Evaluating her life decisions and pondering on the successful dynamics of one’s career, Fazeela Dharmaratne, the Director of CeeBees Preschool & Childcare Centre, elaborates on the highs and lows of her journey up to date.
Fazeela Dharmaratne, started her career in 1995 in an international bank. Working the longest years of her career, with 17 years of experience at the HSBC Bank, she was able to grasp in fundamentals ranging in the aspects of customer services, operations, and human resources as well as in sales. The transition from banking to entrepreneurship took place in the year of 2012, when Fazeela conquered a daring and a risky decision to step out into the world with her husband, to showcase their vision. The courage to venture out from the corporate world was fuelled by their close-knitted belief in each other, against all odds. “I’m proud to say that we never regretted our decision in entering into the fold of entrepreneurship, in order to collaborate towards the dynamic world of ever-changing dreams and ideas. We have not looked back since!”.
Elaborating on her initiative, “Who better to understand the hardships and challenges that a working woman faces than a working woman herself”. Envisioning their thoughts inspired by the challenges faced by many working women and families, CeeBees strive to provide a holistic child care service starting from infants up to kids. Their curriculum focuses on moving at a customized pace suiting each child’s ultimate goal. “Moulding children to confident individuals, CeeBees guide children to reflect on their values, helping them manifest on the good”. From nutritional meals, education, and a safe environment, CeeBees provide parents a whole package of child care inclusive of all the needful details covered, ensuring them a peace of mind.
Fazeela believes that the previous generation of working women had paved the way against all strife. “I have the utmost respect for them! These women waded against all challenges and biases and entered diverse professions, ranging from business to creative arts. Back before, women were stereotyped as individuals with unrealistic dreams on conquering the corporate world. But today, the tables have turned!”. She also has the highest level of respect for women like her aunt who was also a banker and her mother who genuinely inspired her to pursue her dreams, breaking free from the conservative background she was raised. A mother who stood by her and encouraged her to never pass up an opportunity nor give in to the societal pressure. “When you have that kind of support, the battle is already halfway won,” she remarked fondly.
Admiring the journey that women have taken to reach their current liberty whilst balancing their responsibilities, Fazeela yearns to see a time where the family responsibilities aren’t stereotypically biased into ‘mother’s job’ or a ‘father’s job’. “Families must approach parenthood as a partnership, where it is taken on equally as per the strengths of the individuals and not per their gender norms. Even on the professional front, it would be heart-warming to see women put their hands up to take on any role they desire without having to deal with gender bias.”
She affirms that the world must be roles are not based on the gender of the applicant but decided by the individuals’ talents and experience to handle a situation swiftly. “I think women have come a long way and made some fabulous inroads in balancing overall responsibilities. Therefore, as my mentor always says, ‘talent has no gender’ and it’s time we embrace this concept more effectively.” “I think women have come a long way and made some fabulous inroads in balancing overall responsibilities. Therefore, as my mentor always says, ‘talent has no gender’ and it’s time we embrace this concept more effectively.”
A change in one’s mindset is crucial to progress through as a society, dedicating itself to equality. As a conservative nation with a collective mindset of being held back by our preconceived notions, Fazeela believes that this in turn clouds and blurs one’s judgment. Fazeela states that they have barely been scraping off the rust of the past. She endorses everyone to evaluate themselves and adapt towards an unbiased attitude. She also believes that this change influences how we people contribute towards the current crisis, opening room for rectification in the future.
Fazeela assumes that this encourages people to deviate their focus from glaringly on a political level. Reaffirming the age-old quote, ‘Change begins with you’, Fazeela emphasises that a daring woman with an understanding on intricate-hidden details, can lead towards an audacious change by taking measures to create what’s within your control.
Fazeela too juggled criticism of all sorts, since the initial stage of her career in banking sector, up until being an entrepreneur in a league of her own. A transformation as such comprises of risks, warnings and signs telling her that she made a wrong decision by stepping out of the corporate world into the industry. “I was quite anxious about my decision! However, the support I received from my husband, parents and extended family was invaluable and it outweighed all the negativity thrown at me”, Fazeela says confirming the notion that the right support system ignites the confidence in oneself to go forth!
According to Fazeela, enduring a humble start and ensuring yourself that other’s opinions must not weigh you down, is the first step to be taken when venturing into your own business.
She elaborates, “If you read up many entrepreneur success stories, you will find that most started things in a very simple manner. Focus and go after your passion with sincerity and good intentions and everything else will start falling into place. You cannot satisfy everyone! But its mandatory that you feel good about yourself. Do not be afraid to seek help or admit your mistakes. This journey is about trial and error and the failures are indeed the pillars of success.”
Concluding her statement, Fazeela takes a moment to advise the upcoming generation of young females and entrepreneurs in general, “I advise the youth stepping into entrepreneurship to follow your heart and your vision. Attitude and your approach to the obstacles one would face will be a deciding factor to your success. Be willing to “get your hands dirty”, accept rejection positively and be willing to go through a tough ride without stumbling.Everything else will fall back in place!”