked out everything all by myself in this cafe. Finding the right team has been one of my major obstacles. Especially trying to achieve a smile from customers to handling bad staff was a tough combination,” says Rushini Goonathilake, Founder, Natural Eats.
Rushini Goonathilake is turning the tables in the industry from a different perspective as the Founder of the Cafe, Natural Eats.One of only cafes that caters to the motive of fitness and a healthy lifestyle in Sri Lanka. Rushini was a business analyst, when starting off with her passion. She pursued her studies in Economics and is a past student of Colombo International School. She was well known for her sports and was highly involved in Athletics. This inspired Rushini to step into her own startup. For a long duration Rushini sold her goodies at the Goodmarket and then opened the cafe at Union Place and Rajagiriya. Natural eats is also available on Uber Eats and they offer meal plans for customers. They are available on a daily basis. .
Follow Rushini @naturaleatslk
TIP #3 :- “Be passionate with what you are doing, if the passion is not there, it is very hard to go forward in any field. Be your own creative person”
“Don’t be bound by your fears. People around you will only like to see you succeed as long as you will not be doing better than them. Do not let anyone’s negativity bring you down. Take the risk and quit everything that you don’t desire. You will be rewarded as long you’re persistent with what you are doing. Eventually everyone around you will understand with what you want to do. Thereby you keeping your head strong and keeping yourself motivated at all times is so important.
Live your dream not someone elses,” says Portia Emerson, Founder,The Bride Tribe- SL.
Pix by - M.D. Nissanka and Amila Gamage
Having established herself in the corporate sector and quitting for a totally different field is not a risk everyone is willing to make.
However, for Portia it was her leap of faith that led to establishing her own boutique for bachelorette party ideas. The Bride Tribe- SL is an online store that caters to bachelorette parties and ideas. Portia’s mom being a wedding planner inspired her in this particular field.
Follow Portia @_thebridetribesl
TIP #4 :- “Make sure you are healthy and happy with whatever you are doing”
“Nothing will be easy. There’s always a part that you have to do on your own. Always do what you like. People will always be against whatever you are doing. Give your hundred percent in everything you do. Stand on your feet alone,” said Thiromi Gamage, Founder, Coffee Bean Body, Sri Lanka.
Thiromi Gamage was inspired by her parents, to start her own restaurant. Her father a businessman and mother being a chef encouraged her to start her own restaurant which led to – ‘Let’s Taco Colombo’ . However, her passion found its way into Coffee Bean Body an online store which produces all natural skin care products, from head to toe. It is a one man business, she says. Her support has been her husband and family through every step she has taken. “I am happy with what I’m doing and that’s what matters the most,” she says.
Follow Thiromi @coffeebeanbody
Thiromi Gamage - Founder, Coffee Bean Body
TIP #5 :- Never fail to dream. Keep dreaming and never give up. Travel along all obstacles till you reach your destination”
“From my youngest days as I recall I have always been very persevering and was never afraid to dream. I always felt that dreams gave me life. I was very active in school and made use of every possible opportunity to be mischievous with my friends. There have been many people who have not believed in me. But in every one of those situations no matter how weak I felt I was able to pull myself together and face the situation. I am happy that such people crossed my path because they made me who I am today,” said Jennifer Thenabadu, Founder, Will by Zac.
Fighting for your dreams in every possible way is what Jennifer believes in she tells us. The route to get there might change but make sure your dreams are solid, says Jennifer.
Vist Will by Zac @willbyzac