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.

For most women (and men!) self-care is way down on a list of priorities that take up our everyday lives. Research shows that the lack of convenient options is one of the primary reasons for this. Understanding the need to promote self-care while also providing convenient options, pioneering and Sri Lanka’s largest waxing salon chain BeWaxed, launched its state-of-the-art mobile app today. The official launch was held at an intimate ceremony at Ramada by Wyndham. Long-standing clients, friends, content creators, media personnel, family and well-wishers attended the launch of Sri Lanka’s first mobile app dedicated to waxing services.

Speaking at the launch Founder of BeWaxed Durga Kenny noted, “When the idea for BeWaxed first birthed in my mind, it was about offering women a convenient, safe, and affordable waxing solution. Over the years, the brand has grown to become the most sought-after name in waxing. We have spread our network to key cities and suburbs in Sri Lanka, and have also expanded to Maldives and India. It gives me immense pleasure to introduce the latest innovation in waxing convenience with the new app that is being launched today. I hope our longstanding clients, and new customers will find this to be the most convenient option to scheduling their waxing appointments and making grooming and self-care a priority in their lives”.

The brand new app not only allows users to schedule appointments at a branch and time convenient to them, but also allows to choose their trusted waxing technician. It will also provide a range of services, tips for new and seasoned waxers, updates on the latest brand developments, and offers and discounts for frequent users.

Durga also launched her own brand of homegrown cosmetics under the brand name “Goddess” which will be available for purchase through the app. This will ensure that clients have the convenience of waxing after-care from their own homes.

The BeWaxed salon network now spans 07 branches in Sri Lanka including the original outlet in Nawala, Colombo 3, Kandy, Battaramulla, Mount Lavinia, and the outlets at the One Galle Face and Havelock City Malls. The new app will be available on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.

This August, we are thrilled to bring the flavours and music of Seychelles to The Kingsbury. “Soul of Seychelles” is more than just a culinary event; it’s a celebration of culture, tradition, and the spirit of togetherness that embodies both our hotel and this beautiful country said a press release from the Kingsbury, Colombo. They invite you to embark on this heartfelt journey with “Soul of Seychelles,” a five-day celebration from the 27th to the 31st of August 2024 at Harbour Court a release said

The release said “At The Kingsbury, we believe that food is more than just a flavourful dish—it’s a bridge between cultures, a way to share stories, and a means of bringing people together.” “Soul of Seychelles” was born from our desire to create meaningful connections and understanding through the universal language of food. For us, it’s not just about serving a meal; it’s about offering an experience that lingers in your heart long after the evening ends.

Seychellois cuisine is a dynamic blend of African, British, French, Spanish, Indian, and Chinese influences. With its roots deep in the Indian Ocean, this cuisine celebrates the abundance of the sea, with fish and seafood taking centre stage. The use of spices such as ginger, lemongrass, coriander, and tamarind adds a distinctive aroma and depth of flavour to every dish.

The release said “Each night, for LKR 7,500 per person, our guests will be treated to a dinner crafted with passion by the esteemed Chef David Hoareau alongside his Assistant Chef Miguel Spivey. Chef David Hoareau, a leading figure in Seychelles’ culinary landscape, brings over 35 years of expertise. His career began as a Pastry Assistant at Northolme Hotel, and he has since held key roles, including Bakery Supervisor at Seychelles Trading Company and Chef de Partie at Ste Anne Resort & Spa. As a Course Leader at Seychelles Tourism Academy, he trains future chefs and has received numerous accolades, including Honorary Recognition for 10 Years of Service.

The menu at “Soul of Seychelles” is a labour of passion, designed to capture the essence of Seychellois cuisine. Featured dishes include octopus creole curry, grilled red snapper with creole sauce, jack fish and breadfruit cake with coconut and raw turmeric sauce, and shark chutney among many others, each promising to take your palate on an unforgettable journey. But this experience goes beyond the plate. As you enjoy each bite, the soulful tunes of Seychellois musician Ruben Larue will fill the air, wrapping you in the rhythms and melodies that speak of the island’s beauty and spirit. It’s an evening designed to touch not just your taste buds but your soul.

“At The Kingsbury, we take pride in celebrating global cultures. ‘Soul of Seychelles’ is another step in our journey to bring the world’s rich traditions to our guests,” shared Travis Casather, Resident Manager at The Kingsbury, Colombo.

Echoing this sentiment, R. Dougie Douglas, Vice President of AirPark (Pvt) Ltd, GSA for Air Seychelles, added, “There is something truly special about being able to play a role in enhancing ties between Seychelles and Sri Lanka. We are proud to be part of ‘Soul of Seychelles’ at The Kingsbury, Colombo, and bring the unique culinary and cultural experiences of the Seychelles islands closer to the people of Sri Lanka.”

Bringing this cultural celebration to life, Chef Hoareau expressed, “It is an honour to bring the essence of Seychellois cuisine to Colombo and offer a genuine taste of our island heritage.”

The Kingsbury Colombo has always been a place where extraordinary moments happen, and “Soul of Seychelles” is no exception. Join us for an evening where every dish is a story, every melody a memory, and every moment a celebration of the connections that bind us all.