- In conversation with Punya Athukorala – Founder Linen Atelier
When you think of Linen, you think ‘comfortable’. You think ‘casual’. And beyond all this you think ‘classy’. Linen clothing has a certain je ne sais quoi that charms everybody, and somehow has the ability to exude that distinct look & aura, no matter what occasion you choose to wear it to. Something of a craft, sometimes enhanced with intricate workings, Linen has become an all-time favorite for its myriad hues – from pastel to bright, and many styles- from casual to chic.
A young and vibrant brand, spearheaded by a dynamic lady with creative foresight has mesmerized us today. As we get into conversation with the inspiration behind ‘Linen Atelier’, we are transported into a world of beauty, colour and elegance; everything the brand stands for.
Punya Athukorala, the founder of Linen Atelier, a designer clothing brand, tells us how she created a brand that has made its mark, helping women feel more beautiful and confident. Her story is yet another testimony to the unique talent and inner strengths of a woman, and no doubt inspiration for many others who have discovered their passion and wish to pursue their dreams.
- When did you discover your passion?
I have always been an ardent lover of Arts. I find it the most honest way of expressing human emotion. I had this habit of doing pencil art, usually featuring & focusing on faces. This led to my devoted relationship with fashion. In 2013, I presented a design to the Colombo Fashion Week, which has selective criteria with very little opportunity for new entrants like me even to be accepted as a participant. However my design won the “upcoming designer of the year 2013” award which was more than a milestone; for me it was a moment frozen in time. This is what inspired me create a brand of my own. In a nutshell I am a fashion designer who considers fashion as the highest form of artistic human evolution.
I think I had a passion for fashion even as a little girl. I had 3 siblings – 2 sisters and a brother, and from among us I was the one who was always fussy and very conscious about my clothes. I enjoyed dressing differently or doing something to look special and stand out from the crowd. So I think it was perhaps my inherent love for ‘dressing up’ that eventually transpired into a business idea and a brand that I am devoted to.
- Did you believe that you would be an entrepreneur?
Even though at the inception of my journey I had no idea what it was like to be an entrepreneur. In hindsight I think it was always in my mind as a shadowy dream. In my heart I knew that I had the potential to create something unique, and I wanted to explore and find out how far I could take it and what impact I could make with my inborn talents.
- What are you most curious about in life?
In the world of glamour and fashion, choice and preference is unfathomably unique and extensive. Fashion is so dynamic and people have such different tastes, that I am amazed at the creative churning that is seen, with the most beautiful clothes, colours and designs coming out one after the other. It has always been a question in my mind; what drives people to choose one piece of design over the other. This is a million dollar question that could really pave the way for a successful designer clothing line. It also tells me something about how special each individual is, and that is why I always endeavor to make each and every customer feel special when wearing something from Linen Atelier.
- What makes ‘Linen Atelier’ unique?
It is all about Linen. Linen Atelier is a brand dedicated towards providing high quality designer Linen clothing in Sri Lanka. We stand by this mission no matter what. Attention is given to every single detail of any piece of cloth that someone would purchase from us. For us Linen is a sacred art & we try to preserve this standard of uncompromised quality, making sure we create tasteful designs.
From design to finish, every single step of our manufacturing is done “in house”. We cater to a niche market, and understand that every customer has his or her distinct style, mood and creativity. This is why we endeavor to differentiate our clothing and introduce new designs frequently. Each design will have a very limited number in different sizes. We mix the traditional ‘Beeralu’ lace which is an authentic craft, and the heritage of Sri Lankan Designing culture. It is a fact that Beelrau lace or the Bobbin lace is handmade & a cottage industry. That would give you an idea as to how far we would go to make our brand special, making it stand out from the rest.
- Has your journey been smooth?
“If opportunity doesn’t knock, Build a Door” – Milton Berle. This is what I live by & I am sure it would give you an insight to my journey! In a society where the contribution of women to the economy has not received due recognition, the journey of any woman entrepreneur couldn’t have been smooth. Yes it was challenging. But I do not believe in quitting. It is not in my DNA. I used to be a supplier for a few known clothing brands. Life is relatively easy when you are just a supplier. But establishing your own brand & trying to win market share where the market itself is small, was truly a steep challenge.
I would say this was like a Migration. Initially it was all about hard work – with little and sometimes no support. I had to play different roles and do multiple things simultaneously. But with time I learnt to prioritize my goals & started using technology more often. So a complete migration from working hard to working smart took place. That is where I am today.
- To what do you owe your success?
I owe my success to my children. When they were very young I wanted to build a world where both of them would feel financially secure & could eventually thrive. It was undoubtedly a mother’s unconditional love for her kids. They have been helping me & encouraging me every step of the way. Empowered by their faith in me, I practiced consistency like a daily prayer. I was committed & passionate to my brand. Initially I strived to work hard. But with time I learnt smart working instead of hard working. That is one of the secrets of running a very successful brand equipped with limited resources
- What is the most courageous thing you have done in your life?
Moving from being a supplier to become a Brand. I had to rise above my fears, withstand the adversity of discouraging peer pressure & financial stress. It was lot to handle. Secondly, it was the location of my business. Linen Atelier is at a prime address in Colombo. To be precise in Flower road. Amidst the demoralizing pressure from a number of close acquaintances to select a location with a much lower cost, I chose a place that complemented my brand value & image, and since then I have been patronizing the Flower road address for the past three years.
- Can women become good entrepreneurs?
They can become anyone they desire in life, not just entrepreneurs. Sky’s the limit! The trick however is to be bold to take the first step. If I were asked to go five years back, I would honestly tell my younger self to smile and keep believing in that beautiful dream I had 5 years ago. Especially as women, when it comes to business we are a little apprehensive. But I believe failures are in itself a learning experience, and we need to move forward with grit without worrying about whether we are capable as women. Being a strong believer in the phrase “when one door closes, another one opens”, when I first started Linen Atelier I met many large retailers who turned me down as a label but wanted me to design for their own brand. Being adamant to start my own label, I declined their offers. Today I own a retail store under my label Linen Atelier with my very own designs.
- What do you like most? What do you dislike most?
Fortunately, the dislike list is not long! I have never liked & will never like judgmental people. If I talk about my likes, I have a whole load of them.. I love to spend time with my kids; that what makes me happiest. I also like to draw, sketch, make art, travel, walk & simply chill and take a moment to appreciate the little pleasures of life. It is of course a given, that I like to dress nice & stay elegant. That helps me preserve the core values of being a Designer.
- What advice would you give young professionals ?
I would say this to the younger generation of any trade. The statement made by the late president of the United States John F Kennedy, “Conformity is a jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth,” .That is the greatest advice I urge you to remember. If you want to grow it is only you that can drive or hinder that. Be a dream chaser. The universe is yours.
