In Conversation with Dr. Wathsadani Wijayasundara, founder of Bubbles & Beyond
Dr. Wathsadani Wijayasundara, founder of Bubbles & Beyond, is a medical doctor and entrepreneur who has combined her medical knowledge with a family heritage of three generations of Ayurvedic practitioners to create gentle, handmade skincare products. What began as a mother's search for a solution to her daughter's sensitive skin has grown into a Sri Lankan skincare brand reaching international markets. In a conversation with The Sun (Daily Mirror), she shares her journey into entrepreneurship, the challenges she faced and the inspiration behind Bubbles & Beyond.
To begin, could you tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to start Bubbles & Beyond?
I’m Dr. Wathsadani Wijayasundara, founder of Bubbles & Beyond and an MBBS-qualified doctor. I come from a family with three generations of Ayurvedic doctors. I combine that heritage with my medical knowledge to create gentle, functional, handmade skincare products with a focus on sensitive skin.
The inspiration for Bubbles & Beyond came when my daughter was about two and a half years old and experienced severe eczema flare-ups. Eczema is a skin condition that can cause severe itching and, if left untreated, can lead to scarring. As a mother and a doctor, I was very worried and wanted something truly gentle for her skin. I tried different products, but nothing really worked.
Then I began researching ingredients and created my own recipe for a gentle everyday soap. It helped her, and that’s how Bubbles & Beyond began.
You come from a family with three generations of Ayurvedic doctors. How has that background influenced your journey and the products you create today?
I grew up in an Ayurvedic household where preparing medicine was part of everyday life. Everyone helped in one way or another, whether by gathering herbs, cleaning or packing. I also witnessed how much care and thought went into preparing the medicine.
Looking back, I feel it taught me discipline, responsibility and the importance of carefully choosing the ingredients we use in a product. I feel privileged to have had that experience, and I carry those values into my work today.
As a medical doctor, what made you step into the world of entrepreneurship and handmade skincare products?
As a doctor, I saw how skin issues affect people’s confidence and daily lives. I also felt there were very few gentle options available in the market. I have always found joy in creating. Coming from a medical and Ayurvedic background, I felt I was in a position to create something unique: science-backed, Ayurvedic-inspired and truly made in Sri Lanka. That led me to entrepreneurship.
Bubbles & Beyond began with a personal concern for your daughter's sensitive skin. Could you take us back to that moment and explain how it eventually turned into a business?
Once I saw how it helped my daughter, I wanted to share it with the community. I took a course in making natural skincare products, learned about the required testing and explored how to build a business. I researched ingredients extensively and tried different recipes. It took me nearly two years of experimentation and testing to perfect the recipe we use today. Then we created our own website, connected with people through social media and local business groups, and started joining markets. Over time, we began receiving enquiries from overseas. With support from the Export Development Board and local communities, we found opportunities to grow. Today, we export to parts of Asia, contributing to the Sri Lankan economy in a small way.
When you first started experimenting with handmade soaps, did you ever imagine that it would grow into the brand Bubbles & Beyond is today?
Honestly, not at first. I was focused on finding something that would help my daughter. Over time, it gave me purpose. I realised I was solving a real problem for people, and step by step, that grew into the brand you see today. I know I have a long way to go, but I believe I’m on the right path.
What makes Bubbles & Beyond different from other skincare and body-care brands available in Sri Lanka?
Most soaps on the shelf start as industrial soap noodles. Ours don’t. We make each bar from scratch using the traditional cold-process method, with natural oils and plant butters. Over eighty percent of our ingredients are sourced locally. We’re completely palm-oil-free. Because we retain the natural glycerin and leave a small amount of excess oils in the soap, the bars cleanse gently without stripping the skin. We also keep packaging minimal to reduce waste, and we list our ingredients clearly because people deserve to know what they’re putting on their bodies.
Your products bring together science, traditional Ayurvedic knowledge and natural ingredients. How do you balance these elements when developing new formulations?
I start with safety and skin science. Then I look to Ayurveda for inspiration, not as a shortcut. Finally, I choose local ingredients that are gentle and sustainable. I test and refine the formulations, keeping only the ingredients that provide a benefit.
As a doctor, entrepreneur and mother of two, how do you manage your different responsibilities while continuing to grow your business?
It’s a team effort. I cannot take all the credit myself. My husband is also a doctor and a director of the company. With his help and the support of my team, I am able to balance these responsibilities. I plan work around my children’s routines and focus on what needs my attention each day. I’m learning to delegate instead of doing everything myself. That support system makes all the difference.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when establishing Bubbles & Beyond, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges was learning the business side from scratch. My medical training gave me a foundation for research and careful decision-making, but I had to learn about pricing, packaging, marketing and managing costs.
It was a slow process. I made mistakes and learned from them. My approach is to keep learning and moving forward, tackle one problem at a time, ask for help when it’s needed and put better systems in place as we grow.
Looking back at your journey, is there a particular achievement or customer experience that made you feel especially proud of what you have built?
I’m proudest when someone tells me their skin has finally calmed after years of struggling. That keeps me going. I’m also proud when our work is recognised, such as earning ISO certification and being acknowledged by the Export Development Board. Those moments remind me that the long hours are worth it.
Finally, what advice would you give to women, especially mothers and young entrepreneurs, who have a business idea but are hesitant to take that first step?
To build something great, you have to start somewhere. Start small. Start today. You won’t have all the answers. You’ll learn as you go. As a mother, I have other responsibilities too, so I remind myself not to compare my progress with someone else’s. Go at your own pace. Keep your vision clear and keep taking small steps towards it. It might take longer, and that’s okay.
