“I’ve always wanted to be independent and follow my passion,” says 16-year-old Helani Dhanali Adhikari, the young entrepreneur behind ‘Lavender Dreams’ and ‘Summer Jewels’. Currently preparing for her O/L examination at Yasodara Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Gampaha, Helani’s journey into the world of business began during an unexpected period of global uncertainty, the Covid-19 pandemic.
Helani Dhanali Adhikari
As a Top five member of the Sparks competition 2023, organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in colloboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) Helani showcases that age does not play a role if you really want to take the road you love.
“During the lockdown, I found myself at home all day, yearning to do something both enjoyable and productive,” she recalls. “That’s when I discovered my passion for graphic design. I started by creating small designs, playing around with colors and shapes on my computer. As I became more skilled, I realized I could turn this newfound passion into something tangible.”
This realization led to the creation of Lavender Dreams, a business offering customizable stickers. “I remember how it all started with a simple idea, what if people could see their own designs come to life as stickers? The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to make it happen,” Helani explains. “The first few months were challenging. I didn’t have a printer, which is pretty essential for a sticker business. But I was determined. I entered a radio show competition, and with the prize money and some help from my parents, I was able to buy a printer and officially start ‘Lavender Dreams’.”
Careful planning
Helani’s approach to business is rooted in patience and careful planning. “In Sri Lanka, many entrepreneurs aim to grow as quickly as possible. But I’ve learned that it’s important to take small steps, face challenges head-on, and grow steadily,” she says. “Understanding my customers’ needs and continuously refining my design skills have been crucial to building my business.”
As ‘Lavender Dreams’ grew, Helani faced new challenges, such as managing customer expectations and organizing deliveries. “At first, it was overwhelming. I had to learn how to balance schoolwork with my business, which wasn’t easy,” she admits. “But by taking things one step at a time, I managed to overcome these obstacles. Today, my products are delivered across the island, and I’ve built a loyal customer base.”
With the success of Lavender Dreams, Helani ventured into another passion: handmade jewellery, launching her second business, Summer Jewels. “Summer Jewels was born out of my love for crafting. I wanted to create something that people could wear, something that felt personal and meaningful,” she says. “And now, in addition to stickers and jewellery, I offer graphic design services, including social media posts, invitation cards, and book covers.”
What sets Lavender Dreams apart is its focus on customization. “When you buy stickers from a bookshop, you’re stuck with designs created by someone else. But with Lavender Dreams, customers can bring their own ideas to life,” Helani explains. “It’s about turning imagination into reality, and we do it at a price that’s affordable for everyone.”
Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, Helani highlights the impact of the Spark competition, which she describes as “the turning point of my life.” Encouraged by her school’s entrepreneur club, she applied for the competition and, after a rigorous selection process, secured a spot among the top five winners. “Spark was where I truly learned what it means to be an entrepreneur,” she says. “The boot camp was a goldmine of knowledge. We learned everything from startup basics to how to engage with customers effectively. The business pitching session was particularly nerve-wracking but invaluable. It taught me how to confidently present my ideas to potential investors and industry experts.”
Transformative experience
One of the most transformative experiences for Helani was the exposure visit to Hyderabad, India, organized by the Spark competition organisers. “Witnessing the startup ecosystem in India was eye-opening. The way they approached prototyping and product development was different from what I was used to,” she shares. “The experts there helped me identify areas where I could improve my products and offered insights on how to adapt them to different markets. It was a learning experience that really broadened my perspective on business.”
Looking to the future, Helani plans to expand her graphic design services and diversify her product offerings. “I’m planning to scale up by offering more than just physical stickers. With the growing digital environment in Sri Lanka, there’s a demand for digital products too. People are into digital journaling, and they want personalized graphics for their projects. That’s an area I’m keen to explore.”
To young entrepreneurs who are just starting out, Helani has some heartfelt advice: “Don’t hesitate to bring your dream business to life. Follow your passion, develop your skills, and don’t let age be a barrier. Many young people think they’re too inexperienced to start a business, but I believe that if you have a vision and you’re willing to work hard, you can succeed. Take things step by step, learn from your mistakes, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice from those who have more experience.”
As she reflects on her journey, Helani expresses her gratitude to those who supported her along the way. “I thank my principal, the teacher-in-charge of the entrepreneur club, all my teachers, my parents, and my friends who stood by me through thick and thin. I’m also grateful to the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the International Labour Organization for organizing the Spark competition. It’s opportunities like these that help young entrepreneurs like me turn our dreams into reality.”
