By Ravini Perera
The global Covid-19 pandemic has seen the crippling of many industries that have long supported the economy of Sri Lanka, leaving many of its employees to find alternative income sources. Thus, a multitude of Lankans have turned their hands anew to cottage industries, both to showcase their talents, and to utilise the time and resources at hand – as well as to make ends meet in difficult and uncertain times. Enthusiasm alone has proved to be inadequate to be recognized in this industry. With its growing competitive nature and other obstacles, an individual must be armed with determination and hard work to pursue a career in this sector.
Brunch spoke to a group of individuals who have converted their passions into professions, on their views on cottage industries in Sri Lanka and what they believe to be the secret ingredients in their own success stories.
A recipe for success 
Businesses that revolve around the food and beverage industry never fail to flourish, given the constant demand. Parties, events, and festivals keep most of these small-scale businesses busy. However, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and the imposition of travel restrictions, many of these entrepreneurs have had increasingly limited opportunities to serve its customer base.
Sri Lanka is well-known for its seafood industry, being home to a variety of crustaceans. Hence, it is the heaven of seafood cuisine, catering to many local and international foodies daily.
“Crab Tales”, a home business that serves mainly crab and prawn based delicacies, is in the process of leaving its mark in the hearts of its customers. Creative thinking has played a major role in the establishment of this business. Crab Tales conceptualist Rizvi Rafeek, speaking with Brunch, stated: “We decided to try out a recipe that has been in our family for over a century and to convert it into a business opportunity. The success surprised us all.”
Crab Tales, which started as an experiment in late 2020, secured an alternative income source for its owners during an unstable time in the country. The innumerable inquiries and requests regarding their dishes have motivated them to continue to serve their growing customer base.
[caption id="attachment_140883" align="alignleft" width="225"]
Crab Tales serves mainly crab and prawn based delicacies[/caption]
Rafeek’s background in interior and graphic design has complemented the final product of his business, with Rafeek sharing: “The experience and skills gained in my professional life has assisted me to understand the needs and expected standards of our clientele.”
Obtaining fresh crabs is a process that has been given careful attention to by Crab Tales, with Rafeek co-ordinating with seafood exporters to acquire live crabs that have been plucked straight out of the lagoon, just hours before being transformed into Crab Tales’s customers’ favourite dishes and sent out.
While Covid-19 has slowed the process of the orders being placed, Rafeek shared that there does not seem to be a reduction in the number of customers satisfied with Crab Tales’s food, adding that discussions are underway to expand this small-scale business in the future.
Expressing his thoughts on the importance of social media as a tool to help a small-scale business grow, he said: “Social media marketing may be identified as a challenge if one is not experienced or equipped to handle it. However, the visual presentation of quality pictures featuring these mouth-watering dishes has helped us stand out from the crowd.”
Let your taste buds guide you 
Vanessa Fonseka, who was drawn to cooking from her younger days, initiated “Bumble Bees - CMB” in 2019. A step towards achieving her goals, this startup business was given wings with a well-composed menu that challenges Fonseka’s knowledge of food and skills at baking, consisting of an array of finger food, pastries, and cakes.
[caption id="attachment_140888" align="alignleft" width="218"]
Bumble Bees – CMB offers an array of finger food, pastries, and cakes[/caption]
Her attention to detail and meticulous planning with regard to each order has earned her the respect of many locals, building for herself a loyal client-base. “From the task of hand-picking the ingredients at the grocery store, to preparing the meal and delivering the final product to our consumers, the entire process is personally undertaken by me. In my opinion this is the best way to assure a high standard of quality and customer satisfaction,” she said.
At present, the varieties of food usually offered by Bumble Bees – CMB have been limited due to the challenges of acquiring fresh produce. The travel restrictions that have been imposed islandwide have also forced Vanessa to resort to alternate means of delivery.
While balancing both her part-time employment and the online food store, Vanessa Fonseka carries the vision of expanding her business once the situation in the country dies down.
As a person who strikes a balance between her family life and business activities, she encourages people to follow their passions. “Every success story has a difficult beginning. Therefore, you will face challenges. However, it is a rewarding journey and I encourage everybody to pursue their dreams,” she said to Brunch.
Passions that bloom and grow
As per the health guidelines issued by the authorities, all public gatherings including events and weddings have been banned until further notice. This has resulted in many businesses having to encounter cancellations.
Hafsah Cader, driven by her love and passion for fresh flowers and arrangements since her early days, started “Oopsy Daisy” in 2019. From simple bouquets of flowers to bridal bouquets, all significant occasions are covered by this talented individual.
[caption id="attachment_140884" align="alignleft" width="226"]
Oopsy Daisy provides floral arrangements for all occasions[/caption]
Though online orders had kept the business busy during the first two waves of the pandemic, the subsequent cancellation of events is always a disappointment, given the time and effort that is invested into each project.
A keen eye for detail, and a creative and innovative mindset are essential in standing out from the rest. Her incorporation of fruits in flower arrangements being well-accepted by clients proves the aforementioned fact.
Hafsah went on to explain that due to the unexpectedly high demand and incredible feedback received from the clients, she was compelled to leave her career as an interior designer and event planner in order to pursue her home-based business full-time.
When inquired about her secret to success, she stated: “As long as you are fueled by passion, hard work and patience you will excel. Always trust your instincts and do not be afraid to try new things. You will never know the possibilities until you try.”
Though the business is currently operating with two employees, she went on to express her excitement about expanding her business in the future, creating an online platform to showcase their creations with the exposure she has received from her former career. “We are where we are currently because of social media. Thus, it is a crucial aspect in this field,” she said.
A sense of style 
The fashion sense of individuals all across the world is subject to constant changes depending on various circumstances. Sri Lankans also change their ideologies of fashion accordingly. However, most designers and entrepreneurs are unable to meet various conditions all at once.
[caption id="attachment_140885" align="alignleft" width="230"]
Pepela creates fresh fashion for children[/caption]
Sadhina Abeysuriya, the entrepreneur behind “Pepela”, has found novel methods of meeting the expectations of many locals searching for kids clothes that are charming, and most importantly, suitable for the Sri Lankan climate.
“Searching for kids clothes in the local market was not an easy task. Most of the clothes I came across had many imperfections and did not meet my expectations. This is what mainly inspired me to start my own clothing line for children,” said Sadhina.
Being a wildlife photographer by profession, her travels were halted due to the current situation in the country. However, nothing has obstructed her from taking advantage of the time she has in hand. No matter what challenges confront us, she believes that one must go on without thinking twice.
In addition to the kids clothing line, she has introduced “Coloured Universe (TY&DY)” a clothing line for adults, to meet the increasing demand.
Orders for custom-made outfits have also been undertaken in the past, which are specifically designed, made, and delivered under these clothing brands. However, business operations have been limited at present. “It is very challenging to obtain material from vendors, and for my employees to report to work under the given circumstances; delivery too had to be limited until the restrictions are lifted,” she said.
For stationery addicts 
One can never own too much stationery. “The Idea Factory” Director Sewwandi Fernando is one such person. However, her hunt for stationery had never been so delightful due to the lack of tasteful stationery back in the day.
With guidance from her parents, she was able to establish one of the first notebook brands in Sri Lanka, which mainly focused on printing and manufacturing notebooks and exercise books.
In the years following its establishment, they were able to enhance their product availability islandwide, while growing their customer base. This was as a result of the concept of “BYOB” (Build Your Own Book), a process where the customers are allowed to be in direct contact with the team throughout the process.
[caption id="attachment_140887" align="alignleft" width="237"]
The Idea Factory is one of Sri Lanka’s first notebook brands[/caption]
A significant feature of this business is that it is fully woman-run. Thus, they are a team of six women. “All aspects of designing and production are done and managed by women. Currently delivery is the only outsourced element of our business. We currently work with many suppliers who are female entrepreneurs or home-based businesses, and seek to reach more,” she added.
The business was taken completely by surprise with the onset of the pandemic. It was already challenging to face new competitors in the industry, and now the challenge has been doubled. Nevertheless, with a few alterations in their game plan and the existing social media presence, they have been able to pull through.
Sharing her views on the importance of social media platforms, Sewwandi told Brunch that social media apps consist of a great deal of tools that come in handy for modern day businesses.
Big, exciting, and most importantly, unique changes are to take place in the future in expanding their services and products, Sewwandi noted, further expressing: “Where there is a need, there will always be an opportunity. Therefore, do what you love and love what you do! After all it is your business.”
Supporting home based and small-scale industries have become a trend amongst the locals. Despite the health concerns many consumers turn to local, home-based businesses to place orders and obtain customised items. Such decisions are influenced mainly by factors such as effective communication, friendly service, and affordability, among many other elements. Furthermore, the efforts of these individuals are admirable, given their determination to face and get through these trying times.
Businesses that revolve around the food and beverage industry never fail to flourish, given the constant demand. Parties, events, and festivals keep most of these small-scale businesses busy. However, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and the imposition of travel restrictions, many of these entrepreneurs have had increasingly limited opportunities to serve its customer base.
Sri Lanka is well-known for its seafood industry, being home to a variety of crustaceans. Hence, it is the heaven of seafood cuisine, catering to many local and international foodies daily.
“Crab Tales”, a home business that serves mainly crab and prawn based delicacies, is in the process of leaving its mark in the hearts of its customers. Creative thinking has played a major role in the establishment of this business. Crab Tales conceptualist Rizvi Rafeek, speaking with Brunch, stated: “We decided to try out a recipe that has been in our family for over a century and to convert it into a business opportunity. The success surprised us all.”
Crab Tales, which started as an experiment in late 2020, secured an alternative income source for its owners during an unstable time in the country. The innumerable inquiries and requests regarding their dishes have motivated them to continue to serve their growing customer base.
[caption id="attachment_140883" align="alignleft" width="225"] Crab Tales serves mainly crab and prawn based delicacies[/caption]
Rafeek’s background in interior and graphic design has complemented the final product of his business, with Rafeek sharing: “The experience and skills gained in my professional life has assisted me to understand the needs and expected standards of our clientele.”
Obtaining fresh crabs is a process that has been given careful attention to by Crab Tales, with Rafeek co-ordinating with seafood exporters to acquire live crabs that have been plucked straight out of the lagoon, just hours before being transformed into Crab Tales’s customers’ favourite dishes and sent out.
While Covid-19 has slowed the process of the orders being placed, Rafeek shared that there does not seem to be a reduction in the number of customers satisfied with Crab Tales’s food, adding that discussions are underway to expand this small-scale business in the future.
Expressing his thoughts on the importance of social media as a tool to help a small-scale business grow, he said: “Social media marketing may be identified as a challenge if one is not experienced or equipped to handle it. However, the visual presentation of quality pictures featuring these mouth-watering dishes has helped us stand out from the crowd.”
Let your taste buds guide you
Vanessa Fonseka, who was drawn to cooking from her younger days, initiated “Bumble Bees - CMB” in 2019. A step towards achieving her goals, this startup business was given wings with a well-composed menu that challenges Fonseka’s knowledge of food and skills at baking, consisting of an array of finger food, pastries, and cakes.
[caption id="attachment_140888" align="alignleft" width="218"] Bumble Bees – CMB offers an array of finger food, pastries, and cakes[/caption]
Her attention to detail and meticulous planning with regard to each order has earned her the respect of many locals, building for herself a loyal client-base. “From the task of hand-picking the ingredients at the grocery store, to preparing the meal and delivering the final product to our consumers, the entire process is personally undertaken by me. In my opinion this is the best way to assure a high standard of quality and customer satisfaction,” she said.
At present, the varieties of food usually offered by Bumble Bees – CMB have been limited due to the challenges of acquiring fresh produce. The travel restrictions that have been imposed islandwide have also forced Vanessa to resort to alternate means of delivery.
While balancing both her part-time employment and the online food store, Vanessa Fonseka carries the vision of expanding her business once the situation in the country dies down.
As a person who strikes a balance between her family life and business activities, she encourages people to follow their passions. “Every success story has a difficult beginning. Therefore, you will face challenges. However, it is a rewarding journey and I encourage everybody to pursue their dreams,” she said to Brunch.
Passions that bloom and grow
As per the health guidelines issued by the authorities, all public gatherings including events and weddings have been banned until further notice. This has resulted in many businesses having to encounter cancellations.
Hafsah Cader, driven by her love and passion for fresh flowers and arrangements since her early days, started “Oopsy Daisy” in 2019. From simple bouquets of flowers to bridal bouquets, all significant occasions are covered by this talented individual.
[caption id="attachment_140884" align="alignleft" width="226"] Oopsy Daisy provides floral arrangements for all occasions[/caption]
Though online orders had kept the business busy during the first two waves of the pandemic, the subsequent cancellation of events is always a disappointment, given the time and effort that is invested into each project.
A keen eye for detail, and a creative and innovative mindset are essential in standing out from the rest. Her incorporation of fruits in flower arrangements being well-accepted by clients proves the aforementioned fact.
Hafsah went on to explain that due to the unexpectedly high demand and incredible feedback received from the clients, she was compelled to leave her career as an interior designer and event planner in order to pursue her home-based business full-time.
When inquired about her secret to success, she stated: “As long as you are fueled by passion, hard work and patience you will excel. Always trust your instincts and do not be afraid to try new things. You will never know the possibilities until you try.”
Though the business is currently operating with two employees, she went on to express her excitement about expanding her business in the future, creating an online platform to showcase their creations with the exposure she has received from her former career. “We are where we are currently because of social media. Thus, it is a crucial aspect in this field,” she said.
A sense of style
The fashion sense of individuals all across the world is subject to constant changes depending on various circumstances. Sri Lankans also change their ideologies of fashion accordingly. However, most designers and entrepreneurs are unable to meet various conditions all at once.
[caption id="attachment_140885" align="alignleft" width="230"] Pepela creates fresh fashion for children[/caption]
Sadhina Abeysuriya, the entrepreneur behind “Pepela”, has found novel methods of meeting the expectations of many locals searching for kids clothes that are charming, and most importantly, suitable for the Sri Lankan climate.
“Searching for kids clothes in the local market was not an easy task. Most of the clothes I came across had many imperfections and did not meet my expectations. This is what mainly inspired me to start my own clothing line for children,” said Sadhina.
Being a wildlife photographer by profession, her travels were halted due to the current situation in the country. However, nothing has obstructed her from taking advantage of the time she has in hand. No matter what challenges confront us, she believes that one must go on without thinking twice.
In addition to the kids clothing line, she has introduced “Coloured Universe (TY&DY)” a clothing line for adults, to meet the increasing demand.
Orders for custom-made outfits have also been undertaken in the past, which are specifically designed, made, and delivered under these clothing brands. However, business operations have been limited at present. “It is very challenging to obtain material from vendors, and for my employees to report to work under the given circumstances; delivery too had to be limited until the restrictions are lifted,” she said.
For stationery addicts
One can never own too much stationery. “The Idea Factory” Director Sewwandi Fernando is one such person. However, her hunt for stationery had never been so delightful due to the lack of tasteful stationery back in the day.
With guidance from her parents, she was able to establish one of the first notebook brands in Sri Lanka, which mainly focused on printing and manufacturing notebooks and exercise books.
In the years following its establishment, they were able to enhance their product availability islandwide, while growing their customer base. This was as a result of the concept of “BYOB” (Build Your Own Book), a process where the customers are allowed to be in direct contact with the team throughout the process.
[caption id="attachment_140887" align="alignleft" width="237"] The Idea Factory is one of Sri Lanka’s first notebook brands[/caption]
A significant feature of this business is that it is fully woman-run. Thus, they are a team of six women. “All aspects of designing and production are done and managed by women. Currently delivery is the only outsourced element of our business. We currently work with many suppliers who are female entrepreneurs or home-based businesses, and seek to reach more,” she added.
The business was taken completely by surprise with the onset of the pandemic. It was already challenging to face new competitors in the industry, and now the challenge has been doubled. Nevertheless, with a few alterations in their game plan and the existing social media presence, they have been able to pull through.
Sharing her views on the importance of social media platforms, Sewwandi told Brunch that social media apps consist of a great deal of tools that come in handy for modern day businesses.
Big, exciting, and most importantly, unique changes are to take place in the future in expanding their services and products, Sewwandi noted, further expressing: “Where there is a need, there will always be an opportunity. Therefore, do what you love and love what you do! After all it is your business.”
Supporting home based and small-scale industries have become a trend amongst the locals. Despite the health concerns many consumers turn to local, home-based businesses to place orders and obtain customised items. Such decisions are influenced mainly by factors such as effective communication, friendly service, and affordability, among many other elements. Furthermore, the efforts of these individuals are admirable, given their determination to face and get through these trying times.