YARA LEATHER

On this week’s edition of ‘The Founder’ we feature Ihalagamage Piumi Ruwanthika, the founder of “Yara Leather”

01.In your own words what is Yara Leather?

Yara Leather consisits of products made out of genuine leather. We provide a variety of items like bags, shoes and accessories for both men and women.

02.What inspired you?

There are quite a few shops around Colombo, providing leather products but they are not as genuine as they claim. Customers are tricked into purchasing fake leather products for higher prices, this alongside my childhood passion for fashion inspired me to start my own brand.

03.What was the journey like, starting from scratch and building the business up to where it is right now?

Initially, it was very difficult. Fighting our way through the competition and bringing the name “Yara Leather” to the market seemed to be a massive task. The thought of quitting came across my mind a couple of times until I was directed to showcase my products at the CAN Market which was the turning point of my life and made Yara the brand it is today.

04.What were the hardships you faced as an owner, what was the toughest one yet?

As I mentioned earlier, marketing my brand and distinguishing ourselves against our competitors was quite a brutal task to overcome. Furthermore, another difficulty I faced was balancing my work and my kids. It is not as easy as a lot of strong female entrepreneurs show it to be, and I commend them for it.

05.Being an owner what was it like facing the global pandemic? How did it affect the business?

It gave me time, to think, to be creative, to channel my thoughts and come up with ideas to not only distinguish ourselves from our competitors but to also excel in this specific field. The online business was an amazing initiative and it helped Yara Leather reach a lot of people.

06.What has been the most frustrating thing about being a start up?

The disagreements you have with your family members, the barriers and the adversity you have to overcome, especially being a female entrepreneur. As frustrating as it was, it made me the person I am today.

07.Explain the few marketing strategies you have implemented and what makes them successful?

The way I communicate with my customers was all that was necessary. Through word of mouth, we reached quite a broad spectrum. If you sell your products in good faith, it creates a bond with your customer and will not only help you gain more customers but also make the current ones , loyal.

08.What motivates you to do what you do on daily basis?

The doubters, and every single person that told me that I couldn’t. It drives me to reach my goals every single day, my husband is also very helpful ad motivates me to do carry on no matter what.

09.How did you get the initial startup capital?

Money I received from a housing loan.

10.What separates Yara Leather from its competitors?

The quality and the variety of choices we offer to our customers.

11.What is your definition for the word “success”?

Overcoming adversity.

12.Who are your role models?

My husband is my role model and Anne Senadeera.(the founder of the CAN Market)

13.Was your family supportive for your new venture?

My husband and my in-laws helped me a lot in this new venture. They built a strong foundation behind this role.

14.Have you tried and failed with anything in the past?

Yes! I was discouraged at many events located in large places like BMICH

15.What is the end goal?

To make Yara a globally recognized brand