Global CEO Magazine is proud to present an exclusive conversation with PavitHra HeWavitHarana, FOUNDER of Gleam Batik, a brand that beautifully blends Sri Lanka’s rich batik heritage with women’s empowerment in business.

Batik, a traditional art form that involves intricate wax-resist dyeing techniques, has found a modern revival through PavitHra’s vision and dedication.

From launching her brand during the pandemic to earning prestigious recognition at the Prathibhabhisheka Awards, her journey is a testament to creativity, perseverance, and innovation. Let’s delve into her inspiring story.

Pavithra, you look stunning in your modern batik saree. What inspired you to start your business, and what key milestones led to your recognition at the Prathibhabhisheka Awards?

Thank you for having me! My journey with Gleam Batik began during the pandemic. Like many others, I found myself spending hours on social media, particularly on Facebook and Instagram. I realised that online fashion businesses were booming, and there was a growing demand for unique, handcrafted designs.

Being passionate about fashion, I saw an opportunity to blend Sri Lanka’s batik heritage with contemporary styles while tapping into a global audience. I immersed myself in research, attended workshops, and explored YouTube tutorials to understand the intricate craft.

What started as a simple Facebook page featuring local artisans’ work quickly gained traction. Within one to two years, we had built a significant customer base, including Sri Lankans living in New Zealand, the UK, and the USA, who deeply valued our handcrafted batik pieces. This recognition reinforced my belief that traditional art, when combined with modern business strategies, can thrive globally.

Winning the Prathibhabhisheka Award was a humbling moment. It validated the hard work and dedication behind the brand and its mission to promote sustainable fashion while empowering local artisans, particularly women.

As a woman entrepreneur, what were the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them? What principles guided your business success?

I have never viewed being a woman as an obstacle in my entrepreneurial journey. The challenges I faced were common among online entrepreneurs—building credibility, maintaining consistent product quality, and achieving financial stability in the early stages.
In the batik industry, mass production often compromises quality, so ensuring that our handcrafted designs remained authentic and high-quality was a major challenge. Additionally, scaling up production while maintaining craftsmanship was a balancing act.

My guiding principles have always been:
1. Credibility & Trust – Building a strong customer base with transparency and quality assurance.
2. Financial Discipline – Managing funds wisely and reinvesting in the business.
3. Continuous Learning – Keeping up with industry trends, customer preferences, and innovative techniques.
4. Resilience – Facing setbacks with a problem-solving mindset and a long-term vision.

From a local startup to an international brand, how do you see Gleam Batik making a lasting impact on the economy and inspiring future women entrepreneurs?

At Gleam, we are committed to empowering women artisans by providing flexible work opportunities. Many of our artisans are women who balance personal commitments with their careers. We create an environment where they can work at their own pace, honing their skills and earning financial independence.

Beyond business, our impact extends to:
• Sustaining Sri Lanka’s batik heritage while modernising it for global appeal.
• Creating employment for skilled artisans, especially women.
• Encouraging young entrepreneurs to embrace traditional crafts with contemporary business models.

Women often juggle multiple responsibilities, and I strongly believe that businesses should be structured to accommodate both professional growth and personal well-being.

What advice would you give to young professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs looking to follow your path?

Many people wait for the “perfect time” to start, but in reality, there is no perfect moment. Success comes from starting where you are, with what you have.
• Be fearless in pursuing your dreams.
• Take action immediately—even small steps matter.
• Stay financially disciplined—reinvest wisely and manage cash flow effectively.
• Keep learning—trends change, and knowledge is key to adaptability.
• Stay committed—success is not a one-time achievement but a continuous process.
Success is not about having everything in place from the start; it’s about growing through challenges and making the most of every opportunity.

With your Master’s degrees in Financial Economics from the University of Colombo and the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, how have you applied your academic knowledge to your business?

My education provided the foundation for financial management, strategic planning, and understanding market dynamics. However, practical experience and networking played an equally important role.

Business success today is not just about expertise—it’s about connections, collaborations, and effective communication. My university years helped me build a strong professional network, which has been invaluable in expanding Gleam Batik beyond Sri Lanka.

If you had the opportunity to take a career break, would you step away from the industry, or do you see yourself continuing in some capacity?

If I were to take a break, it would be solely to focus on my creations and elevate Gleam Batik to the next level. However, I love balancing both my professional and entrepreneurial life.

I believe that every experience contributes to growth, and I see myself continuing to build my brand while embracing new opportunities.

Finally, what’s next for Gleam Batik? Any exciting plans for the future?

Yes! Our goal is to expand our global presence while staying true to our roots. We are focusing on:
• New collections that blend traditional batik with contemporary fashion trends.
• Collaborations with international designers to showcase Sri Lankan craftsmanship globally.
• Sustainable practices to reduce our environmental footprint.
Gleam Batik is not just about fashion—it’s about reviving tradition, empowering women, and making Sri Lankan batik a recognised global brand.

Final Thoughts
Pavithra Hewavitharana’s story is an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere. Through innovation, resilience, and passion, she has transformed a simple idea into a thriving business that not only preserves Sri Lanka’s batik heritage but also uplifts countless artisans.

At Global CEO Magazine, we celebrate leaders like Pavithra who are shaping industries and inspiring future generations.
Many thanks, Pavithra, for joining us today! We wish you continued success in your journey.