Every style in every size

Shyamalie Wijegunawardena of Spring and Summer, co-founder of this brand was recognised as number female entrepreneur in the large business category at the International Conference of Women’s Entrepreneurship (ICSE). The fashion industry be it in Sri Lanka or globally, presents exotic, melodramatic or glamorous silhouettes, cuts, patterns and diverse designs majorly curetted to quench the fashion hungry population apparently being women. However, today, the fashion world is witnessing a reformation not merely in the kind of fashion, seeping in but with women designers stealing the ramp with their unique silhouettes that are creating a magnitude of ripples in the fashion world. Shyamalee Wijeyagunawardena with her creative instincts have made a benchmark in this competitive business

by Zanita Careem

How you started your journey?

I always had a liking for fashion, beauty and cosmetics. The desire to make a career out of these elements was something that was certainly in my heart for a long time. While I was a student in university, I remember taking many minor courses in such disciplines. However, my light bulb moment happened after the birth of my second son. I wanted to get engaged with something that would financially contribute to the household. Following my sister’s guidance, I decided to supply to Salu Sala – Sri Lanka’s state-owned fashion retail enterprise at the time. This decision changed my life completely. I was lucky to get a shop in Borella in 1995 even though it was just 300sq ft. I was content. I had a good customer base that kept coming to my store.

Lessons along the way?

a. Family first

b. Always treat your employees like your own family and most of all be a mother to them with all your heart

c. Build a good team that is loyal and they will give their blood and sweat to the company

d. Build a capital by saving. Always spend money wisely by knowing what you can actually spend

Was it different to be a female entrepreneur?

My main challenge is the same as all women face in Sri Lanka, be it at the grassroots or at the top echelons – balancing family and work. In my case because of the supportive network we had built with our employees, I was able to fulfill both my responsibilities and that is how we empower our female staff too to enjoy a stable work-life balance.

How did you manage as a mother?

As a women entrepreneur, we must be willing to break any barriers, which confines us to limit ourselves. For me, my priorities were a wife and mother and looking after the wellbeing of my family. I firmly believe that without my husbands and family’s support and love, I would not have been successful. Fundamentally, entrepreneurs should never forget that the wellbeing of their families should be their first and foremost priority.

How involved is your family now?

Spring & Summer is a business where the warmth and support of the family has led to success. I have the support of not just my sons, who have pursued their higher education, but also the support of their spouses.

Can you tell us a little about your company?

Spring & Summer commenced operations in 1995 with the opening of their first outlet in Borella. Now almost 25 years later, Spring & Summer has grown to become a leading retailer in Sri Lanka with six major outlets in Nugegoda, Maharagama, Wattala, Panadura, Bambalapitiya and Colpetty. As well as these locations, Spring & Summer’s online store caters to customers in every corner of the island. I am the entrepreneur and brainchild behind the brand, building the business from my operations.

We have expanded to employ over 400 staff members. We see the business as a family and aim to care for all our employees like family members. This level of care is passed on to customers, which contributes to a great shopping experience.

Our constant improvements, research and keeping up to date with latest fashion trends have always kept us one step ahead than most of the other local clothing stores. Unlike most of these stores, we do not give priority to imported garments. I can say 85 percent of the clothes we sell at our stores has been designed and stitched locally. It is important to keep up to date with international trends and modern manufacturing practices. It is a must to be creative and innovative to be a success in this industry.

Also, we always look at the contemporary fashion and latest trends in the country and provide the most desired designs with the highest quality. We take care of each other and we take care of our clients. This is the way we will continue to succeed.

What do you consider as your biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge was developing a business without a capital. So we had to rely on our friends and family who were very helpful. Also we had to save every penny that we earned from our business to reinvest and expand it.

What leadership characteristics are your strengths and weakness?

Empathy – The ability to understand and share the feelings of another

Courage – Doing the right thing

Some times empathy can be taken advantage of hence it would become a weakness but in the overall scheme of things it’s not because things done with good intensions are always rewarded.

Memorable experience? Make or break moment in your career?

I am proud to say Spring & Summer was the first to introduce a dedicated White Section on the shop floor. This is one of the turning points in our business because If anyone wants something in white, we were known as the place to offer that. Our popularity started to grow exponentially in the market due to this.

Your favourite thing to do in your free time?

Spending time with my five grandkids. I also like to read books and watch movies.

Your inspiration?

For me, my family is my greatest inspiration. Entrepreneurs should never forget that the wellbeing of their families should be their first and foremost priority.

It is important to know what your passion is and also what drives you to better yourself. This passion within the entrepreneur is what gives strength to the business which then translates to customer attraction. Personally, my family is my first priority and as a result of that, massive financial gain has never been a driving force for me.