Michelle Gunesekera, creates platforms for many through her innovative ideas
Colombo, Tuesday 19th July 2022: Stemming from her own love for writing and reading, Michelle Gunesekera wanted to create a platform for aspiring young writers to step in to the media industry. Seeing an opening in the publication spectrum for a youth magazine she created Chokolaate, Sri Lanka’s first youth-entered magazine back in (enter year here). Today, many years down the line Chokolaate has branched out to become a brand dedicated to paying tribute to women and supporting the youth through its many ventures.
“I started writing at a very young age. I wrote my first novel when I was just 9 years, and a second one at 12 years. What I realized though was that there were many young writers like myself who didn’t have a platform to showcase their work. This is why I decided to create a magazine for the youth, written by the youth as well. Chokolaate is my gift to the younger generation, so that their voices may be heard.”
Michelle is deeply passionate about life and family and has constantly strived to center her work on her family obligations. She is the only child of Shanti and Brian Outschoorn, and wife to Emile. She is a mum of two boys, Tristen and Treyden and one girl Tia and loves spending time with them. It was her relationship with her own mother and her daughter that prompted Michelle to create one of the most unique platforms for fashion design students in Sri Lanka in the year 2010. The Chokolaate Mother-Daughter Fashion Designer Contest has successfully showcased young designers who create looks for real mother-daughter models. The event has been successfully held 12 times and is currently gearing up for its 13th season.
“Chokolaate, which started out as a magazine did provide a platform for young writers and creative minds. With MDFD however it was an avenue to focus on a whole new segment. What started there has now branched out to different aspects such as singing, debating, public speaking and other soft skills development. This was why we created events such as MDFD, Centerstage etc. and we are constantly thinking of mixing it up and creating new avenues where we can support youth and help them express themselves.”
Michelle believes that there is yet much to be done for the youth segment. The Youth are the future and the most influential segment in society. Today’s youth know exactly what they want and they know how to get it. To provide youth with more opportunities to showcase their talent and creativity is something that has been truly rewarding for Michelle and her team at Chokolaate.
“There have been many instances where the journey has been nothing short of turbulent, where some have tried to sabotage or create issues and even go to the extent to take credit for the brand. However I am thankful to God for being my strength throughout all these and to my parents and husband for being my pillars of strength to sustain and to keep going, no matter what was thrown my way.”
The next five years of Chokolaate will see the brand more prominent and with a wider outreach in empowering the youth, especially in the outskirts of Colombo. Plans are underway to create much needed opportunities especially in the education sector thereby providing greater opportunities for rural youth.
“As a woman, there are many hats we have to wear at different times and it is important that we give our 100% and be in the moment and enjoy it to its fullest. It is also important to take care of yourself so that you, in turn can give your best to your family and to your work. Maintaining the balance may not seem easy some days, but nothing like a slab of chocolate to get you through anything that life throws your way!”