- : Yiva Ceylon Founder Suwani Hitihamu on opening a store at WH Colombo
In the landscape of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Yiva Ceylon emerges as a beacon of sustainable beauty, blending indigenous wisdom with modern skincare solutions. On 5 April, the brand – described as an ode to Sri Lankan self-care – was launched at WH Sri Lanka.
Suwani Hitihamu’s passion for preserving ancient Sri Lankan traditions through Yiva Ceylon embodies a profound dedication to sustainable beauty. With its emphasis on purity, authenticity, and ethical practices, Yiva Ceylon is not just a skincare brand – it’s a testament to the transformative power of nature harnessed for holistic wellbeing.
The Daily Morning Brunch had the pleasure of sitting down with Yiva Ceylon Founder Suwani Hitihamu, where we delved into the inspiration behind the brand, the new retail space, and its journey towards redefining self-care.
Following are excerpts from the interview:
Could you share with our readers the story behind Yiva Ceylon and what motivated you to start this venture?
Absolutely. Yiva Ceylon is truly a culmination of my lifelong passion for natural healing and my desire to showcase the incredible wealth of botanical treasures Sri Lanka has to offer. Growing up in Kandy, surrounded by lush landscapes and the vibrant traditions of ayurveda, I always knew I wanted to channel this heritage into something meaningful.
After completing my studies in Melbourne, where I pursued economics and accounting, I found myself drawn back to my roots. I realised that the world was increasingly seeking clean, natural alternatives in skincare, and I wanted to be a part of this movement. Thus, Yiva Ceylon was born – a brand deeply rooted in the principles of sustainability and conscious self-care.
Your commitment to sustainability is evident in Yiva Ceylon’s ethos. How do you integrate traditional Sri Lankan practices into your product formulations?
At Yiva Ceylon, we honour the ancient ayurvedic tradition known as Hela Wedakama, which emphasises holistic wellness through natural remedies. Our formulations are inspired by centuries-old practices, where we harness the healing properties of indigenous plants and herbs. For instance, our ranawara infused nourishing body oil is crafted with ranawara (Senna auriculata), renowned for its soothing and antioxidant-rich qualities.
We work closely with local farmers and communities to source our ingredients sustainably, ensuring that we not only provide effective products but also contribute to the livelihoods of our partners. This approach allows us to create skincare that is not only good for your skin but also supports the ecosystem it comes from.
Your product range is quite diverse and innovative. Could you tell us about some of your flagship products and their unique features?
Certainly! One of our most beloved products is the whipped king coconut and lavender body butter. This luxurious blend combines the hydrating properties of king coconut with the calming scent of lavender, offering deep nourishment for the skin. Another favourite is our cocoa butter in aloe vera gel, which is perfect for soothing and revitalising dry or sun-exposed skin.
We also recently introduced the curry leaf infused hair elixir, which taps into the traditional use of curry leaves for hair strength and vitality. Each product is meticulously formulated to deliver results while staying true to our values of purity and sustainability.
Could you elaborate on the benefits of combining Sri Lankan natural ingredients with carefully selected chemical formulations in skincare products offered by Yiva Ceylon?
Combining Sri Lankan natural ingredients with carefully selected chemical formulations in skincare products at Yiva Ceylon is a deliberate strategy aimed at maximising effectiveness while maintaining safety and sustainability. Our approach involves harnessing the rich botanical diversity of Sri Lanka, which offers unique and potent ingredients known for their skin-nourishing properties.
By incorporating scientifically proven chemical formulations alongside these natural ingredients, we ensure that our products deliver targeted results and optimal benefits. For example, pairing traditional botanical extracts like turmeric or sandalwood with gentle, skin-friendly synthetic compounds can enhance the stability and bioavailability of active ingredients, resulting in more effective skincare solutions.
Moreover, the careful selection of chemical components allows us to address specific skincare concerns such as stability, texture, and absorption without compromising on our commitment to clean and sustainable beauty. We prioritise ingredients that are safe, non-toxic, and eco-friendly, ensuring that every Yiva Ceylon product reflects our dedication to holistic wellness and environmental responsibility.
How can customers access Yiva Ceylon products, and what sets your brand apart in the marketplace?
Our products are available online through our social media channels and select retail outlets across Sri Lanka, including WH Sri Lanka and The Design Collective Store, among others. What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to transparency and ethical sourcing. We want our customers to feel confident knowing that every Yiva Ceylon product is crafted with integrity and a deep respect for nature.
Yiva Ceylon’s launch must have been an exciting milestone. What are your aspirations for the brand moving forward?
Indeed, our launch was a culmination of years of dedication and passion. Looking ahead, I envision Yiva Ceylon becoming a global leader in sustainable beauty, promoting the idea that skincare should not compromise on health or ethics. We aim to expand our reach while staying true to our roots, continuing to innovate with new products that showcase the best of Sri Lankan botanicals.
Lastly, what advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs looking to venture into the beauty industry?
My advice would be to stay true to your vision and values. The beauty industry is vast, but authenticity is what resonates with consumers. Build relationships with your suppliers, prioritise sustainability, and never compromise on quality. Most importantly, listen to your customers – they are your greatest allies and a constant source of inspiration.