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Fashion's her passion,
by Farah Macan Markar
Otara Chandiran
owner of ODEL
that big shopping mall
which in the big city dwells.
Born in 1964
thirty eight years old.
Her birthday's in August
her star sign's Virgo.
Otara Chandiran,
her friends call her O.T.
having loved animals and nature
did bio in uni.
Then coming back to Sri Lanka
(she studied in Ohio by the way)
she became a fashion model and stalked the catwalk
"It was where fashion became my interest" she says.
TV commercials, press adds
shows in Sri Lanka and out.
Then selling wholesale garments in shops
was how ODEL came about.
Having started it in 89'
ODEL today has become her life.
Fashion's her biggest passion,
to keep ODEL unique she strives.
"ODEL's business and fashion
it's had a steady successful growth".
So what makes it unique and special?
O.T. says it's a combination of both.
"I'm a dedicated business woman
a hard working one too.
I'm constantly innovating new ideas
in my kind of job there's so much to do".
Of the fashion industry in Sri Lanka
Otara says it's grown a lot.
"It has changed through the years
but there's still more from it to be got".
As a child O.T, says
she was a shy but active kid,
who did ballet and athletics
and always loved to have a swim.
Of hobbies she has no time
except for yoga and work outs at gym.
Her trendy outfits change from time to time
at the moment it's shoes and jeans.
Her most valued possession-"My family"
she's got two sons, three and nine years,
the future runners of ODEL?
"I hope so" she says with joy.
Of phobias it's worms,
of dreams she has so many.
Chocolates she loves,
embarrassing moments "Not any".
So who is Otara?
"That's a difficult one" she says
"Otara is ODEL,
she's positive, easy going and gay".
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