Ramani Fernando’s rise to prominence in the world of hairdressing and beauty is a testament to her unwavering dedication, talent, and vision. Her journey began modestly, with a small salon operating out of a room in her home. With just one cutting chair and an assistant, she began to build her clientele. Word spread quickly about her exceptional skills and the satisfaction of her clients, leading to a steady stream of patrons. This growth necessitated a move to a larger space in her garage, and from there, the business continued to flourish.
Today, Ramani Fernando Salons boast over 15 locations across Sri Lanka, an academy dedicated to training future hairdressers, and franchise salons in Bangladesh and India. Her team now exceeds 200 staff members, almost all of whom have been trained at her academy. She firmly believes that continuous training and staying abreast of current trends and fashion are crucial to success in the hairdressing business.
Ramani’s career started at the very bottom, sweeping and mopping floors like all new trainees. Despite the seemingly mundane tasks, she found the work far from boring. She was captivated by watching great hair artists at work, learning from them every day. After completing her initial training, she joined the Raymond Group in the UK as a Junior Stylist. After gaining valuable experience, she returned to Sri Lanka, ready to make her mark.
Ramani ensures that her staff is regularly sent on training courses both in Sri Lanka and abroad. She and her team have received advanced training at some of the world’s leading academies, including Vidal Sassoon, Tony & Guy, Graham Webb, Rever, Ruby Hammer, Wella, L’Oréal, and Keune. This commitment to continuous education allows them to stay ahead of industry trends and techniques, ensuring they provide the best service to their clients.
Her expertise and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Ramani has won numerous awards at the Asian Hairstyling and Makeup Competition and has served as a senior judge in the competition for the past 40 years. Currently, she holds the position of Vice President of the Asian Hairdressers Association.
Ramani’s influence extends beyond her salons and competitions. Her profound interest in the fields of hair and beauty led to an invitation from the Skills Development Authority to serve on the panel tasked with setting up standards for the industry. In 2006, her entrepreneurial spirit and contributions were recognized when she was named “Woman Entrepreneur of the Year” in Sri Lanka.
Ramani Fernando’s story is one of passion, hard work, and relentless pursuit of excellence. From a small room in her home to an empire of salons and an academy, she has transformed the hair and beauty industry in Sri Lanka and beyond. Her commitment to continuous learning and her dedication to her craft serve as an inspiration to many aspiring hairdressers and entrepreneurs.
