Menaka Amerasinghe’s journey into the world of bespoke wedding invitations and planning services began with a simple love for handwork and a desire to create. From a young age, she was drawn to the tangible beauty of handcrafted items, finding joy in transforming her creative impulses into physical objects. This passion initially found expression in the creation of birthday cards, but it wasn’t long before Menaka discovered her true calling: wedding invitations.
In 2021, Menaka was honored with the prestigious Sri Lanka Vanithabhimana Award, a testament to her exceptional talent and contribution to the industry.
Recognizing a gap in the market for truly unique and personalized wedding invitations, Menaka set out to offer couples an alternative to generic, mass-produced designs. Her vision was to create invitations that would encapsulate the essence of a couple’s love story, transforming their special day into an exquisite, handcrafted experience. This vision became the driving force behind Fairyhopes.lk, a brand that quickly became synonymous with originality, craftsmanship, and personalized service.
Menaka’s path to success was not without its challenges. As a self-taught artist, she had to rely on her resourcefulness and determination to hone her skills and develop her unique design aesthetic. “This was entirely a self-learning process as I don’t have any professional training,” she explains. “But I used to refer to videos online and create my designs.”
Through online resources and sheer dedication, Menaka mastered various design techniques and explored different materials, constantly pushing the boundaries of her creativity. Her innovative approach and commitment to quality quickly attracted a loyal clientele, validating her intuition that couples were seeking something more than just a generic invitation.
Each invitation tells a story, reflecting the unique personalities and preferences of the couple. The tactile experience of holding a beautifully crafted invitation, with its intricate details and personalized touches, adds a layer of intimacy and authenticity that mass-produced alternatives cannot replicate.
Fairyhopes.lk tapped into this desire for authenticity, offering couples the opportunity to express their individuality through exquisite, handcrafted designs. The brand’s tagline, “Get a unique wedding card designed for your big day,” perfectly captures Menaka’s commitment to creating invitations that are as special and unique as the couples they represent.
This commitment to craftsmanship has earned the brand a reputation for excellence, making it the go-to destination for couples seeking high-quality, personalized wedding stationery.
At Fairyhopes.lk, personalized service is at the heart of everything they do. Menaka works closely with each couple, taking the time to understand their vision and preferences. “I get many orders and requests online, and I usually discuss design ideas with clients,” she says. “Sometimes the brides want to match the invitation cards with their bridal outfits. Apart from invitation cards, I also make cake boxes as well.”
Balancing the demands of her business with her personal life requires a dedicated team, and Menaka is grateful for the support she receives from her family and colleagues. “I like to extend my gratitude to my parents for being constant pillars of strength without whom none of this would have been a success,” she says.
Like any entrepreneur, Menaka has faced her share of challenges, particularly during the pandemic. “There’s a huge competition in the market, and we need to have unique designs if we are to survive,” she admits. However, her unwavering commitment to quality and innovation has allowed her to navigate these challenges and emerge stronger than ever.
Looking to the future, Menaka’s hopes and ambitions for Fairyhopes.lk are deeply rooted in her desire to empower couples and create lasting memories. She envisions continuing to push the boundaries of creativity, exploring new design techniques and materials to offer even more innovative and captivating products.
“I want Fairyhopes.lk to be known as a brand that truly understands the importance of celebrating love,” Menaka says. “We’re not just creating invitations; we’re creating keepsakes, tangible reminders of a special moment in time.”
Menaka has created a legacy of love and artistry that will continue to inspire for years to come.
