By Pranavesh Sivakumar

Pics Courtesy: Bhagya Iddamalgoda

Bhagya Iddamalgoda is still afresh since tasting her success, her first recognition as an emerging entrepreneur. Making her mark as a businessperson, only weeks ago, she was feted at the Vanithabhimaana awards. 

Running an all-women business, Candles House Ceylon, she was fittingly recognised at an all-women awards event, under the Corporate and Professional Sector.  In the afterglow of this, she opened up, saying this injects that full-circle moment.  In a chat with Life, she reflects in retrospect on her award and what lies ahead.
Excerpts:

Q    Bhagya, to start with, has your maiden award as an entrepreneur sunk in?
It was a surprise! This award was a bolt from the blue. Since it is my first award, I was in disbelief when I got the initial email. In fact, they called me afterwards to tell me that I am the recipient of this award, which I hear is a very prestigious award here in Sri Lanka.

I had to double-check, ask them twice whether they have the right person (laughs). But, yes, I am immensely proud of it now that it has come past that day. I’m slowly processing it. And I’m incredibly happy about it. I started my business because I wanted to make a difference. 

I was never interested in awards, and we do not go for fame and name. This is very much that full-circle moment, but you know, it just feels very surreal that all those things happened because of that one step. I wanted to pursue my dream of doing something for the country, for the people and for myself. To be recognised for it is, well and truly, a wonderful thing. 

When I launched my business, I never dreamt I would win an award. That is where life has got me. 

Q    We’ll rewind to that moment. The moment you got the confirmation news, and the moment you were on stage, receiving your recognition.
Receiving the confirmation news: I thought it was a spam email. We do tend to get emails all the time from different organisations, and I had to read it twice and figure out whether it was legit. Actually, immediately afterwards, I got a call as well from the organiser/coordinator, claiming and confirming I’m an award recipient. They explained the entire process of profiling individuals across industries. Ranging from business entrepreneurs to the corporate sector to athletes to service people. 

Various industries were evaluated through a judging panel for expertise from different areas, and that’s how I have gotten into that category of corporate and professional. They have gone through an intensive process after talking with them. 

Receiving recognition: Again, it was very surreal for me to be there that night. Glamorous and filled with a lot of women, hailing from different calibres, who were empowered and who were inching towards making a positive difference. 

That was very inspiring as soon as I stepped into the event day, and everything was very energetic, lively, and beautiful. 

That moment when the host announced my name, it only hit me. Okay, I must go up on stage now, and I felt very grateful and honoured. To be in that category and to be recognised for the dream I set forth when I started my business eight years ago. 

Q    Can you explain your award-winning business?
The business is a lifestyle brand, focused on homemade products, namely scented candles, incense and fragrance products. These are all made by women in the community. I operate from Colombo, and we employ women around the area. They are also breadwinners in their family and trying to uplift their family. It’s a symbiotic, everyone’s benefitting. One side of the business is, employment for women. The other side is these are all wellness products. We go through very stressful day to day life. With that there is a demand for wellness products, trying to relax and take care of yourself. That is the whole purpose of the brand and business. 

The third side of the business, which I embarked in 2017 is, conducting community empowerment workshops for underserved areas in the country. This is to upskill women on making my own products, digital marketing and starting a business. These are pretty much the sides of my business. 

Q    Your message and  lessons learnt?
Message
Do things that matter to you. Things that make your life meaningful. That, in turn, will bring out the best. That you can offer to the world. Whatever you do, align with your life values. Do not be afraid to experiment.  

Lesson learnt: 
The award taught me there are people out there watching you, and that is giving me more strength, drive,and  desire to deliver more. There are so many things we can do. I, as a business-owning woman, am in a unique position where I can keep improving. That is one lesson learnt and drive I derived from this. This has given the pump to keep going and keep inspiring people, therefore they also know they can do it. 

Q    What is next from Bhagya?
I have a lot of ideas. Business-wise, I want to expand and explore the export market. On the other side of it, do more community work. I feel like I have experience, knowledge and skills I can share. That is one thing, I want to and wish to do, as a bigger aspiration 

Q    Anything you have not covered in this, you would like to cover and conclude? 
I have plans to do more. I did not get here all by myself. I am grateful to all of them. There is an army. It takes a village to do business and more. My family, my friends, customers, suppliers and everyone who has supported my business. All these people have made this journey enjoyable, even with the challenges.