The Chief Executive Officer of House of Gifts, Danushka Fernando, has served many important positions as different steps in his journey to the top. He is the Director of Elysian Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, and Director of Elysian Investor Management Services (Pvt) Ltd, consulting and facilitating foreign as well as local companies when it comes to setting up and expanding businesses within the country. He is a Thomian, with a vibrant and interesting personality.
He was also a member of the 35th Executive Committee Group of the S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia Old Boys Association. Danushka is a Charter Member of the Benchmark Chapter of BNI and was the President of the Rotary Club Colombo Centennial for the year 2020/2021. Rotary is the largest International Service Organisation in the world; which stands as strong proof of Danushka’s interest in community service, social service as well as business networking and business development.
He believes the House of Gifts to be the pinnacle for all gifting and home decor needs. With around 12,000 products to choose from, differing in colour and creativity, together with free gift wrapping as a service and the ability to customize gifts based on the customer’s need, is a part of their delivery to ensure consumer satisfaction. House of Gifts has allowed considerable opportunity for local skilled craftsman; offering them insights and practical solutions to refine and upgrade their products thereby allowing them to earn revenue and traction through the company. The House of Gifts has taken steps to partner up with several local export quality brands such as Midaya Ceramics, Royal Fernwood Ceramics, Dankotuwa Porcelain & Phoenix Plastics, amongst others.
According to Danushka, the House of Gifts managed to stay on top of their game by constantly altering their product portfolio to match the international trends of lifestyle. When it comes to the changes in trends and measuring the growth of the business, eCommerce plays a vital part due tothe rapidly changing customer needs. He added that as a company they always look forward to changing their ways if necessary to be better adapted for commerce through difficult times. The House of Gifts offers customers a range of services; new and easy payment methods, customer loyalty programs, as well as different methods of packing and decorating ideas. According to Danushka, they are one of the premium sellers on Daraz, among other eCommerce platforms. The expertise in what they do not just on local platforms but globally by featuring their products on Amazon as well. “We make sure we listen to our customers as well as help them make the best use of our products,” added Danushka.
Of the many things that make their products unique, the most important is that their products match international standards and are of selective taste. From the very firstmoment a customer walks into the store he/she experiences the quality of service the company looks to offer. “Many consumer brands focus on selling goods, but for us, it’s a service we offer,” stated Danushka. According to him, anybody that walks in feels welcome and at home in the familial atmosphere of the House of Gifts. “We were one of the pioneers and one-of-a-kind stores that is almost reaching two decades of service in the gift and home decor industry. We have now become a household name in Sri Lanka,” added Danushka, proudly.
There are a couple of goals that are currently running through Danushka’s mind when it comes to the bigger and better future of the company. He aspires to make the House of Gifts a leading global brand icon that is renowned for home decor and living, where each product infuses the values and skills of the company it represents. “We value culture and taking Sri Lankan culture, values, and skills to the global stage is my dream“, added Danushka, humbly yet determined. Added to that is his vision of making luxury living normal and affordable for many. To most people, his dreams may look foolish and too extravagant to achieve, he says, but one has to be crazy enough to dream if they ever want to achieve them. While understanding how challenging it can be to become a globally renowned brand, Danushka’s uncanny confidence in the cause and trust in his loyal customer base might as well prove to be a game-changer. He has great faith in his team, who he refers to as his family, which he believes will help him reach such heights.
There is more to it than selling a product, because with every product you share an experience and you make a little change, somewhere in someone’s heart. That is how Danushka sees the wholesome service he is involved in. “I believe in what I sell and I do it with a passion…” he emphasized…”… and if you’re buying what I sell, you believe in that same passion”.