Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers – Sole Leading Woman Jeweller in Sri Lanka
Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers is a legendary name associated with jewellery that reflects timeless elegance, making its presence felt at every occasion with its exquisite creations. Birthed in 1968 by the master craftswoman, Mallika Hemachandra herself, the brand has grown from strength to strength and become the first choice among its ever-growing clientele spanning the world. The journey, despite its daunting challenges, has resulted in showcasing the creativity of a legend and her protégé, Chamindri Hemachandra and the multifaceted elements of craftsmanship sought after by royalty.
What are some of the significant milestones of Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers?
After its incorporation in 1968 by Mallika Hemachandra, a designer par excellence who graduated from Holbourne School of Arts and Craft, UK, there was no turning back as the creative spark was kindled. The unique designs sparkled worldwide as her customers ranged from aristocrats to foreign diplomats and other dignitaries.
“We have had the privilege and honour of designing jewellery for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth of England and other famous personalities such as the wife of the erstwhile Maldivian President, Abdul Gayoum, the Pakistani Prime Minister’s wife, Mrs. Nawaz Shariff, Emir of Bahrain among others,” added Chamindri, the equally talented daughter who spearheads the brand, having taken it to another level.
In the ensuing years since its foray into custom-made jewellery, Mallika Hemachandra created a strong identity in the sphere of jewellery designing and craftsmanship in Sri Lanka and the world over. Laying claim to its fame are the prestigious awards received:
- Entrepreneur of the Year 2000 from the Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka
- Award for the Most Effectively Presented Stall at the Facets Gem & Jewellery Exhibition in Sri Lanka
- Merit Award for the Best Stall at the JCK Show in Las Vegas, USA
- Private Showing of jewellery to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth
- National Gem & Jewellery Authority award for Assaying and Hallmarking
- President’s Award of ‘SWARNASHIKAMANI’ for being The Most Value Added Jeweller in the country.
- Best Creative Jewellery Product of the Year – 2010 awarded at the Asian Mass Media Awards ceremony.
- Founder member of the Jewellery Manufacturing and Exporting Association.
- Board member of the Technical Training Institute – Colombo 10 and the Investigator for the Bachelor of Design Degree at the University of Moratuwa.
- Past President of the Jewellery Manufacturing and Exporters Association from 1992-1995.
How challenging was the journey?
The pioneering, fearless venture by Mallika Hemachandra shattered the metaphorical glass ceiling in an era when ‘men literally ran the show’ and held onto the traditional belief that jewellery designing was sacrosanct and only to be passed from father to son as a birthright among the privileged caste who were bestowed with the task by the kings who ruled our land. She broke away from the mould and gave a voice to women when the term women empowerment was unheard of, giving rise to a brand for women by a woman who understands the distinct elements of what makes a ‘woman tick’.
This firebrand did not emerge without umpteenth challenges which arose in various forms but she and her crew of merely three staff overcame and went onto capture a niche category. Through this exuberant venture, Mallika Hemachandra revolutionized and revitalized the jewellery trade of our land and created a host of job opportunities for women and men.
Was it easy for you to take on the family business? What changes have you made?
I have inherited my mother’s spark for creativity and zest for life, so taking on the brand came as an excellent opportunity for me to enrich it further. When I joined in 1995, Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers had one branch at Horton Place, which showcased its bridal jewellery collection but within two decades we had expanded our network to eight branches. Currently we have an exclusive range of jewellery in the most sophisticated locations.
We have digitalized all our operations and introduced cutting edge technology and state-of-the-art facilities to create the most unique designs which are valued for its creativity and passed on from generation to generation as a family heirloom.
The years have been kind to us and we have emerged from a designer of bridal jewellery alone to multi-faceted categories as per our customer requirements. Branching out has also given us more scope and an in-depth understanding of a diverse array of needs made by customers from all parts of the island and the world. Customer care per se has risen several notches as we have dedicated teams who ensure that our customers retain the loyalty by providing them with the most authentic designs and after care service. We have not merely provided them with a piece of jewellery but built a long lasting relationship, which in most cases has spanned decades.
From merely three staff who were employed at inception, Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers provides employment opportunities to over 150 employees with about 80% being women as we believe in reaching out to help another human being and it is often the woman who is marginalized in society, which is reason for us to provide a higher quantum of our employability to women.
What categories does MHJ cover?
Our pièce de résistance is our bridal collection. In addition, the Daily wear with its array of ear studs, pendants, necklaces, bangles, bracelets, rings and cufflinks, gifts & mementos and other specific collections for ladies, men and kids are popular too. We also have an ornate collection of jewellery in a category which is aptly named Cleopatra collection and the Petals in Bloom collection which are daintily designed jewellery. While these are our categories, we have the flexibility and capacity to go beyond our categories and design as per our customer’s most versatile requirements.
We also have the yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold jewellery with or without the precious stones. All jewellery is certified and bears the authenticity which we have upheld since inception.
What are the most current trends and demands made by clients?
While customers themselves have evolved in their preference, we have noticed the trend towards a blend of bridal and daily wear with the modern bride opting for a more inconspicuous or less elaborate design which can be worn on a daily basis or even at social gatherings. Customers have also diverted towards rose or white and silver jewellery embedded with precious or semi-precious stones that enhance their features while creating an element of mystique and elegance.
What improvements have you made or what further goals do you have in mind for the company?
While we will retain our other selections due to the demand by our customers, we will continue to focus mainly on our bridal wear which has gained a repertoire for its matchless beauty. The designs will be consolidated as part of a value added design segment with emphasis on personalized care and customer-specific designs. We will continue to improvise our online platform to reach out to our overseas customers as well as our local customers who have grown stealthily.
What differentiates Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers from the rest?
As the leading woman jeweler, Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers understands a woman better and identifies the various aspects of enhancing the beauty of a woman through the designs we create. For women by a woman is what makes us distinctive.
Give us a detailed description about the Bridal Jewellery Collection
Our Bridal Jewellery has stood the test of time and broken forth into an array of designs. We are thankful to our customers who continue to be our muse in creating the most exquisite designs. While some designs would bear the motif of the bridal saree or dress the other designs would be more personalized designs signifying a memory. Our bridal collection comprises a vast selection for weddings of all races and religions.
In August, Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers expanded its main showroom and the luxurious ambience in the spacious location is dedicated our brides-to-be to choose their own jewellery at their own pace. While the bridal collection includes a number of tailor-made packages which includes the rings and necklace to merely the two rings as per the couple’s choice, it also comprises of contemporary and modern designs. The choices are endless, with the couple being given the option of purchasing a unique custom-made design with personalized engravings and more. With GIA certified gemstones and solitaire rings, in addition to German gold testing machines certifying the authenticity of the gold used, customers receive a guarantee of the purchase made, which exceeds the expectations and provides value for generations.
Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers has captured the hearts of their customers by going beyond expectations to fulfill the diverse needs of each and every person who walks in through their portals – creating a relationship that lasts a lifetime.
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The Leela Palace Bengaluru –Majestic Weddings & Nostalgic Honeymoons
A wedding is one of the most special occasions in any person’s life. In India a wedding is a grand affair and consists of many lavish preparations. The Leela Palace Bengaluru is designed for weddings; be it a colossal event with a thousand guests or smaller more intimate gatherings as the choice remains open to couples who wish to make it a memorable occasion at a venue which resembles the awe-inspiring palaces of yore. Reflecting the quintessence of Indian hospitality, the hotel offers a plethora of variations in terms of locations, cuisine, décor, settings etc. Moreover, The Leela Palace Bengaluru thrives on pampering the couples with a versatile, limitless extravagance in keeping with the kaleidoscope of cultural diversity and vibrancy of India.
The Leela Palace Bengaluru is the ultimate choice for majestic weddings and nostalgic honeymoons. A palace in its true sense, The Leela Palace Bengaluru is fit for royalty; opulent in its setting, it creates an aura of resplendent regality for those who wish to bask in the luxuries enjoyed by aristocrats. The impressive structure and interior adorning replicate the architectural magnificence of the Royal Palace of Mysore and the Palaces of the Vijayanagar Empire, replete with it copper domes, arches, ornate ceiling and carvings reflecting the grandeur of a bygone era. Concealed within the lush environs of a nine-acre land, it sparks a surreal feel similar to being transported to a glorious epoch when the Maharajah’s of India reigned supreme.
The Leela Palace Bengaluru with its ethereal feel is a vastly popular wedding and honeymoon destination for couples who wish to create lasting memories. Going beyond the couples expectations is the specialty of the hotel. It also provides a dedicated wedding planner and consultant, entertainment options from DJ’s, musicians, dancers, make-up artists, award winning multi-cultural and global cuisine and staff who can create the wedding cake of your dreams, beautiful flower arrangements, banquet displays, access to the salon and spa for all the pampering the happy couple and the wedding party may require. Massages, manicures and special packages – just so you look your best on your big day, personal attendants for the bride and the groom, state-of-the-art video and audio equipment among others. With careful attention to intricacies of your special day, the couple can rest assured that the wedding will forge treasured memories for generations to come. The Grand Ballroom, Royal Ballroom, Turret, Kamal and Sitara can be transformed to fit your occasion with varying configuration options and décor themes. Each of their hotels, palaces or resorts can suggest reliable, local contacts for everything.
The Leela Palace Bengaluru has a romance woven to its tale as the founder Captain C.P.Krishnan Nair found inspiration in his soul mate and wife Leela whom the hotel chain is named after; hence its affinity towards that special time when couples bond at the first flush of marriage. The hotel provides the ideal appeal to couples on their honeymoon as it many romantic albeit idyllic settings and a multitude of indulgences to choose from.
Charming Bengaluru
Bengaluru is a mixture of old world charm and futuristic pace with its expansive gardens and intricately built structures harking back centuries, standing side by side in perfect harmony with technology. The city was the erstwhile summer city of Tipu Sultan, who chose to build his summer palace amidst its dense greenery of fiery blossom trees and tree lined avenues. The city was proudly titled the ‘garden city’ but was soon overshadowed by the IT boom and burgeoning international status as the ‘Silicon Valley of India’. Today, Bengaluru is a cosmopolitan metropolis, which still manages to retain its quintessential charm of colourful flower markets, temple trails, colonial buildings and heritage structures that blend seamlessly with IT hubs, international retail stores and a versatile culinary platform.
Luxuries Hospitality
The Leela Palace Bengaluru has redefined the term luxury hospitality, set amid Bengaluru’s panoramic vista, it has fostered a renaissance of the old intermingled with the new as it offers an array of highly personalized business and leisure services complimented by unimaginable choices through its hosts of restaurants, bars, the Royal Club and more. The unique feel of being treated like royalty begins from the moment you step into the Palace styled domain, featuring six floors of elegant and spacious rooms and suites numbering 357 and an ambience which exudes warmth and incomparable luxury.
Within close proximity to the business district, it is the ideal venue for each guest. It further provides many one-of-kind snapshots for those who cherish the intricacies of architectural glamour offered by the hotel and the well-manicured garden with an abundance of aromatic flowers. In addition these spectacular features, the hotel is home to many vibrant cuisines from cultures across the world making dining an experience par excellance.
World Class Award Winning Cuisine
Celebrated for its world class cuisines the Leela Bengaluru leaves no avenues unexplored as the restaurants open the guests to a world of tantalizing epicurean delicacies from Le Cirque Signature, which is revered by critics of New York City. The menu features a creative culinary flair for Italian and French cuisine, complemented by a repertoire of selected wines. Located on the 5th floor of the hotel, the interiors of Le Cirque Signature, Bengaluru display refined elegance. The intimate décor is set in subtle tones of beige, ebony and ochre along with a touch of sophistication enhanced by the Murano glass chandeliers. The backdrop showcases a stunning glass arch, offering a panoramic backdrop of the palace’s grand architecture and lush greenery. For a private dining experience guests can be seated in the elaborate champagne room. Guests can also choose the alfresco seating, for a charming and casual lounge atmosphere. The Jamavar, named after the intricate brocades of Kashmir, invite guests to an experience where opulence is a part of its settings and its authentic gourmet spread. The refined ambience is enhanced by the Jamavar wall paintings, designed with pure gold leaf and vegetable dyes, decorative Jamavar shawls and lavish silver table settings. After feasting your eyes on its intricate hand-carved screens and the flower-laden urli with floating candles, sit back and surrender to the gastronomical temptations of the traditional cuisines that were once feasted by the maharajas and Nawabs. The ambience of Citrus encapsulates the peppy and vibrant colours of the zesty fruit exuding a freshness none can match. Guests are coaxed to relish the best flavours in this multi-cuisine restaurant from the Chinese wok or the rotisserie grill. The Zen is one of the restaurants in Bengaluru that lets you explore the exotic world of Asian cuisine. A thorough blend of light, space, symmetry, colour and movement, this venue has perfected the art of Japanese, Thai and Chinese cuisines. The Far-East cuisine in all its variety is presented to those who crave an eclectic albeit delectable masterpiece. Fine-dining takes on a new definition with the Royal Club dining. The Royal Club residents and members can get prepared for an exclusive dining experience serving choicest menus from a-la-carte breakfast to expansive lunches and lavish dinners, guests are provided with the luxuries of life on a platter. For those who cannot resist the sweet temptation, the Leela Palace Cake Shop serves some of the finest gourmet delights. From inviting handcrafted chocolates dotting the display to soulful pastries, tantalizing candy-pop stations, the patisserie will awaken the child in you. Indulge in an endless array of treats, like traditional French Macaroons and mouth-watering delicacies created with caramel, exotic blueberry, chocolate, vanilla, orange and basil.
Joie de Vivre
The invigorating appeal of Leela Bengaluru is further enhanced by the Library Bar for those who appreciate exclusivity and revel in the good things in life. Boasting an array of rare malts and ancient Armagnac, with the settings that combine the Victorian grace of leather and dark-wood furniture with the larger-than-life Indian opulence, you are certain to raise a toast and celebrate life.
Suite-ness
The Leela Palace Bengaluru epitomizes the essence of India with its graceful elegance and ornate styles reflected in the suites and rooms spread across the hotel. The Maharaja Suite is considered a jewel as the presidential suite is over 3,500 square feet of sheer opulence and 24-hour service to fulfill the indulgence of the guests. Set on the 5th floor with a view of the palace and gardens, the suite is designed to meet the requirements of business, political and global leaders, the luxury suite in Bengaluru offers unrivalled security, ultra luxury and a range of options. Truly palatial in every detail, the suite includes
a separate dining room, an optional guest room and a massive bath, hosting an exquisite selection of Bvlgari products, with a steam cubicle and Jacuzzi. The Turret Suites are ideal for extended stays with apartment style layouts, peaceful locations and 24-hour butler service. Separate living rooms, a guest room, powder room, pantry, walk-in closets, attached bath and large private balcony create that sense of being cocooned in your own little world. The spacious and elegant Tower Suite offers a long-stay option which includes a kitchenette, living room and a luxurious balcony overlooking the gardens. With access to the Royal Club amenities, the Tower Suite is where luxury meets functionality.
The Royal Club is the Leela Bengaluru’s piece-de-resistance, a hotel within a hotel complete with exclusive facilities and services including personalized butlers, private dining, Champagne Room and Cigar Lounge access.
Further The Royal Suite enables guests to live and entertain in privacy and regal flair in 2,500 square feet of lavish living space which incorporates a living room, dining room for eight and the palatial bedroom each with their own oversized balcony. Two separate bathrooms, a pantry and 24-hour butler service makes this suite highly functional for meetings, work and relaxation. Surmise it to say, it is the perennial intermingling of style, status and service. The Royal Club Suite is stylish, comfortable and equipped with every amenity extending over a thousand square feet. Guests have the added privilege of gaining access to the Cigar and Billiards rooms and availing themselves to the exclusive five-star dining experience in the Dining Room and Club Lounge. The Executive Suite is comprised of value added accommodation facilities with all the exclusive benefits of the Royal Club; comfort, space, views and dedicated 24 hour personalized service.
In addition are the Premier Rooms which invite guests to indulge in blissful comfort, style and elegance along with the unique concept of the Conservatory Room which offers a combination of design, style, space and a serene feel with its view of verdant gardens and waterfalls in the secluded inner courtyard. The needs of the modern business traveler are met for guests who stay at the Deluxe Room and the corporate leaders are indulged in the Royal Premiere Room.
Sensational Rejuvenation
The Leela Bengaluru is truly an oasis in the city as it rejuvenates the senses through its myriad of services and comforts such as the Spa, offering a holistic experience to guests. It provides a wide range of acclaimed products through its cosmopolitan treatments combining European philosophies along with yoga and aerobic classes conducted on a daily basis.
The Leela experience
The plethora of experiences and opportunities provided by the Leela Palace Bengaluru is endless as every moment offers a breathtaking view, a personalized touch, or fountain of memories which is as special as you as it evokes a sense of exploration and fascination that is bound to tug at your heart strings and create souvenirs for life.
At the helm of the iconic Leela Palace Bengaluru is Mr. Kunal Chauhan, General Manager who has a wealth of experience in various senior positions with The Oberoi Group and The Leela Group. Mr. Chauhan spearheads the award-winning property that was voted the world’s Favourite Overseas Business Hotel by Condé Nast Traveller, UK. It has also been ranked “one of the very best hotels on the planet” by readers in the Condé Nast Traveller USA’s, Gold List Readers Choice Survey 2013. The dynamic leader continues to steer the reigns of this Leela Palace Bengaluru will continue to retain its market leadership and be the first choice of discerning travelers.
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