From rags to riches

by Chanuka Mannapperuma

Russel Perera started a tea service as a self- employment venture investing only a sum of Rs. 2500 in 1988.

 This small scale business has now grown into a fully-fledged business enterprise in the country.

He began his career as a hotel steward and served at top hotels both here and abroad. Due to hard work and commitment, Russel Perera established his own company - 'Russel's Pvt Ltd' in Narahenpita.

From the beginning Russel's brand name became famous and popular as suppliers of high grown Tea and catering specialists. "At the moment we have 85 clients, but today I am targeting to get the best name for tailoring as well", he proudly added.

"I do not want to compete with any body in the business field. I just want to give a quality product to our customers", his smiles speaks volumes of his secret of success. Explaining the tailoring section, he said, at the

moment he has only five staffers in tailoring section and initially he is planning to tailor uniforms for his staffers.

He now plans to go outside the market to capture business. Already he has received an order from the Prime Land company for an order of uniforms for their staffers.

Specially I would like to plan to cater to the hospital staff, security, International schools etc. "I am planning to build a place in Narahenpita which can cater to the up market too," he noted.

"We have decided to visit clients with our cutter and the designer with clothing material and our tailor will guide the clients with a pattern book. All imported material will be stitched. We make ladies, gents items and different kinds of shoes too by the brand name of Russel's", he quipped with joy.

I can guarantee my tailoring staff as they are well qualified with a decade of experience, he added.

According to Russel, quality is his main concern. 'The secret of his quality has been achieved already,' Russel added. The Sunday Observer extends its wishes to Russel's to continue his business successfully.