Yasanthi and Avinaesh Kandasamy

Welcome readers! Hope the season is so far spent well, with good vibes and of course, health precautions. Today, I am featuring two inspiring individuals representing a coveted family-owned Jewelry brand in Sri Lanka. Often success stories can be traced back to modest beginnings, an entrepreneurial outlook and an adventurous spirit. The Founders of Lalitha Jewelry, Mr. M. S. Kandasamy and his father Mr. M. Shanmuga Velautham came from such humble backgrounds. Their innovative spirit and commitment to not just hard, but ethical work, has made them one of Sri Lanka’s most respected and trusted jewelers. In recent years, this reputation has taken them to clients all over the world. It is a legacy they are proud of and committed to expand further under the leadership of Mr. Sellakumar Kandasamy, the third-generation member of the family, his wife Yasanthi and their son, Avinaesh, the fourth-generation member of the family. While reflecting on their remarkable journey, I am keen to know more about their exciting diversification into crafted silver with their latest brand entry “Allure.”

My guests today, Yasanthi Soysa Kandasamy and Avinaesh Kandasamy are the Senior Designers and Co-Directors of Lalitha Jewelry and Allure. It was such a pleasure to have a conversation with this versatile, entrepreneurial mother-son duo, full of laughter, insight, and perspective. This full conversation is also available for you on Daily Mirror Online Social Media Channels: You Tube, Facebook and Instagram.

Yasanthi, how has the journey been so far with Allure’s parent company Lalitha Jewelry?

It’s been great. I have always had the knack for crafting and putting things together, especially with fabrics. After marriage, began my long-term connection with Gold Jewelry. However, in my creative process, I felt a bit restricted when working and designing only with gold, especially having to be conscious and cautious about the detailing. Therefore, to nurture my freedom, creativity and flexibility in designing, I began to work with silver which is also precious but not as expensive as gold.

Avinaesh, what is the experience like, being a new-generation contributor to the family’s legacy in Jewelry making?

It is very exciting actually. Although, my mother started her journey after her marriage, I was born into this culture where you are known as a part of the company or has a household connection to the Lalitha brand. After being overseas for some time, I was excited and proud to be back to work in this space and understand what it really meant; the customer relationships, the culture, the value system, and the amazing relationship we have with our dedicated staff of over four decades. We have had customers who bring jewelry that are over fifty years old. There are customers who have brought Jewelry for their weddings, then we see their children and grandchildren dropping in to be adorned for their weddings. It’s amazing!

Sri Lanka has a beautiful heritage woven around Jewelry; treasures, coronations, sacred possessions, and performing arts. How does it feel to be a key player in a local industry that derives from that?

With our multi-ethnic exposure we have so much variety in Jewelry, whether it is Kandyan, Southern or Northern Sri Lankan. These aspects secure its distinctiveness, while maintaining similarities. For instance, the Padakkam Jewelry that is inspired by South India can be seen dressed on a Kandyan bride with a long chain and gold beads. A bride from the Tamil culture would wear a Padakkam as well, but with gold coins. There is a great balance in sharing and securing the uniqueness of each of these cultures.

Yasanthi, did you make any rookie mistakes or face any hurdles when stepping into the business?

Even now I make it challenging for myself by trying out different things within the craft. I like experimenting with design, be it jewelry, colors, metals, fabrics or other elements. Sometimes, I do feel I could achieve more if I specified and focused on a few important things or a select few elements, however, there are no regrets at any point.

Avinaesh, do you feel any sort of pressure when continuing a legacy built by your parents, grandparents and ancestors?

There is no pressure! The history, the generational commitment, and the relationships we have built with our staff, customers and other stakeholders is beyond monetary value. It invigorates me to dive straight into it all. It’s very exciting.

Yasanthi, speaking of experimenting with silver we see your latest brand entry for crafted silver - “Allure.” How did it all begin?

Yes, well initially my husband’s parents were very traditional, therefore had some reservations on getting into silver jewelry. Hence, overtime there were ideas that were not materialized. However, the space for experimentation opened when a good friend and a very talented designer in Batik, Sonali Dharmawardena, requested us to collaborate on some pieces, and I simply jumped at it.

Yasanthi, what inspires you in terms of conceptualization?

I like to observe the world around me and add those details to my designs. From travelling, nature, carvings, furniture pieces or even a fabric that is worn – I derive inspiration and ideas from things around me.

Avinaesh, how do you perceive the global potential for the brand Allure?

Sri Lanka is renowned for many things including commodities such as tea, spices and gemstones, and sports such as cricket and rugby. But what deserves more of such attention is the remarkable crafting skills of our people that dates back to a period of time with multicultural influences. With flexible metals like silver we can unlock our capacities and creative freedom, and appeal to different markets locally and internationally.

While having a mother-son relationship, what is it like to also be business partners?

Avinaesh: I work with my dad for Lalitha whereas my partnership with my mother is mainly for Allure. Being away from home for many years, the transition has been interesting and empowering to say the least, especially to be working with them so closely.

Yasanthi: I of course have been waiting for this day! And with Avinaesh having a more globally oriented work ethic, there is a lot we learn from each other. But we try our best to ensure that we don’t bring work into our home.

It truly is inspiring to hear your story! Lastly, I’d like to hear about your dedicated team that is behind this celebrated brand.

We are blessed and happy to have an energetic, dynamic, young team for Allure, supported by the expertise of the team at Lalitha. There’s a lot of love that goes into each personalized piece and the service collectively, that it not usually achieved from a factory production. Exciting things are ahead and we strive to be better at each stage.