Otara Gunewardene: The Sri Lankan Woman Who Turned a Fashion Business into a Lasting Legacy

Otara Gunewardene is a prominent Sri Lankan entrepreneur who built her name in fashion retail before becoming widely recognised for her work in animal welfare. Her story demonstrates how an entrepreneur can identify a business opportunity, build a brand from the ground up and use personal success to support a cause that matters.

From Modelling to Entrepreneurship

Before becoming a successful businesswoman, Otara worked as a model. Her early experience in the fashion industry gave her insight into clothing, consumer preferences and the growing demand for fashionable products in Sri Lanka.

During the late 1980s, she began selling garments from the back of her vehicle. What started as a small venture gradually developed into something much bigger. Rather than immediately establishing a large retail operation, she built her business step by step, learning about her customers and the products they wanted.

This early stage of her journey illustrates an important lesson in entrepreneurship: a successful business does not always begin with substantial investment. Sometimes, it starts with recognising a need and having the confidence to act on it.

Building the Odel Brand

Otara founded Odel, which grew into one of Sri Lanka’s best-known fashion retail brands. The business helped shape the country’s modern retail landscape by offering customers a recognisable destination for clothing, accessories and lifestyle products.

As Odel expanded, it developed a strong identity among Sri Lankan shoppers. The brand’s growth reflected Otara’s understanding of fashion trends, customer experience and the importance of creating a distinctive retail environment.

In 2010, Odel became a publicly listed company on the Colombo Stock Exchange. Its development represented a significant milestone for the business that had started on a much smaller scale.

Otara later sold her controlling stake in Odel in 2014, marking a new chapter in her entrepreneurial journey.

A New Mission: Animal Welfare

While her achievements in business were significant, Otara also became known for her commitment to animal welfare.

She founded Embark, a social enterprise focused on helping Sri Lanka’s street dogs and promoting responsible pet ownership. Through its activities, Embark has worked to improve the lives of dogs through initiatives such as adoption, veterinary care and public awareness.

Her involvement in animal welfare demonstrates how entrepreneurship can extend beyond conventional commercial goals. A business-minded approach can also help organise resources, attract public attention and create sustainable ways to address social challenges.

Lessons for Future Entrepreneurs

Otara Gunewardene’s journey offers several lessons for people hoping to start their own businesses.

First, start with what you have. Her early garment-selling venture shows that a business can grow from modest beginnings.

Second, understand your customers. Building a recognisable retail brand requires attention to quality, presentation and changing consumer needs.

Finally, success can create opportunities to make a wider difference. Her work through Embark illustrates how an entrepreneur’s influence can support causes beyond the original business.

An Entrepreneurial Legacy

Otara Gunewardene remains an important example of female entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka. Her journey from a small clothing venture to a major retail brand, followed by her continued public involvement in animal welfare, shows how business experience can open doors to new opportunities.

Her story is particularly encouraging for women who want to build their own businesses. It shows that determination, practical thinking, and a clear sense of purpose can turn an initial idea into a recognised brand and a meaningful legacy.