It is with great pleasure that we announce that Genevieve Nilanthi, founder of Nail Spa, has been named Brand Builder of the Year 2022. This prestigious award recognizes her outstanding contribution to the nail industry in Sri Lanka, and her unwavering dedication to empowering her staff.
Nilanthi’s journey is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and the impact that one person can make. Starting with just three staff at the Cinnamon Lakeside branch in 2003, she has grown Nail Spa into a successful chain of six salons with over 60 staff. However, her greatest accomplishment has been empowering her team and providing them with opportunities for growth and success.
Nilanthi’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. She has spent over 25 years working in the corporate field, and in 2003, she decided to venture into entrepreneurship and introduced the first standalone nail salon to Sri Lanka. Nilanthi’s proudest achievement has been empowering her staff by providing them with comprehensive training and a clear career path. She has enabled them to become some of the best nail technicians in Sri Lanka, supporting their families and having promising futures both locally and overseas.
Under Nilanthi’s leadership, Nail Spa has become a pioneer in the Sri Lankan nail industry. She saw a gap in the market for nail salons and filled it with her professionalism, expertise, and commitment to providing high-quality service. Through her tireless efforts, she has inspired the creation of many other successful nail salons in the country, thus paving the way for the industry’s growth.
As a leader, Nilanthi’s focus on empowering her staff is truly admirable. She provides comprehensive training, professional development, and a clear career path for her employees. Her staff members are like family to her, and she is committed to their well-being, both professionally and personally.
Nail Spa has team members who have been with them since the very beginning, which was almost 18 years ago, and they are now celebrating their 20th anniversary. She maintains close relationships with her team, and they make sure to provide support beyond the professional realm, often stepping in to assist with personal issues. Many of the staff members come from challenging backgrounds, including transgender staff who may experience harassment or abuse. To support them, Nilanthi tells us that she has a lawyer who provides pro-bono assistance to those in need, and they also sponsor events with Women in Need to offer counselling and other forms of support. Recently, they brought in Shanika de Alwis to speak on transgender and equality to further empower the staff and let them know that they are not alone.
“At Nail Spa, we prioritise the well-being of our staff, and we are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for them to grow and succeed in their careers.”
This award is a recognition of Nilanthi’s hard work and dedication, as well as her team’s efforts. She humbly acknowledges that it is not an individual achievement, but rather a collective effort. Nevertheless, it is a significant milestone for Nail Spa, and it opens up new opportunities for expansion and franchising. As the brand grows, Nilanthi is committed to maintaining her high standards and providing exceptional service to her clients.
In conclusion, we congratulate Genevieve Nilanthi on being named Brand Builder of the Year 2022. Her contribution to the Sri Lankan nail industry and her commitment to empowering her staff are truly remarkable. We look forward to seeing her continued success and impact on the industry in the years to come.