- Crafting sustainable stories in art, design, and life
This week, we had the pleasure of chatting with the multi-talented Liyara Cooray, a 24-year-old innovator whose journey weaves through the realms of art, design, and environmental responsibility.
Liyara’s unique venture, ‘ging-home,’ emerged during the challenges of the COVID time period, reflecting her passion for sustainability and creative expression. As we delve into her story, Cooray shares insights into the inspiration behind ging-home, the mission to impact the environment positively, and how her diverse experiences, from part-time modelling to creative projects, shape her commitment to a more eco-conscious way of life.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
At the age of 24, I ventured from Colombo International School, Sri Lanka, to New York’s Fordham University, graduating with a bachelor’s in computer science in 2022. Amidst the pandemic, I founded ging-home, a fusion of art, design, and environmental responsibility. Besides that, I’m engaged in freelance content creation, packaging design, and branding on my Instagram account, @coymuse, alongside rekindling my part-time modelling pursuits with GOYA Model Management.
2. What sparked the idea for ging-home?
The unique circumstances of COVID prompted the inception of ging-home. My dad’s early encouragement to start something of my own found its moment during the pandemic. The concept evolved with a focus on sustainability, rooted in the urgency of the environmental situation, and became a mission to contribute positively to our planet’s well-being.
3. How does ging-home aim to positively impact the environment, and what inspired the slow-living ethos at the core of your mission?
Ging-home strives to make a positive environmental impact by encouraging small steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Offering sustainable alternatives to everyday home essentials, we aim to combat plastic usage. The slow-living ethos stems from the need to navigate challenges in promoting mindful choices and gradual shifts towards a more eco-friendly way of life.
4. How do your part-time modelling pursuits and creative projects like @coymuse complement one another and contribute to your overall fulfilment?
Being on both sides of the camera as a part-time model enables me to understand the challenges faced by models and creators. This understanding facilitates collaborative efforts within the industry and contributes to my overall fulfilment in the creative realm.
5. Can you share more about how the simple joys of rooftop picnics led to the creation of ging-home during an island-wide lockdown?
Discovering a deep appreciation for rooftop picnics during the lockdown inspired the creation of ging-home. This simple, peaceful activity influenced the brand’s embodiment of peace, cheerfulness, and environmental responsibility, with the name drawing inspiration from the classic picnic blanket, gingham.
6. Why is conscious packaging crucial for ging-home, and how does it align with your commitment to promoting eco-conscious living?
Conscious packaging aligns with our mission to encourage small steps towards a sustainable future. Recognising the need for improvement, we are committed to enhancing the sustainability of both our packaging and products, envisioning a future where every aspect of ging-home reflects our dedication to eco-conscious living.
7. Given your diverse experiences and entrepreneurial journey, what advice would you offer to someone looking to turn their passion into a meaningful project or business?
In turning passion into a project or business, taking the initial leap is a challenge. Trust your instincts, be open to tweaking plans, and embrace the unexpected discoveries along the journey. Dive in, learn, and let the process shape your path toward a meaningful endeavour.
PHOTOS © LIYARA COORAY