Dara – a wearable fashion brand

    by Zanita Careem

To me, fashion is more about adorning the body rather than following ‘the new’, as the word fashion means in a literal sense. Panchali with her brand name Dara creates fashion that makes women feel confident, positive, inspired, feminine, and beautiful. We not only want to make women feel beautiful today but also confident about the fact that her clothing shop Dara is creating a better tomorrow. We call that connection “Beautiful Today… Beautiful Tomorrow”.

An old girl of Musaeus College , she had an exciting journey so far. As an entrepreneur, she had many bumps but soon overcame all of them with confidence. She says it was a long learning process but loved every step of it. She has a inspiring story and a strong personalityable to inspire women to chase thier dreams

Give a brief background of what you do?

I am the founding director of DARA clothing brand My store is nestled in Thimbirigasyaya, Colombo 05. Dara Wear offers high-quality imported and locally sourced clothing for women and young girls. The collection ranges from work wear, party wear, casual wear, and a variety of sarees for special occasions. We also offer accessories that perfectly complement our clothing, adding the finishing touch to any outfit. We update our collection frequently to keep up with the new trends and styles.

My journey in the industry began about 20 years ago in the most humble of setting – a small garage in my home which I turned into a boutique clothing store as I was so passionate about owing my clothing store. Today DARA Wear stands as a well-established store loved by many.

Fun fact: The name DARA is actually an acronym made up of my daughters’ names—Daniella, Andriyana, Rebecca, and Awraliya!

What are they key factors that got you to where you are today?

Key factors that have brought me to where I am today include unwavering determination, resilience, a deep passion for fashion, and a commitment to continuous learning. Creativity and fashion have always been a part of my life from an early age. My unique sense of style, often praised by others, fuelled my lifelong dream of owning a clothing brand. However, building DARA Wear from scratch was far from easy. I had no prior knowledge of running a business, so I had to teach myself every aspect—from sourcing and managing finances to marketing and customer service. And to this day I’m still learning and looking for ways to progress.

This journey demanded relentless hard work, facing numerous challenges, and making countless sacrifices. There were moments of doubt and setbacks along the way, but each obstacle only strengthened my resolve. I couldn’t have done it without the support of mother, husband and my beautiful and strong daughters.

Your success/achievements?

Building DARA wear from the ground up with my own hands is something that still amazes me to this day. It’s an achievement I am incredibly proud of because it stands as a testament to what can be accomplished through unwavering dedication and hard work. Starting from the humble beginnings of a small garage to now having a prominent location in Colombo, the journey has been nothing short of remarkable.

Panchali Anupama and spouse

This store is now recognised for its exceptional quality, distinctive style, and the personal touch that goes into every piece we offer. But beyond the growth and success of the brand, what fills me with the most pride is the example I’ve set for my daughters and other women. It’s deeply fulfilling to show them that with passion, perseverance, and determination, they too can achieve great things in life. This journey is not just about building a business—it’s about inspiring the next generation to dream big, work hard, and know that they have the power to shape their own futures.

What has been the hardest part of being an entrepreneur?

The hardest part of being an entrepreneur as a woman have been navigating the balance between my personal and professional life. As a mother of four daughters, I’ve often found myself juggling the demands of running a business with the responsibilities of raising a family. There have been times when the challenges of entrepreneurship—long hours, financial pressures, and the constant need for innovation—felt overwhelming, especially when they clashed with the irreplaceable moments of being present for my family.

Another difficult aspect has been the learning curve. Starting DARA Wear with no prior business experience meant I had to teach myself everything from scratch. The process was overwhelming, filled with trial and error, and there were moments of uncertainty and setbacks.

However, these challenges have also been my greatest teachers. They’ve forced me to grow, to adapt, and to develop a resilience that I might not have otherwise discovered. While the journey has been incredibly demanding, it has also been immensely rewarding, both personally and professionally. Each hurdle I’ve overcome has made me a stronger entrepreneur and a more determined role model for my daughters and other women who aspire to turn their dreams into reality.

What do you think of the fashion industry. How do you keep up with the changing trends?

The fashion industry is vibrant and constantly evolving, which makes it incredibly exciting. To keep up with changing trends, I stay connected through social media platforms where trends often emerge. Most importantly, I listen closely to customer feedback, which provides valuable insights. At DARA Wear, we frequently update our collection to reflect the latest styles while also offering pieces that truly resonate with our customers.

Where do you see your business or your brand in the near future?

Overtime, I would like to see DARA Wear expanding its reach across Sri Lanka. My immediate focus is strengthening our online presence, which we will be essential in making my DARA clothing brand more accessible to a wide audience.

What is your relationship with clothes?

My relationship with clothes is deeply personal and rooted in a lifelong passion for fashion. Clothes, for me, are not just about fabric and design—they are a form of self-expression, a way to tell a story without saying a word. From a young age, I was drawn to the colours, textures, and styles that allowed me to express my-self. This love for fashion has only grown stronger over the years, and it’s what inspired me to create DARA Wear.

I see clothes as a powerful tool for empowerment. The right outfit can boost confidence, transform a mood, and make someone feel truly special. This belief drives my work at DARA Wear, where I hope every women and young girls feel their best wearing the pieces we offer. My relationship with clothes is also about connection—understanding what my customers need, what makes them feel beautiful.

. Did your passion for fashion lead you to a career in the industry?

Absolutely, my passion for fashion has been the driving force behind my entire career in the industry. From a very young age, I was captivated by the world of fashion. This deep love for fashion led me to take the bold step of starting my own clothing brand, DARA Wear.

Building a career in the fashion industry has been incredibly fulfilling, but it’s also been a journey of learning and growth. My passion for fashion has kept me motivated through the challenges and has inspired me to continuously evolve, ensuring that DARA Wear stays at the forefront of style.

How do you stay inspired and motivated to run the boutique?

One of the biggest factors that inspires and keeps me motivated is the feedback and support from customers. It’s quite fulfilling when we can make our customers happy. Also the ever-evolving world of fashion and the challenge of staying ahead.

But most importantly, I am deeply grateful to my family. Their love and support have been the backbone of my journey. My husband, my mother, and my daughters. Their encouragement fuels my passion and motivates me to keep pushing the boundaries of what DARA Wear can achieve.