In Conversation with Chathuri Gamage, CEO, Kiyaas

Chathuri Gamage’s journey in the beauty industry is one shaped by determination, continuous learning and an unwavering commitment to excellence. What began as a career in a salon would eventually lead her to take ownership of the very business she once worked for, transforming Kiyaas into a space built not only around beauty, but also around confidence, care and personal connection. Since 2017, Gamage has led Kiyaas with a vision that extends beyond conventional salon services. For her, beauty is deeply connected to how people feel when they walk through the doors and, more importantly, how they feel when they leave. Her approach has been rooted in understanding clients, earning their trust and creating an experience that feels personal rather than transactional. From employee to partner and ultimately owner, her story is one of taking responsibility before she ever had the title to match it. It is also a story about recognising opportunity, building trust and having the courage to turn experience into something of her own. In this conversation, Gamage reflects on the defining moments of her journey, the changing landscape of Sri Lanka’s beauty industry, the importance of professional standards and the philosophy behind Kiyaas as a sanctuary of rejuvenation.

1. You started your journey as a young woman working in the same salon that you eventually came to own. Take us back to that beginning. What was that journey like, from employee to entrepreneur and ultimate owner?

Looking back, my entry into this industry wasn't just a career choice it was a natural extension of who I am. I’ve always been someone who thrives on being active rather than sitting behind a desk, and creativity is in my blood with a father who is a makeup artist and a mother who is an actress.

When I first teamed up with Nadine at her salon, I brought seven years of experience with me, along with a loyal clientele of around 30 people who trusted only me with their hair and beauty. That standard of excellence quickly set the tone: every new client I served immediately wanted to keep coming back, creating a massive demand for my work.

What truly defined my time as an employee wasn't just technical skills, but my drive and unwavering availability for my clients' needs. Long before I owned space, I treated it as my own standing up for the salon and protecting it through every challenge it faced. By 2014, when the salon was struggling under unstable management, I stepped up to become a partner to help save it. And finally, in 2017, I took full ownership of the business. The greatest testament to that transition was that every single employee who worked there chose to stay and continue under my leadership, trusting me as their new boss.

2. What did you see in that salon, and within yourself, that made you believe you could one day build something of your own?

The turning point wasn't a single moment; it was a realization-built day by day as my clientele steadily grew. That explosive demand was the first sign that I had something unique to offer, and it sparked a much bigger goal: to build something truly my own and introduce a fresh, elevated standard to the beauty industry in this country, backed by the trust of my loyal clients. Looking back, the clarity came from experience. Because I had already been stepping up to handle every crisis and solve every problem first as an employee and later as a manager, I eventually had to ask myself a fundamental question: Why am I doing this for someone else when the whole salon is already running on my shoulders? At that point, I wasn't just working in the business; I was the heartbeat of it. That realization gave me the courage to take the leap, knowing I had the strength and capability to stand on my own.

3. Was there a particular moment when you realized, “This is no longer just my workplace; this is my responsibility and my dream”?

The exact moment I realized this wasn't just a workplace anymore hit me when I looked around and saw that the entire weight of the salon, its daily operations, its clients, and its survival was resting squarely on my shoulders. It wasn't just about cutting hair or managing appointments anymore; I was the one client trusted implicitly the one staff looking for direction, and the one fighting to keep the doors open through every crisis. Standing there, I realized I had stopped treating it like "someone else's business" a long time ago. The moment of clarity was simple yet profound: If I am already giving it my heart, my energy, and my leadership to keep it alive, then this isn't just a job I show up to it is my dream, my responsibility, and my future. That was the exact second when I stopped working for a salon and started building my own empire.

4. People are not simply visiting a salon anymore. They are looking for an experience, confidence, care, relaxation and sometimes even a sense of emotional rejuvenation. How do you see the role of a modern salon beyond simply providing beauty services?

People are no longer just visiting a salon for a quick haircut or routine treatment; they are looking for experience, confidence, care, relaxation, and a genuine sense of emotional rejuvenation. A modern salon cannot just be a place of transactional service it has to be a sanctuary. For us at Kiyaas, we achieved this by making customer satisfaction our absolute priority and turning the space into a second home for everyone who walks through our doors. We don't just offer standard procedures; we provide customized services tailored entirely to the individual. Whether adapting a look to fit their mood, their lifestyle, or their personal vibe at that exact moment, we ensure every client feels heard and valued. Combined with uncompromising professional and quality work, this approach transforms a simple beauty appointment into a restorative, comforting experience. Because of this deep-rooted trust and care, my clients have kept visiting me repeatedly ever since I took over the salon. In fact, clients who started coming to me all the way back in 2003 still come to me today for their services. That enduring loyalty proves that Chathuri, and our entire team at Kiyaas, have carved out a permanent, trusted place in their hearts.

5. Kiyaas describes itself as a sanctuary of rejuvenation. What does that mean to you personally?

When we call Kiyaas a "sanctuary of rejuvenation," it’s not just a marketing tagline to me it is a deeply personal promise. To me, a true sanctuary is a space where the outside world completely fades away the moment you step through the doors. Life is heavy, and people carry so much stress, whether it’s work, family, or just daily pressure. I wanted Kiyaas to be a haven where clients don't just get their hair or beauty needs met, but where they can genuinely exhale, relax, and leave feeling lighter, renewed, and completely cared for. Personally, seeing a client walk in exhausted or stressed, and watching them transform not just into their appearance, but into their energy and confidence by the time they walk out, that is the ultimate reward. It means I’ve created a place of healing, comfort, and joy, and that is what Kiyaas will always stand for.

6. What is the difference between providing a beauty service and creating a beautiful experience?

Sometimes, clients walk in knowing they want a change, but they struggle to clearly articulate what they have in mind. That is where true expertise comes in. Our job isn't just to blindly follow instructions, it’s to read between the lines, identify what they truly want, and bring that vision to life in the best possible way so they walk out feeling utterly confident about the output. Often, a client might ask for a specific style or color that simply doesn't suit their face shape, hair texture, or features. Instead of just doing it anyway, we take the responsibility of guiding them. We tell them honestly, "This particular look won't suit you, but if we tweak it like this, it will be the absolute best match for your features." Because we take the time to understand their underlying goal, our alternative recommendation always aligns closely with what they originally desired but elevated to perfection. When they see the result, realizing it looks even better than what they had imagined builds an unbreakable level of trust. That is the difference between a stylist who takes orders and an expert who creates confidence.

7. How do you think Sri Lankan professional beauticians have transformed over the years, from traditional salon service providers into skilled beauty and wellness professionals?

The transition from a traditional beautician to a modern aesthetician represents a massive leap forward in how we approach skin, hair, and overall wellness. While a traditional beautician focuses primarily on surface-level styling and basic maintenance, an aesthetician dives much deeper into the science of beauty. It is about understanding skin anatomy, hair chemistry, and advanced treatments that heal and restore from within.

This evolution means professionals are no longer just providing quick fixes; they are acting as trusted skincare and wellness advisors. By blending clinical knowledge with modern technology, today's aestheticians can target the root cause of concerns, delivering safe, long-lasting, and transformative results that go far beyond traditional salon care.

8. Today, clients are increasingly informed and exposed to international beauty trends. How has this changed the expectations placed on Sri Lankan beauty professionals?

Today's clients are more informed and exposed to international beauty trends than ever before. With global inspiration right at their fingertips, they walk into the salon knowing what modern styles and treatments look like. This has raised expectations for Sri Lankan beauty professionals in a very specific way:

• Adapting Global Trends to Local Hair: While clients want the latest international styles they see online, professional expertise is required to adapt those trends to suit specific hair types, textures, and weather conditions unique to Sri Lanka.
• Constant Upgrading: Professionals cannot rely on old habits. We must keep learning and mastering techniques that bridge global trends with local needs.
• Higher Demands for Quality: Clients ask questions about products and treatments, expecting expert knowledge, honesty, and safety.
• World-Class Results Locally: Clients expect top-tier standards right here at home, meaning every service must be executed with precision, deep technical understanding, and high-end quality.

9. Do you think Sri Lanka needs stronger industry standards or a more clearly defined professional code of conduct for beauty professionals?

Sri Lanka needs stronger industry standards and a clear code of conduct. Right now, too many unregulated courses hand out certificates based on outdated theories and zero practical training. When people start practicing or teaching others without knowing the basics, like proper hair sectioning, it creates a huge skill gap and puts clients at serious risk. Stricter rules are essential for:

• Client Safety: Beauty treatments involve chemicals and equipment. Using them incorrectly isn't just a bad look, it can cause chemical burns or severe health hazards.
• Real Skills in Paper: Clear standards ensure future professionals get proper, hands-on training instead of relying on empty certificates.
• Protecting the Industry: Proper regulations will filter out unqualified operators and protect the reputation of genuine professionals who take their craft seriously.