Jovanka Jayaweera a culinary specialist branched out on her own around 4 years ago with Big Bird Delights and today, has grown it into a thriving business employing 4 persons. The bigger story is how she turned adversity into inspiration.
Diriya Stories is a series designed by Diriya.lk to relate stories of entrepreneurs in order to applaud and recognize them and also to inspire and encourage others.
Here we go with our 12 questions for Jovanka:
Describe your biz
A home based catering outfit, dedicated to curating innovative and quality dishes tailored to each client’s unique requirement. We also work with organizations to create online content around easy meal preparation and menu planning.
When and where did the idea form
I was never a cook, but I have always been a foodie. I initially started by trying out dishes for family and friends who thought I should sell some of the items I was serving them!
All my life I have heard all kinds of names used to describe my body. ‘Big made’, ‘Big boned’, ‘heavy boned’, ‘slightly large girl’, ‘fat’, ‘heavy duty’, ‘big bird’. Thankfully my parents raised me to have zero body image issues and they also raised me with a healthy dose of self-confidence so really, I’m unaffected. I’ve developed a sense of humor just to stay ahead of the fat jokes. When I started my catering business and was looking to name it, I wanted a name that was unique to me – ‘Big Bird’
The start
The first product sold under the Big Bird Delights brand was ‘Eggnog’ at Christmas time (which is a traditional Christmas beverage originating in Europe). Big Bird Delights’ Eggnog continues to be our best-selling item, with orders getting placed from October for delivery in December!
Who inspired you or where did you draw strength from
My primary source of strength is my faith in God. I draw daily inspiration from my family and closest friends. I’m also spurred on and inspired by people who work hard (sometimes against all odds) to ensure they stand out and excel in their chosen fields. From a foodie point of view, I am truly inspired by how Julia Child changed the cooking game for women.
Most difficult obstacle
Being taken seriously as a businesswoman instead of a bored housewife with a tasty hobby
Something nice some told you to spur you on or something you read
A good friend (a successful business owner herself) told me at the outset that I would always have work if I ensured my quality, was always top notch. Four years on I still remember her words every time I’m preparing an order.
How many people do you employ?
Two permanent staff and two others when load gets bigger.
Any outsourced entities/person that benefit from your biz
I try as much as possible to source some of my goods from small business owners.
In your opinion your most positive quality
Businesswise – that I’m able to create out of the box dishes (when I’m given the freedom to do so by my clients). Personally – I’m flexible and able to adapt to most situations (I think?!)
Yours or your biz drawbacks
That I am unable to say no to most people as a result it affects my family/free time.
Future plan
To become a fully-fledged catering outfit
Advise to start ups
Don’t be afraid of putting in the hard work, the late nights and the early mornings. It will pay off.
We wish Jovanka the very best in her future endeavours.
If you are an entrepreneur and have a story to share please contact us on info@diriya.lk
Interested in reading more Diriya Stories, check out our post on Ashika Senaratne.
