While exploring opportunities abroad is beneficial, remember the immense potential within Sri Lanka. Your skills and talents are needed here, and you can make a significant impact. Consider how you can contribute...

Today on the Buzz, I speak to a very talented and enthusiastic person, who is always on the go and ever so willing to see the best outcome of any situation. 

Dishnira Saparamadu - Ariyarathne, has this amazing power in organizing, taking charge and finding the strength to lead by example, be it her wedding or details with her brand, Dishnira always showed amazing leadership and courage 

Today together with her partner, husband Shehan, she has created a space for local creativity and design to take centre stage at Thambili island and it’s nice to see a true, authentic local brand taking life and going strong. 
 
1. What made you start your journey with Thambili Island?

In 2018, after graduating from university in the UK, I moved back to Sri Lanka and began working as a business analyst. Despite my career, my passion for fashion was always present. I wanted to create a local brand that resonated with Sri Lankans, offering great outfits that boost confidence. Initially, we started with resort wear only, but seeing the positive response, we expanded into a broader range of island styles. This passion led to the birth of Thambili Island, a brand rooted in our local culture but inspired by global fashion.

2. Did you ever feel you have this element of design in you? 

Yes, I’ve always felt a strong pull towards design. Growing up, I was really into arts and crafts projects, especially scrapbooking. My dream was to own a stationery boutique like Paper Market in Singapore, where I would spend hours on end. This love for creativity translated into my passion for fashion. I’ve always known I wanted to be in a creative field, so starting Thambili Island was something I was incredibly excited about. Turning this passion into a fulfilling career has been an amazing journey.

3. You are qualified in accounting & finance was shifting to a creative field hard or was this your calling always?

It was always my calling. There were definitely difficulties in building a brand from scratch, but it felt much more natural to me than accounting and finance. Graduating at 19 with a Bachelor’s degree, I was eager to take risks and explore my true passion. At 21, I dove into Thambili Island, and while the first two years were a steep learning curve, I found the journey incredibly rewarding. My degree helped me navigate the business side, and I’m so happy with how it all turned out.

4. Your brand has always celebrated our women, what was the thinking when you were growing your business?

The core idea was to celebrate and empower women by creating outfits that boost confidence. I wanted Thambili Island to be inclusive, offering designs that cater to different body types. Whether it’s the neckline or the length of the dress, every detail is designed to enhance the wearer’s image and make them feel like the goddess they are.

5. What inspires you to do what you do?

I am inspired by the vibrant culture of Sri Lanka, the strength of the women around me, and the power of a great outfit to boost confidence. The joy of creating something that makes someone feel beautiful and confident keeps me motivated. I am constantly pushing my creative boundaries and stepping out of my comfort zone to explore new ideas and designs.

6. How would you describe an empowered women?

An empowered woman is confident, embraces her uniqueness, and uses her strength to uplift others. She is resilient and fearless, ready to break boundaries and embrace her true self. Thambili Island is all about bringing out the inner goddess in every woman.

7. A book that changed your life?

My father gave me this book, “Power of Your Subconscious Mind” by Joseph Murphy. This book profoundly impacted me by highlighting the incredible potential of positive thinking and the subconscious mind. It has guided me through personal and professional challenges, helping me stay focused on my goals.

8. What would you tell the youth of today in Sri Lanka?

Pursue your passions with confidence and believe in your abilities. The youth of today have the power to drive positive change. Embrace innovation, take risks, and remember that your unique perspective is invaluable. You can create a bright future for yourself and contribute significantly to our country.

9. As a country we have a huge Brain Drain, what would you tell those who want to leave this island home?

While exploring opportunities abroad is beneficial, remember the immense potential within Sri Lanka. Your skills and talents are needed here, and you can make a significant impact. Consider how you can contribute to the growth and development of our beautiful island home. 

10. What’s next for the brand?

This year, Thambili Island is excited to expand its product range and explore more collaborations with South Asian artisans, delving deeper into South Asian culture. We are hoping to expand beyond working solely with our Sri Lankan artisan communities to embrace the rich heritage and craftsmanship of the broader South Asian region. We have some very cool collaborations coming up that will highlight this incredible artistry. Our goal remains to bring ethical, beautiful fashion to a broader audience while empowering our community and staying true to our core values of inclusivity, ingenuity, and community empowerment.

11. How would you describe your perfect day? 

 My perfect day starts with a cappuccino made by my bestie, my husband, and some morning catch-up time before heading to work. I’m fortunate to work with him, so we see each other a lot during the day. I’d also try to sneak in a workout. Going to the boutique is incredibly rewarding; I love working with our amazing teams and meeting our customers. 

Pix courtesy Thambili Island