Daring to be different

by Lalin Fernandopulle

Despite lack of recognition and a tough global business environment, women entrepreneurs have faced many challenges to carve a niche for their products in the local and global markets bringing in the much needed foreign exchange to the country.

Interior Designer and Proprietress of Objects d' Art, Manique Gunawardena dares to expand her business locally and venture into new markets overseas. USA, UK and Asia are key markets for arts, crafts, furniture, antiques and gem and jewellery of the company down Bullers Road, Colombo.

"There is a demand for works of art such as brass statues, silverware, old coins, paintings, sculpture, porcelainware and Feng Shi ornamental objects locally and overseas. It is a challenging industry but courage will pay dividends," Gunawardena said.

Women entrepreneurs face an uphill task to excel and maintain a top slot in the corporate and industrial rungs due to structural and hierarchical barriers. None of these deterred Manique to steer her business for over 20 years through rugged roads to gain a significant market share for paintings, silverware and brass statues.

"It has never been smooth sailing. Balancing office and family life was a daunting task but yet a pleasure. Travelling overseas to meet buyers and convincing them was no easy task besides the high import and export duty that made products less competitive," Gunawardena said.

When the going gets tough the tough gets going. But many entrepreneurs give up when pressure builds and light at the end of the tunnel doesn't seem to be in sight.

"Never shy away from challenges is a lesson my father imparted to me as an entrepreneur in the same trade. Endurance will bear fruit," Gunawardena said.

She said plans are afoot to hold several exhibitions in Colombo to showcase her range of products for the local and foreign buyers this year. The company has held sales and exhibitions of reproductions of Portuguese, Dutch and British periods made of teak, ebony, rosewood and mahogany at Crescat Boulevard.

Artefacts from Nepal, Bhutan, India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka will be exhibited.

Gunawardena hopes to focus more on expanding the local market till there is some relief with reduction in import duty which is a hurdle to boost exports. She hopes that the government will pay heed to the woes of women entrepreneurs and support them in times of difficulty.

The market for art and antiques is volatile as it offers many alternatives. Authenticity is an issue buyers have to constantly grapple with. Art and antiques beautify and bring in an aesthetic value to homes.

Gunawardena, a collector of South Asian art and antiques, hopes that there will be a stable and favourable environment for business to thrive in the country.