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Saturday Nov 02, 2024
Tuesday, 17 November 2020 00:21 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Dush Ratnayake
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Who would have thought that 2020 would be a rollercoaster ride for the Sri Lankan economy with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic? While on this ride, the founder and owner of Bellissima, culinary artist Dush Ratnayake, just like all other self-made entrepreneurs, was driven to take his brand to the next level by opening his first dessert store to provide for his growing customer base a heavenly break for the mind, body, and soul.
Taking a different approach to raise the required investment, Dush decides to publicly invite Bellissima fans to fund the dessert store. “Our customers have always been our greatest asset. With business operations being constantly interrupted this year, getting the required investment for the dessert store became a challenge and also exposed the company to huge risk if we were to debt finance. This obstacle was overcome through a crowd funding drive on tribefunds.lk. We have had an overwhelmingly generous response from our customers. I am humbled to say that so far nearly 70% of our requirement is met, and we hopefully look forward to open the store by the end of the year if the COVID situation settles down by then.” For more information with regards to Bellissima’s store and how you can play an active part as a contributor, log into https://tribefunds.lk/projects/Bellissima or simply contact them on 0766 267 777 for more information. As a token of appreciation, contributors would also get a chance to receive the limited edition Milo biscuit pudding, special gift hampers, loyalty cards, as well as a chance to appear on Dush’s popular cooking show Dishing with Dush on YouTube.
Dush’s primary vision for Bellissima is to create a local dessert brand that can enter the global dessert market carrying the Sri Lankan identity with pride. “During my journey of seven long years with Bellissima, I have experimented and developed intriguing new flavours, having started with the basic chocolate biscuit pudding (a nostalgic favourite of Sri Lankans). The versatility of this pudding allows us to adapt to each region’s palate and popular flavours making it very easy to win the hearts of people anywhere while telling our unique Sri Lankan story. Furthermore, the trendy glass jars used for packaging helps achieve the company’s goal to be environmentally conscious. Given the objectives set for Bellissima its new store is positioned perfectly at Hatch where innovation meets global opportunities.
You can currently purchase Bellissima desserts through Uber Eats, celestedaily.com, findmyfood.lk, and hand-selected restaurant partners (Brew 1867, Arthur’s Pizzeria, Ramen Misoya and Rocco’s). Also don’t forget to try their latest flavour; Key Lime Pie Biscuit Pudding developed for Uber Eats’ second year anniversary in Sri Lanka.