Featuring Ramani Fernando
Fame Game by Thasmina Sookoor
For decades, Ramani Fernando has been the face of modern hairstyling, beauty, and makeup in Sri Lanka. Her contribution to the industry extends beyond creating glamorous looks. She has cultivated a professional environment where innovation, education, and mentorship thrive. In this in-depth conversation, Ramani shares insights into her career journey, personal philosophy, business challenges, family life, and evolving trends in the beauty industry.
People often associate you with your husband, former cricketer and commentator Ranjith Fernando. Has that shaped your public journey?
In the beginning, yes. When I entered the beauty field, being known as his wife provided visibility. It opened doors, especially at a time when hairstyling was not widely recognized as a professional career. That initial attention helped me gain a foothold in the industry. However, success required more than recognition. It required dedication, skill, and continuous learning. Over the years, people began seeing me for my own work rather than my association with Ranjith. Today, we both have distinct public identities. People might recognize him for his commentary, but I am recognized for my contribution to hair, beauty, and professional grooming.
Was hairstyling considered a respectable profession when you started?
Not really. At that time, women pursuing careers as hairdressers were not always taken seriously. But I had a vision. I had trained in England and introduced techniques that were uncommon in Sri Lanka then, from short stylish cuts to colouring and blow drying, which was revolutionary compared to traditional roller sets and dryers. Gradually, people embraced these changes, and my work gained recognition. The small social circles in Colombo amplified visibility. It was the right combination of timing, skill, and innovation that helped me establish credibility.
Many of your former staff now run their own salons. Did that ever feel threatening?
Initially, yes. When you train talented staff and see them leave, it can feel like a personal loss. But business is dynamic. People move, explore opportunities, and grow professionally. My approach has always been to focus on improving my own standards rather than feeling threatened. If the service quality and client experience remain consistent, clients stay loyal. Interestingly, some staff members even return after trying other ventures, which reinforces mutual respect and trust.
You are known to support former employees even after they leave. Why?
Success should not come from insecurity. Encouraging others helps the industry as a whole. Many former employees still collaborate with us for productions, events, and fashion shows. I believe generosity and mentorship strengthen long-term relationships and enhance the overall quality of the profession.
You have worked closely with the popular music duo De Lanerolle Brothers for years. How has that collaboration been?
It has been incredibly rewarding. The brothers are talented, professional, and easy to work with. Collaborations like these combine creativity with long-term friendship.
You once expanded internationally, including a salon in Bangalore. How did that experience go?
Expanding to Bangalore was both exciting and challenging. Initially, it was successful, mainly because we sent our own trained staff who understood our standards. However, logistical challenges such as visa issues, travel costs, and consistency in service made it unsustainable in the long term. Expanding internationally requires not just a business plan but also a reliable team that shares your vision.
Have you considered opening in other countries, like England, where your daughter lives?
Not realistically. My daughter is a busy doctor with a family, and managing international operations without local involvement is difficult. Expansion is possible only with staff who can uphold standards. The focus should be on quality, not just growth.
Which is your furthest branch within Sri Lanka?
Our branch in Kandy. Initially, it faced management challenges, but after restructuring and overseeing operations, it is now thriving. I try to visit at least once a month to maintain quality, although traveling is tiring without modern highways.
Do you plan to expand further locally, perhaps to northern regions?
I have considered it. Talent is emerging from all over the country, especially young graduates from universities seeking work experience. Expansion has to be strategic because maintaining service quality is paramount. The brand must evolve but never compromise on standards.
Is infrastructure the key factor in salon success?
Infrastructure helps, but the staff is the backbone. You can have the most advanced equipment, beautiful interiors, and a strong marketing campaign, but without skilled professionals delivering consistent service, a salon cannot sustain success. Staff training, consistency, and professionalism are more critical than any physical aspect.
You have worked extensively with beauty pageants such as Miss World Sri Lanka. What draws you to that field?
I love the transformation process. It is not just about physical beauty. It is about confidence, personality, and presentation. Watching a contestant blossom from nervous beginnings to poised, confident stage presence is immensely satisfying. It allows me to combine creativity with mentorship.
You are also closely associated with Fashion Shows. How does fashion work differ from pageantry?
Fashion shows emphasize clothing, posture, and overall runway presentation rather than conventional beauty. Makeup may be experimental or minimal depending on the designer’s vision. Pageants, in contrast, focus on enhancing individual personality and elegance.
You once walked the ramp yourself. Was that nerve-racking?
Very much so. During one show of Dananjaya Bandara at the Hilton Colombo with 500 attendees, I was initially nervous. But when the audience applauded, I felt a surge of confidence. It was an empowering moment and reminded me how important public encouragement is for performers.
Away from salons, fashion, and events, how do you spend your private time?
Family time is central. My husband and I enjoy quiet mornings together. I prefer comfort, minimal makeup, and casual clothing. Sundays may include attending church or relaxing at home. Family gatherings, especially when children and grandchildren visit, are a source of joy and grounding.
Are spirituality and faith significant in your life?
Very much so. I start my day with prayer. It gives me stability and positivity. Even small rituals, like beginning the year with Ganu Denu on the first of January, help maintain a sense of tradition and gratitude.
You still personally style brides. What keeps that passion alive?
Bridal styling is unique because it encompasses hair, makeup, attire, flowers, and accessories. I often consult designers like Aslam Hussain, though some brides prefer freelance artistes. Every bride is a new challenge and a chance to create a memorable experience.
How have bridal trends changed?
Trends have evolved significantly. Earlier brides preferred elaborate hair, heavy ornaments, and dramatic floral arrangements. Today’s brides prefer elegance, simplicity, and a look that reflects their personality. Social media has played a role in creating awareness about global trends.
Are advance bookings still common?
No, they are now typically made three to four months in advance. This flexibility benefits both clients and professionals, unlike before when schedules were filled a year ahead, limiting travel and other professional opportunities.
How has social media affected professional learning?
It has made learning more accessible. Students can watch tutorials and demonstrations online. While foundational training remains essential, social media provides continuous inspiration. One can keep up with trends instantly, which is a great advantage for both students and established professionals.
You participated in international competitions. What impact did they have?
Competitions opened my eyes to global standards. Initially, I felt out of place, but over time I gained recognition and improved my skills. Competitions are crucial for emerging professionals to gain visibility and motivation. Judging competitions today allows me to mentor the next generation.
Many of your staff have stayed with you for decades. How did you build such loyalty?
Respect, fairness, and treating staff as family are key. I have always acknowledged that I cannot succeed alone. Long-term relationships in any professional setting grow from trust, mentorship, and mutual respect.
What is your guiding business philosophy?
Consistency, quality, and humility. Trends change, but professionalism must remain constant. A brand should evolve to meet future demands while retaining its core values.
How do you see the future of your brand?
The goal is sustainable growth. Whether through selective branch expansion, training academies, or collaborations, the focus remains on nurturing skilled professionals and maintaining standards.
Ramani Fernando’s journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to professional excellence. She has transformed Sri Lanka’s beauty industry through innovation, mentorship, and a focus on consistent quality. Her story shows that success in beauty is not only about aesthetics but also about leadership, teamwork, integrity, and lifelong learning. Even after decades in the spotlight, she remains grounded in family, faith, and respect for her staff, qualities that define her enduring legacy in Sri Lanka’s beauty and fashion landscape.
