Driven by her passion for entrepreneurship and philanthropy, Bhagya Iddamalgoda, an alumna of Australia Awards and an entrepreneur, is making waves in both business and community development. Her dedication to leveraging innovative tools and technologies aligns with the spirit of International Women’s Day 2023, as she strives to bring about change and progress in Sri Lanka.
Bhagya’s journey into business began with her stint in the private sector, where she discovered her fervor for entrepreneurship and community empowerment. Motivated by this, she founded Candle House Ceylon in Colombo, a self-funded venture specializing in artisanal scented candles. Her business not only thrives but also serves as a platform for empowering women from vulnerable communities. Bhagya’s entrepreneurial acumen extends beyond production oversight; she adeptly markets her products through various channels, from social media to collaborations and word-of-mouth initiatives. Her commitment to staying abreast of global trends ensures her business remains relevant in regional markets.
Reflecting on her entrepreneurial voyage, Bhagya values the connections forged across diverse backgrounds, enabling her to support and empower others. She takes pride in her initiative to conduct skills-based workshops in underserved areas, fostering collaboration with local authorities.
Participation in the Australia Awards Short Course on Women Trading Globally in 2019 further enriched Bhagya’s entrepreneurial journey. The course provided insights into sustainable business practices and global expansion strategies, bolstering her approach to design and outreach. Bhagya’s integration of course teachings has enhanced her business’s impact, evident in increased engagement metrics.
In response to Sri Lanka’s economic crisis in 2022, Bhagya pivoted her business to integrate philanthropy, initiating a candle donation campaign for low-income families affected by power cuts. This initiative underscores her commitment to community welfare and sustainability.
Continued engagement with the Export Council of Australia and fellow alumni underscores Bhagya’s dedication to lifelong learning and collaboration. Her vision for the future encompasses further community empowerment through e-commerce and digital marketing training initiatives.
As Bhagya remains actively involved in alumni engagement initiatives, she emphasizes the enduring support provided by Australia Awards beyond the completion of study programs. Her journey epitomizes the transformative impact of entrepreneurship intertwined with philanthropy and community development.
