Kishani Kaluarachchi started her career in the corporate sector after studying in the UK, gaining years of executive experience in the financial field. However, the long hours and stressful working environment left her with little time for a personal life. As a result, Kishani decided to pursue her passion for entrepreneurship and founded Wall Art Pvt Ltd in 2012, identifying a gap in the market for premium wall décor products in Sri Lanka.
With a team of experienced designers and a commitment to quality, Wall Art Pvt Ltd quickly established itself as a leader in the interior design industry in Sri Lanka. Their website, www.wallart.lk, showcases a range of products, from custom wallpapers and wall murals to 3D wall panels and fabric wall coverings. The company’s designs are inspired by nature, art, and culture, and they use eco-friendly materials in their production process.
Starting a business from scratch is no easy feat, and Kishani knows this firsthand. The journey was definitely not a smooth ride and in fact, for several years, Kishani and her team faced numerous challenges as they worked tirelessly to find a footing in a country where the concept of wallpaper was not widely accepted. But instead of giving up, they persevered with hard work and dedication. Their efforts have definitely paid off, and Wall Art Pvt Ltd now boasts a network of over 150 talented interior designers who incorporate their premium wall décor products into client projects. Their commitment to quality and design has earned them a loyal customer base, with many clients returning for repeat business.
Considering this, it’s no surprise that Kishani believes that building a motivated team is one of the most important aspects of running a successful business. She has seen firsthand how a cohesive team, dedicated to the growth of the company and providing excellent customer service, can take a business to the next level.
As they say, change is the only constant in life. And for Kishani and her team at Wall Art Pvt Ltd, change has been an exciting development in the form of a recent influx of non-resident Lankans with seemingly unlimited design budgets investing in condominiums in Colombo. This surge of new customers has pushed the possibilities of the local interior design industry to new heights, allowing Kishani to witness world-class work by local designers and bring fresh ideas into the country.
For Kishani, this is an exhilarating time as she gets to see her industry grow and evolve right before her eyes. With more design budgets to work with, designers can push their creative limits and produce truly breathtaking results. And for Wall Art, it’s an opportunity to showcase their premium wall décor products to a new audience, cementing their reputation as a trusted brand in the industry.
It’s not every day that you get to witness an industry go through such a transformation, but Kishani is taking it all in stride. She knows that change brings its own set of challenges, but she’s confident that her team has the experience and expertise to handle whatever comes their way. And with non-resident Lankans increasingly turning to local designers for their interior design needs, the future looks bright for Kishani and her team at Wall Art.
Reflecting on her journey so far, Kishani emphasizes the importance of having a good, motivated team that fits in with the company culture. Building processes for every part of the business frees up time to focus on expansion strategy and the bigger picture. And, of course, providing the best level of customer service is key to building a strong reputation and gaining referrals.
For the younger generation looking to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, Kishani advises to think big, put goals down on paper, and take risks – but calculated risks. Managing cash flow closely is also crucial for small and medium-sized businesses, especially in times of uncertainty.
In the words of Kishani, “Take it one step at a time and don’t let anyone or anything discourage you from achieving what you want to.” With determination, hard work, and a solid team, anything is possible.