From Hobby to Social Enterprise 

Even a hobby can become a thriving business venture, and a business can become a social venture, that’s how Erandi Thennakoon did it.

A 31-year-old entrepreneur from Kurunegala, she has transformed her passion for art into a thriving business that seamlessly blends creativity with fashion and business outcomes with social impact by providing livelihood opportunities for women from making clothes at home and selling them online. 

Her journey began in 2013 when she started crafting clothing at home, drawing on the artistic skills she honed in an engaging hobby and developed further while studying art for her A/Levels. This led to the creation of her clothing line, the Sithuwari Art Collection, which celebrates individuality. Guided by her motto, “a unique look for everyone,” Erandi designs affordable garments that cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

The venture has grown into an enterprise with 24 machines and 50 employees, producing over 11,200 pieces per month, including hand-painted Bangkok cotton clothing. Her products are featured in popular clothing retailers like Thilakawardana Textiles, Uptown Kandy, and Molly. They are also popular among tourists in destinations like Pinnawala and Ella. 

For Erandi, her purpose for the business is also to empower the women in her community. Her business provides indirect employment opportunities for about 80 women, and she hopes to expand this network by establishing smart home agencies in vulnerable communities across her province and beyond. Through these agencies, she aims to equip women with sewing skills and machines, enabling them to start their businesses and earn commissions through online sales.

Through the Sithuwari Art Collection, Erandi not only showcases the beauty of Sri Lankan art and culture but also uplifts the lives of those who contribute to it. She wants each garment she creates to be a testament to empowerment, creativity, and cultural pride.