Hasini Gunasekara, entrepreneur, Director of Naturals salon chain in Sri
Lanka, and Managing Director of International Academy of Beauticians was recognized as an
outstanding contributor towards women’s empowerment and was awarded the Woman
Influencer Award at the recent South India Miss & Mrs – 2002 Award Show organized by the All
India Hair and Beauty Association. This recognition was awarded for her exemplary efforts in
providing a platform for women to pursue a profession and be economically independent
through Naturals Lanka Grooming (Pvt) Ltd. She was instrumental in taking Naturals, India’s No.
1 salon chain, international.
“The journey of an entrepreneur can be difficult with most of the motivation being self-driven. In
an environment of uncertainty, receiving this recognition and to be on the same platform
alongside professionals of another country was an amazing experience,” Hasini shared, “I feel
proud knowing that the community in India recognized my efforts and it is a great
encouragement for me to know that I have reached beyond the boundaries of my country.”
Naturals Lanka Grooming (Pvt) Ltd is the chain of franchisee salons based in Sri Lanka,
operating with 100% local ownership. “Franchising was a novel concept in the Sri Lankan
business world at the time we decided to launch Naturals Sri Lanka. However, it proved to be a
successful concept. With the support of my team, I have been able to expand and today we are
seven salons strong,” she said.
Established in 2017 in Boralesgamuwa, Naturals salons have since expanded to Nugegoda,
Thalawathugoda, Kiribathgoda, Kotahena, Wattala, Kandana and have empowered women by
providing opportunities for financial independence through direct employment, beauty education
and encouraged entrepreneurship through franchise opportunities.
Groom Sri Lanka is Hasini’s key vision for her customers. “I want everyone to take care of
themselves and have that personal confidence for themselves. One of my biggest dreams is for
all Sri Lankans to have access to affordable, comfortable luxury services for personal
grooming.”