By Kshalini Nonis 

Pippin, which commenced as a personal experience of the Founder & Director Dineshika Nanayakkara, has evolved into a one-stop shop catering to newborns, pregnant mothers, and children up to six years.    We had a chat with Dineshika.    

· Can you tell us how Pippin began and how it was based on your own experience?

Pippin was born from a very personal experience in my life as a mother. In 2018, when my first child was born, I was working at MAS. While I valued my professional career, I felt a deep desire to spend more meaningful time with my baby. Motherhood reshaped my priorities, and with courage and uncertainty, I made the difficult decision to step away from my corporate role in order to be more present for my child. It was during this transition that the first seeds of Cute Toys were planted.

Around the same time, my sisters who live abroad sent toys for my baby. I immediately noticed a clear difference in their quality, materials, and safety standards.

More importantly, I saw how these toys supported brain development and early learning, and how positively my baby responded to them compared to many toys available locally. When I tried to find similar products in the Sri Lankan market, I realised there was a significant gap. Motivated by this need, I took a small step and created a Facebook page called Cute Toys.  The response from parents was overwhelming.

In 2022, the brand was reimagined and rebranded as Pippin, giving shape to a clearer vision and stronger identity.

Every product under Pippin reflects what truly matters in parenting—what works, what comforts, and what supports a child’s growth. Pippin is not just a business to me; it is an extension of my journey as a mother. It was created to support parents during one of the most important phases of their lives. Pippin began with a simple belief: parenting should feel supported, not overwhelming.

 
· You said what began as a passion project has evolved into a growing retail brand. Can you explain this?

What began as a passion project grew gradually and organically, guided by real customer needs rather than rapid expansion. In 2018, I started an online platform with a Facebook page called Cute Toys and Cute Care, driven by my personal experience as a mother.

In 2019, the journey took its first physical step with a small rack at the Ninewells Hospital pharmacy. I managed everything myself, learning directly from parents and building trust step by step. In 2020, I was given the opportunity to open my first store at Ninewells Hospital, marking an important milestone in the brand’s growth.

In 2022, the business was officially rebranded as Pippin.  Growth continued in 2023 with another pop-up store at Nisaco Mall, Athurugiriya.

The most significant milestone came in December 2025, with the opening of a 3,500 sq. ft. flagship store offering a complete baby and Mothercare range. As a female entrepreneur, this journey has been both challenging and empowering.

Can you tell us briefly about your physical showrooms? Where are they located?

Pippin currently operates across three physical retail locations. Our flagship store is in Maharagama. We also have a hospital-based showroom at Ninewells Hospital, Kirimandala Mawatha, Narahenpita. We also operate a pop-up store at Nisaco Mall, Athurugiriya, extending our reach to families in surrounding suburban areas.

· As a trusted local brand for parents across Sri Lanka, can you tell us the main categories of items available in your one-stop shop?

Pippin is designed as a complete one-stop shop catering to newborns, pregnant mothers, and children up to six years of age. 

For newborns and toddlers, we offer a carefully curated range of brain development and early education toys, along with feeding essentials, clothing, and potty and bath items. Our brain development and early education toy range is tested to international quality standards, including ISO 9001, ensuring both safety and developmental value.

We work closely with European-standard international suppliers, maintaining strict quality controls and safety benchmarks across our entire product range. We also carry a wide selection of baby bedding, cot linen, and baby bed accessories, designed for everyday comfort for expectant mothers.

Pippin offers maternity clothing, maternity intimate wear, and complete hospital checklist items. For toddlers and young children, our range includes ride-on toys, footwear, clothing, care sets, stools, and age-appropriate toys, supporting both play and development.

· Tell us briefly about your journey as a mother-turned-entrepreneur.

My journey as an entrepreneur is deeply rooted in motherhood. What began as a desire to give my child the best evolved into a business built on empathy, purpose, and responsibility.

Today, as a mother of two, my priorities have become even clearer—family comes first, and building a business that allows me to be present for my children is just as important as growth.

Balancing entrepreneurship with family life has been challenging, but it has also shaped my leadership style. It has taught me discipline, time management, and the importance of creating systems that allow both my business and my family to thrive.
 
· How important is multitasking today for young working mothers?

Multi-tasking is extremely important for young working mothers because motherhood naturally transforms the way we manage our lives. From the moment we become mothers, we take on multiple roles at the same time—caring for our children, supporting our families, managing our careers, maintaining relationships, and also finding time for ourselves. Balancing all these responsibilities requires constant focus, flexibility, and emotional strength.

For many mothers, multitasking is not a choice but a necessity. It teaches us how to prioritise, manage time effectively, and adapt quickly to changing situations.

More importantly, it helps us give our best in every area of life.

· Also, do you feel that young mothers should have a good support system, and if s,o what is the reason for this?

A strong support system is essential for young mothers. Motherhood brings immense joy, but it also comes with emotional, physical, and mental demands that no woman should be expected to manage alone.

Support from family, partners, friends, and workplaces allows mothers to feel understood, valued, and confident in the roles they carry. A good support system enables young mothers to balance family life and professional responsibilities without guilt or burnout.

When mothers are supported, they become stronger, more resilient, and better able to nurture both their families and their careers.

· Finally, what is your advice to young mums who want to venture out on their own in today’s competitive environment?

Believe in yourself and start with what you have. You don’t need to have everything perfectly planned from the beginning. Start small, stay consistent, and grow step by step while learning from real experiences.

Motherhood already equips women with patience, resilience, and problem-solving skills—these are powerful strengths in any business environment.

It is also important to build a support system and not be afraid to ask for help.

Balance ambition with self-care and family priorities, and remember that success looks different for every woman. Trust your journey, stay true to your values, and don’t let fear hold you back.