A LIFE BEYOND LIMITS: THE MANY WORLDS OF TIFFANY WIJEPALA

BY ENAYA WICKRAMAGE

Some people have a pre-destined path laid out for them. Some make their own. For Tiffany, life has never really been confined to a single ambition. From building a jewellery brand to creating a thriving running community, taking to the skies as a private pilot, and pursuing a childhood dream on the pageant stage, she reflects on what happens when curiosity and determination reach new heights.

Christina Jewellery is your own brand. What’s the story behind the name, and what makes your pieces different?

Christina Jewellery was founded by my father 20 years ago, following nearly three decades as an international sapphire dealer. His journey began almost 50 years ago in Ingiriya, a small Sri Lankan village, driven by a vision to bring world-class jewellery to Sri Lanka. Christina embodies a purpose greater than oneself, reflecting something divinely chosen and set apart. Five years ago, my father recognised my passion for bespoke jewellery, nurtured through my experience working in jewellery stores while studying at the University of Victoria, Canada. He entrusted me with continuing his legacy. What sets Christina apart is our deeply personal approach. We believe jewellery is an extension of our finest selves, celebrating individuality, love, and meaningful connections. By understanding our clients' lifestyles and stories, we collaboratively create one-of-a-kind pieces. Backed by Wijaya Gems and five decades of expertise, Christina celebrates Sri Lanka's finest gemstones through timeless, personalised craftsmanship.

You’re one of the few female gemstone traders in the country. What has that been like for you, and have you faced any challenges or surprises in such a male-dominated industry?

Being one of Sri Lanka’s few female gemstone traders has been challenging. My youthful, fashionable appearance often leads traders to underestimate my knowledge or attempt to overcharge me. Fortunately, I love negotiating, embracing challenges, and proving my capabilities. From navigating gem markets in Ratnapura and Beruwala to descending into mines and attending international trade exhibitions, I’ve immersed myself in the industry. I also earned a full scholarship from Tiffany & Co. to pursue my Graduate Gemologist Diploma at the Gemological Institute of America. Despite the obstacles, every experience has strengthened my resilience, deepened my expertise, and shaped who I am today.

What advice would you give a young woman who wants to break into gemstone trading or start her own jewellery brand?

Just start. If you’re passionate about jewellery, there’s never a perfect time. The price of gold will forever fluctuate. Conflict locally and internationally will cause the cost of products and labour to rise; there’s no point in waiting for the right time.

The main skill you need with any business is fine-tuning your ability to problem-solve, make decisions, and delegate responsibility effectively. You can plan as much as you’d like, but time is money. Most importantly, you should ask as many dumb questions as you can. What’s crucial is that you feel comfortable with the decisions you make; don’t let a man pressure you into making a decision you’re not comfortable with.

You started Zoomies Run Club even though you didn’t enjoy running. What inspired you to build a community around something you weren’t passionate about? Has it changed the way you view running today?

I wasn’t trying to start a run club, if I’m being completely honest. I just wanted some friends and a support network that I could run with during the week, so that I wouldn’t have to do the treacherous activity by myself in order to achieve my lifestyle goals. What started off as a group of 3 is now a community of close to a 1000 individuals, and the community has been nothing short of supportive. Running is no longer just about trying to reach a specific body goal. Running has blessed me with a community that feels like a family; it has connected me with like-minded, young, motivated and talented individuals who want to break barriers in their lives, and help me break barriers in my own life. They’ve not just helped me run faster and further, but supported me in business and my personal side quests. Zoomies isn’t just a run club; it’s now my biggest support system. I now run to keep the community together.

Can you describe what the very first run looked like, and what Zoomies runs look like today? In what ways has the club evolved from day one?

The very first Zoomies run was me and 3 friends I’d made while running. I was annoyed with one of my friends by how poorly he communicated and his organizational skills, so I put us all in a group chat. We were just three individuals looking to burn off some steam midweek. Now it's turned into a community of runners supporting each other and helping them become better versions of themselves.

What’s the most rewarding moment you’ve had as the club’s founder?

Seeing the opportunity that materializes from the community. Not only do the runners run faster and longer distances each week, but the runners have found jobs, gigs, and even started a technology company. I’m also proud of that fact that I’ve connected with Project Ceylon who’s sponsored some of our athletes at running events.

What’s your vision for Zoomies, and where do you see it going in the next year and 5 years from now?

My vision for Zoomies is to continue supporting and uplifting the community that propelled me forward. I want to find sponsors for our athletes, so they can keep pushing themselves forward internationally. Hopefully in 5 years, I’ll be able to support my strongest athletes in running races internationally.

You’re competing in the Miss International Beauty Pageant on October 23rd. What does this opportunity mean to you, especially since it’s been your inner child’s dream?

This opportunity is a celebration of how hard I know I can work. A commitment to shattering ceilings I’ve placed on myself. For silly reasons, I never believed I was worthy of being on stage and competing in beauty pageants. I never realized that pageant life was within my reach, never believed it was in the cards for me. Competing in this pageant gives me the security that life has an interesting and unexpected way of making your dreams come true. You just have to stay optimistic and persevere. I never thought I’d be competing in a pageant so late into my 20s.

What do you hope to represent on that stage, and what do you want people to remember about you after October 23rd?

I’ll be celebrating a commitment I’d made to myself. A commitment to prioritize the activities that make me feel most at peace and my most confident self. I sacrificed a lot to lose 13 kilograms since May. I also disciplined myself in order to get into the fittest shape I’ve been in my 20s. Post-competition, I want people to remember me as an example of what you can accomplish in a short period of time if you actually lock in and commit to bettering yourself without any excuses.  Money didn’t buy me the dedication I needed to lose weight and have a winning chance at this competition; my grit did.

You became a private pilot during COVID. What made you take up flying, and what did the experience teach you?

I took up flying because I needed to do something that was mentally stimulating and challenging during the lockdown. I was just off on a whim, if I’m being completely honest. However, I learnt that practicing something well and committing to it will help you achieve skills you never believed were within your reach.

What part of becoming a private pilot sparked your interest? Why did you decide to take that up during COVID19?

My older brother sparked my interest in flying. I never wanted to become a pilot, but living with my older brother during COVID19 provided me with an opportunity to learn a skill I’d otherwise never think to learn. I was presented with time and resources during the pandemic, and I saw an opportunity and seized it. Now I love flying. There’s nothing as mesmerizing or as peaceful as being up in the sky.

You juggle a gemstone company, flying, running, singing, dancing, and even speaking Spanish. How do you manage to multitask all of these? What drives you to keep taking on new challenges?

I don’t necessarily multitask everything. I believe life happens in seasons. At different stages, I’ve dedicated myself to learning Spanish, flying, singing, and dancing. Each experience has shaped the multifaceted person I am today. Currently, I balance my gemstone business, run club, and pageant journey through effective delegation. I recognise people’s strengths and empower them to thrive. None of this would be possible without my incredible support system. What drives me is my constant desire for self-improvement. I dislike complacency and feeling stagnant. Taking on new challenges keeps me mentally stimulated and pushes me to continuously evolve.

A Lesson Learnt

Perhaps the most striking thing about this all-rounder’s story is not the number of things she has managed to accomplish, but the willingness to push the limits and to keep discovering who she can become.  Her inspiring journey is also a bold reminder that growth does not always follow a straight line. We are all allowed to explore different interests, learn unfamiliar skills, and pursue the dreams long after we convince ourselves that the opportunity has passed us by. As Tiffany prepares to take the stage, her story stands as a testament to the power of self-belief, perseverance, and immediately seizing every opportunity life throws at you. To keep going, keep learning, and keep surprising ourselves while we do it.