Startup Studio – Entrepreneurship Workshop 01

The Road to Entrepreneurship

Ever had a great business idea but didn’t know where to start? Or maybe you’ve already started something, but you’re struggling to grow and scale? Entrepreneurship is exciting but tough, and every successful business owner has faced their fair share of struggles before making it big.

That’s exactly why Startup Studio’s Entrepreneurship Workshop was created—to help aspiring entrepreneurs gain real-world knowledge from business leaders who have experienced both success and setbacks.

A Platform for Young Leaders in Sri Lanka

Organized by Leo District 306 C1, this leadership training for youth took place on February 26, 2025, at Garden Fusion Cafe, Nawala. It brought together:

✔️ Aspiring entrepreneurs eager to launch their businesses.
✔️ Business enthusiasts looking to learn from real-world case studies.
✔️ Two experienced guest speakers who shared the highs, lows, and lessons of running a business.

The event was not just about business strategy—it was about Leo mentorship programs, leadership development, and community empowerment.

How Do You Start a Business?

We all have great ideas. But turning an idea into a profitable business? That’s where most people get stuck.

Both of our guest speakers—Basith Yakoob, Co-founder of Yarn Clothing and Pepper-SL, and PMDP PDP Lion Manjula Wijesundara, Founder of Garden Fusion Café—shared their experiences on what it takes to build and sustain a business in Sri Lanka.

Building a Brand at 19: The Story of Basith Yakoob

At just 19 years old, Basith Yakoob decided to turn his passion into a business. Today, he is the co-founder of Yarn Clothing and Pepper-SL, two brands that have made a strong impact in the local market.

Here’s what he emphasized:

✅ Start small, but start smart – You don’t need to launch with 100 products. Pick 3 strong products or services and focus on making them great.
✅ Branding and positioning matter – A good product isn’t enough. You need to market it well and position your business to stand out.
✅ Reliability builds trust – Customers come back to brands they trust. Always deliver on your promises.
✅ Affordability vs. Quality – Price matters, but never compromise on quality. Find a balance that keeps customers happy while making a profit.

Starting (and Saving) a Business: Manjula Wijesundara’s Journey

Imagine starting a business in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic—one of the worst times for entrepreneurs. That’s exactly what PMDP PDP Lion Manjula Wijesundara did when he opened Garden Fusion Cafe.

But things didn’t go as planned.

After handing over management to another party, the business started failing. Those entrusted with its success didn’t manage it properly, and the business was on the verge of shutting down.

After six months of struggle, he decided to take back control, rebuild, and turn the business around. Today, Garden Fusion Cafe is thriving.

His biggest lessons?

✅ Your business is YOUR responsibility – No one will care for it the way you do. If you delegate, choose the right people and stay involved.
✅ Challenges are part of the journey – Business isn’t always smooth. What matters is how you bounce back.
✅ Mistakes happen, but don’t let them define you – Learn, adjust, and move forward. That’s what being an entrepreneur is all about.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

The speakers left us with seven key lessons for launching and growing a business:

1️⃣ Digital Marketing – If you’re not online, you’re invisible. Use social media, SEO, and online ads to attract customers.
2️⃣ Business Positioning – What makes your business different? Find your niche and own it.
3️⃣ Branding – People don’t just buy products; they buy into brands. Make yours memorable.
4️⃣ Reliability – Consistency is key. Deliver quality every single time.
5️⃣ Affordability – Price matters, but cheap doesn’t always win. Customers pay for value.
6️⃣ Packaging – First impressions count. Invest in good packaging.
7️⃣ Focus on Core Products – Don’t try to do everything. Master a few things before expanding.

The Value of Leo Mentorship Programs

This workshop was more than just an event—it was a youth empowerment initiative.

By providing practical business insights, Startup Studio aligns with Leo District 306 C1’s mission of fostering leadership in Leo Clubs, social impact initiatives, and entrepreneurship education in Colombo and beyond.

The Q&A session was a highlight, as attendees got answers to real business challenges, including:

🔹 How to stand out in a crowded market
🔹 Finding the right audience for a business
🔹 Balancing quality and affordability
🔹 Overcoming funding and marketing challenges

This open dialogue created a sense of community and shared learning, reinforcing that every entrepreneur faces struggles—and that learning from others can help avoid common pitfalls.

Final Thoughts: A Step Forward in Youth Development Projects in Sri Lanka

Starting a business is never easy, but with the right knowledge, strategy, and mentorship, it is possible.

Here’s what we learned at Startup Studio’s first Entrepreneurship Workshop:

🚀 Start small, stay focused, and grow smart.
🚀 Your brand, marketing, and trust matter as much as your product.
🚀 Setbacks will happen—but what matters is how you handle them.

If you’ve ever thought about starting a business, the best time to begin is NOW.

So—what’s your next move? Because the only thing standing between you and success is action.

Let’s build something great—one business at a time.