It’s handmade, it’s natural, it’s Jade!

Gayani Hemapala is the founder and owner of the skincare line ‘Jade - Luxury Handmade Bath and Body’. She is a woman who has surpassed many obstacles and made a name for herself as a successful entrepreneur. Bringing something different to the table, Hemapala’s skincare products are all natural and affordable, and she swears by their quality.  Her products can be viewed on Facebook and Instagram under the handle ‘Jade Handmade Bath and Body’ and they have started making deliveries island-wide. You can also drop by their shop anytime from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. at the ground floor of Orion Tower. Weekend FT visited their newly-opened shop to have a chat with Hemapala about her journey and her products. The following are excerpts.

By Ruwandi Gamage

Q: How did you start this? What made you want to get into this unique business?

A: When I was in the UK studying, I had an aunt who made handmade bath and body products. As a hobby, I started learning about the trade. I started using them and experienced how different and good it felt on the skin. I experimented with different products, and I got used to only using all-natural handmade skincare products. When I came back to Sri Lanka, it was quite difficult for me to find such products for my personal use. I used to get them down from the UK every time my uncle visited. In 2015, after giving it some thought, I tried manufacturing them, and I made my first batch for my own use. Later, I got my friends to try them out and I received very positive feedback from them which gave me the confidence to make a business out of it. 

I initially started as an online business in 2016, while I was working as a corporate banker. During this time, I had stalls at the Good Market and I received amazing feedback from customers. The reception for the products was overwhelming and I was very surprised. This pushed me to pursue this venture as a career, so I quit my job at the bank and dedicated my time and passion to my business. 

In 2017, I registered the business and opened the physical shop last July at Orion City.

The best thing about this decision is not the profits I make but it's the people I meet. It's been wonderful, meeting people who reach out and share their experiences. It's a wholesome feeling.

"People will always have opinions about the decisions you make, and more often than not, they will discourage you from taking risks and pursuing your passion. You must always trust your gut feeling and have confidence in yourself. Never stop because you think the success you have achieved is enough. Always strive to keep going."

Q: Tell me about the manufacturing process, the products that are available and the response so far. 

A: Since I started the online business, my orders have increased and currently I have a team that helps me manufacture all the products. The manufacturing lab is in the premises of my house. Every single product that is manufactured goes through a final inspection conducted by me. I test each and every product that is manufactured and only then do they get packaged and go out to the market.

We make handmade soaps, body butter, body scrubs, foot scrubs, bath salts, foot soaks, lip balm, lip scrub, massage bars, facemasks and face scrubs. Handmade soaps are our bestseller. The second favourites are the body butters, body scrubs and facemasks. So far, the French rose clay and goat’s milk handmade soap is the most requested item. 

Q: What makes you different from others who produce handmade skincare products?

A: All my products use only natural ingredients. When it comes to soaps, they are handmade, all natural artisan bars. They have a design and I doubt any of the other products combine real milk, clays, Shea butter or cocoa butter for their products. I don’t use synthetic fragrances, synthetic colours or even palm oil in my products. I import all raw materials and resources from Europe and other countries, except the salts and essential oils which I source from here. All our skincare products go through a few months of testing on real skin, using volunteers with different types of skin. 

Q: Tell me the challenges you faced and the support you received throughout this journey.

A: Finding all the resources needed for manufacturing and also for packaging was the biggest challenge. It was rather difficult trying to find what is needed from here, which is why I had to resort to importing most resources. Also, it wasn’t easy to track down Sri Lankan suppliers of salts such as pink Himalayan salt and the essential oils that I use for my products.

My best support system was my family and my husband, who has always cheered me on throughout this journey. They have never discouraged my decisions and have supported me every step of the way. I owe a part of my success to them. My mother played a special part in my success.

Q: What advice can you give aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women?

A: People will always have opinions about the decisions you make, and more often than not, they will discourage you from taking risks and pursuing your passion. You must always trust your gut feeling and have confidence in yourself. Never stop because you think the success you have achieved is enough. Always strive to keep going. 

Pix by Sameera Wijesinghe