“Crafting has always been in my blood,” says 19-year-old Y. Lalithya Sandumi, whose innovative spirit led her to become one of the top 10 finalists in the SPARKS competition 2023, organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. SPARK is a unique competition focused on developing entrepreneurship skills, equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools they need through comprehensive boot camps and mentorship programs.
As a student at Seevali Central College, Ratnapura, Lalithya’s journey from a craft-loving child to an entrepreneur is both inspiring and unconventional. Her product, “Artistic Rock,” showcases her passion for blending tradition with innovation. “Growing up in Ratnapura, I was surrounded by gemstones,” she said.
“But what really struck me was how many semi-precious stones were discarded because they weren’t considered valuable enough. That’s when the idea hit me—why not turn these overlooked stones into something beautiful and meaningful?” Beginning of her entrepreneurial journey Lalithya’s entrepreneurial journey was sparked by her participation in the “Know About Business (KAB)” program organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. “That program opened my eyes to the world of business,” she recalls.
“It made me realise that I could turn my passion into something bigger, something that could make a difference in my community. Later, learning about the SPARK competition further solidified my desire to become an entrepreneur. The competition was the first real step towards creating a business idea using my skills, marking the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey.
” When asked about the key skills and qualities essential for success, Lalithya is quick to emphasise the importance of resilience, creativity, and time management. “Being an entrepreneur, especially while balancing school, requires you to be incredibly organised and adaptable,” she explains. “You have to think outside the box and be ready to face challenges head-on.
Having strong communication skills, adaptability, and a willingness to learn continuously are vital for navigating the ever-changing business landscape.” Her product, “Artistic Rock,” is a unique brand that creates human portraits and souvenirs using semi-precious stones and semi-gemstones, particularly targeting the tourism and hospitality sectors. “It’s not just about making something pretty,” Lalithya says.
“It’s about giving value to what’s often discarded and supporting local gem miners by providing them with a steady income. ‘Artistic Rock’ addresses the issue of financial instability among gem miners in Ratnapura. Typically, these miners only earn money when they find valuable gemstones, leaving them in a precarious financial situation when they don’t.
By purchasing semi-gemstones from them, I provide a steady source of income. This supports the local community and helps reduce waste in the mining industry. Customers can even include precious gemstones in their orders for a more personalised and valuable product.
” However, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. “Balancing my studies with my business was tough,” she said. “But I learned to manage my time effectively, making sure that neither my education nor my business suffered.
” SPARKS, a game-changer Participating in the SPARKS competition was a game-changer for Lalithya. “Being one of the top 10 finalists was a huge confidence boost,” she says with a smile. “The competition taught me the importance of adaptability and the value of strong professional relationships.
The feedback I received during the competition pushed me to think critically about my business and make necessary adjustments. This experience taught me that being open to change and willing to pivot when needed is crucial for long-term success. The networking opportunities allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals and potential collaborators, reinforcing the value of building strong professional relationships.
The boot camp sessions provided practical knowledge on various aspects of running a business, from marketing to financial management. The feedback from judges and peers during the competition also helped me improve my product and presentation skills.” Looking ahead, Lalithya has big plans for “Artistic Rock.
” “I want to expand the business, increase production, and explore international markets,” she said. “I’m also planning to establish a stronger online presence to reach a global audience.” Explaining how “Artistic Rock” stands out, she highlights its unique combination of local resources, traditional craftsmanship, and the personalisation options available to customers.
“Unlike mass-produced souvenirs, each ‘Artistic Rock’ piece is handcrafted, making it one-of-a-kind. The use of locally sourced, semi-precious stones adds intrinsic value, and the incorporation of traditional Sri Lankan carving techniques gives the product cultural depth.” As for advice to other young entrepreneurs, Lalithya offers this: “Be persistent, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to take risks.
Every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Believe in your vision and stay committed to your goals.”.
