Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) Parents Norman Gunewardene | Website Official website Name Otara Gunewardene | |
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Full Name Otara Del Gunewardene Spouse Raju Chandiram (m. 1990–2004) Children Rakhil Chandiram, Kiran Chandiram People also search for Norman Gunewardene, Ajit Gunewardene, Delysia Gunewardene Profiles | ||
All about success otara gunewardene part 1
Otara Del Gunewardene is a Sri Lankan entrepreneur, philanthropist and fashion icon. Gunewardene founded Sri Lankan fashion and lifestyle store, ODEL. From being a sole proprietor of one store in 1990, she has piloted Odel through two decades of growth and today there are over 20 Odel stores are located throughout the island. Gunewardene was the first female entrepreneur to take a company public in Sri Lanka, when Odel was launched as an IPO in July 2010. She was globally recognised in 2010 she was named the 'Best Female Entrepreneur' at the seventh US Stevie Awards for Women in Business. She was also named in the list of Sri Lanka’s Most Powerful Women compiled by Echelon Magazine in 2013 and is featured in the Sri Lanka Rich List. On 11 September 2014 Gunewardene sold her shareholdings in Odel PLC to the Softlogic Group. She subsequently established the Embark brand which funds numerous animal welfare programs.
Contents
- All about success otara gunewardene part 1
- Otara gunewardene of odel limited wins 2010 stevie
- Early life and family
- Fashion designer
- Embark
- Awards
- References
Otara gunewardene of odel limited wins 2010 stevie
Early life and family
Otara Del Gunawardene was born on 30 August 1964 in Colombo, Sri Lanka to Norman Gunewardene and Delysia. Her father was a former Chairman of Aitken Spence and her mother, Delysia, established the Chitra Lane School for differently-abled children.
Gunawardene attended C. M. S. Ladies College in Colombo, where she excelled in athletics and swimming, representing the country. Gunawardene graduated from Bowling Green State University, Ohio with a degree in biology.
While on holiday back home, she dabbled in modelling – shooting for high-profile brands and international apparel catalogues right after graduating from University.
In 1989 a chance request by an apparel manufacturer to help him dispose an assortment of export surplus garments led her to set up shop from the boot of her car.
Fashion designer
In 2013 Gunewardene launched her eponymous jeans label in 2013 at the Colombo Fashion Week.
Embark
In 2007 Gunewardene launched Embark in 2007. Embark’s activities include eradication of rabies, canine vaccinations, sterilization surgeries, puppy adoptions and caring for injured street dogs. These activities are funded through the sale of a range of clothing, jewellery and accessories featuring logos of Gundewardene's dogs.
Gundewardene was also involved, through her business at ODEL, in providing relief to the victims of the 2004 tsunami, constructing eighteen houses to benefit families affected by the tsunami.
Other initiatives include tree planting, clearing of poisonous plant species at Bundala National park and the beach clean-up drives.
In 2008 was bestowed the honour of World Animal Day Ambassador – Sri Lanka and was selected as one of the ‘Prominent Women of the Country’ by the Women’s Parliamentarians’ Caucus, for her achievements in business and for her service to the country.
On 11 September 2014 Gunewardene sold of all her shares in ODEL PLC to the Softlogic Group to allow her more time to ensure the welfare of animals and the development of the Embark brand, which funds such programs. In her media statement Otara stated - ‘I believe everybody has a purpose in life. One that goes beyond material gain and one that goes beyond a life that we may have been leading and loved leading. Twenty-five years on from when I started Odel and as I turn a grateful 50, I find it harder to silence what I know is my own true calling in life, which is to help animals. I have tried to do as much as I can for them over the years, as well as to help people understand the importance of living in a world in harmony with animals and people, but it is time to do more. I have always known that I am here to help animals. I spent my childhood years surrounded by animals, dreaming of ways that I could help them and knowing the importance animals and the environment plays in our world and our lives. I am fortunate that I have the ability to relive my childhood again, but with more knowledge and a greater will than ever before of making a change. My love for fashion has always been linked with my passion for animals and to helping our world both people and animals co-exist for our future’.
Awards
Gunewardene has achieved wide recognition in Sri Lanka and internationally.