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| Sunday, 23 January 2005 |
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Business |  |
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English trained teacher now presses flowers by Surekha Galagoda
Ramani Alagiyawanna is artistically talented and a nature lover. Earlier she was a English trained English teacher following the six-month course on 'Pressed Flower craft' at the National Craft Council (NCC) changed her course of life, as she could not resist but develop her childhood hobby and start on her own. She was born to a family of four girls and her parents were teachers.' I had my education at St Pauls Milagiriya until I finished my Advanced Level examination. Then I followed an Agriculture Diploma at Aquinas College, this helped me to improve my knowledge and develop my love for nature. The knowledge I gained while doing the diploma is very useful for my business such as learning the botanical names of trees and flowers which has come handy today.'
'From my small days I used to press flowers by keeping them inside books but I learnt the technical side of it after I started following the course conducted by NCC in 1999.' While following the course they encouraged us to take part in exhibitions held at the Art Gallery and Lionel Wendt. This gave us an exposure on how to present our work for exhibitions and sales and also an idea about the marketing aspect.' 'Once I completed the course I gave up teaching which I did for ten years and started on my own by launching Alankara Flower Products.' I make key tags, book marks, gift tags, greeting cards, wall pictures, photo frames and 'Thank You' cards using pressed flowers, leaves, barks, petals, stems, roots and fibre which I find from my garden. 'Before starting to make these items I have an idea of the design so that no materials go waste.' This needs creativity and talent as well as an eye for detail, Alagiyawanna said. The initial investment was Rs 1000 and I did everything alone. As things improved I employed one girl. Now I have given employment to eight girls. The Laksala, Post shops and Rotunda Flora buy my products while I have once exported to Maldives as well. I earn an income of Rs 15000-25000 which varies according to the season. Since I don't buy my raw materials I save a lot and also this has given me time to select what I want for my creations. Speaking of future plans she said that she likes to export her products but ' I am yet to find a buyer and the exposure or the knowledge but I am confident That I can handle export orders.' In the event I improve my business I can give employment to more women. The beauty of it is that they can do the work from their own homes without neglecting their house chores while adding to the family income. Her address is 327, Walgama, Malwana and she can be contacted on 2455660. |
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