This week, The Sunday Morning Happinez sat down with Anjana Heenatigala, a 20-year-old with a passion for fashion, creativity, and self-expression. Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Fashion Design and Marketing at the Academy of Design (AOD), she is also focused on making waves as a model, actor, and influencer. Turning lifelong passions into a thriving career, Anjana embodies the perfect blend of artistry and ambition, redefining what it means to follow your dreams in the modern creative world.

Can you share the story of how your journey as an influencer, model, and actress began?

I started my journey in 2012 when I was around six years old with TV commercials. My first TV commercial was for a toothpaste brand and I acted in several commercials after that. However, I had to put my acting career on hold to focus on my studies.

After completing my Ordinary Levels (O/Ls) in 2021, I began creating content and sharing about my day-to-day life on Instagram for fun. At that time, I had no idea I would become an influencer or a content creator. 

In early 2022, I got my first non-paid collaboration with a skincare brand. This experience made me discover my passion for this industry and I realised it would be great to continue down this path.

What inspired you to pursue a career that spans across these dynamic fields?

I have loved these fields for as long as I can remember. My father and grandmother inspired me. My grandmother, Srimathi Heenatigala, was an actress in the 1990s. Her love for the arts influenced my father, who also acted in several stage dramas during that time. 

My family is incredibly passionate about the arts and has always encouraged me to pursue it. After completing my education, I chose to continue in this industry because it is what I truly love. 

How do you balance being a university student with your career?

It is not easy to balance my studies with my career. I struggled a lot at first because I had to focus on many things. Sometimes, I missed out on my studies or my work. I manage both sides of my life by working extra hard through many sleepless nights. I am also grateful for the amazing people around me who have always supported me.

What was a defining moment that helped you transition from acting to modelling?

After I completed my studies in 2020, I wanted to become a model before continuing to pursue my acting career. However, I could not find the right path at that time. In 2023, I joined the National Innovation Centre (NIC) of the National Institute of Business and Management (NIBM) to pursue a Foundation Course in Design. 

During that period, I was invited to participate in several fashion photoshoots for student projects and received many compliments. This led to invitations for fashion shows held by the university. 

I began receiving invitations for brand photoshoots and modelling shows after posting these experiences on my social media platforms. Following this, I joined the Brian Kerkoven Academy to gain professional experience and learn how to continue my career properly and professionally.

How do you use your social media presence to connect with your audience and create a meaningful impact?

I use my social media to share a mix of everyday moments, dance content, and brand promotions, always aiming to ensure that my audience can relate to it or find value in it. Whether it is a fun dance challenge or a glimpse into my daily life, I prioritise authenticity and seek to inspire or entertain my followers. 

For brand promotions, I focus on showcasing products and services that I genuinely believe in and think my audience will appreciate. My goal is to create content that feels natural and engaging, helping brands connect with my followers in a way that is authentic and trustworthy, while also providing valuable insights into the brands I collaborate with.

How would you describe your personal style and where do you draw your fashion inspiration from? 

My personal style is about trying new things and exploring different looks. I am not tied to one specific look because I enjoy experimenting with different styles from around the world. Whether it is a saree, lehenga, or something more relaxed like baggy t-shirts, crop tops, and shorts, I like to mix things up. 

I get inspiration from different cultures, places, and even people I admire. I think fashion allows me to show different sides of myself, so I love being able to switch between traditional looks and modern styles. 

My social media showcases this mix, displaying everything from classic Sri Lankan and Indian wear to trendy Western styles, and I am always open to trying something new based on the mood or occasion.

What challenges have you faced in your career and how have you overcome them?

I have faced many ups and downs and several failures; the biggest challenge in my career has been a lack of confidence. At one point, I was not sure of myself and was afraid to try new things because I feared failure. This lack of confidence held back my career. 

However, I eventually overcame this by pushing myself to try new experiences without fear. I built my confidence by facing obstacles directly and focusing on doing my best, instead of worrying about success or failure. This mindset has brought me to where I am today and has helped me achieve my goals so far.

How do your Sri Lankan roots influence your work and the message you aim to convey?

My work as a model and influencer reflects my personal interests and experiences, which come from different cultures. I am proud of my Sri Lankan roots but I focus on exploring global styles, especially Western influences, and embrace diversity in my journey.

I believe in breaking boundaries, challenging norms, and being myself. The message I want to share through my work is that you do not have to fit into one category or follow a single path. It is about being true to who you are and embracing all the possibilities that the world has to offer.

Who are your biggest inspirations and how have they helped shape your journey?

I have been lucky to be inspired by many amazing people throughout my journey. Early on, my father was the person who inspired me and taught me to never give up. As I moved forward in my career and life, I was introduced to more people who have influenced me. 

Each of them helped shape me into who I am today and I am thankful for the lessons they shared with me. Instead of having just one source of inspiration, my motivation comes from a mix of mentors, role models, and personal experiences that have always fuelled my passion and determination.

What advice would you give to young individuals aspiring to follow in your footsteps?

The best advice I can give you is to keep trying. Do not be afraid to face challenges in your life, take risks, and go for it. Some people may say that you are not talented enough or not suitable for something, but do not let those comments hold you back. If you are passionate about it, do it.