Find Your Niche and Master Your Product
One of the biggest challenges in starting a business is deciding what to focus on. For us, it was seaweed. We saw an opportunity in a product that had growing demand globally but limited supply in Sri Lanka. Whether you are starting a business in food, technology, or services, find a niche where you can stand out.

Once you have identified your product, distinguish yourself by excelling in one key area, such as quality, quantity, or pricing. For instance, in the seaweed industry, we focused on quality and consistency, which set us apart from competitors. Your niche is your foundation, so make sure you build it strong.

As a new business, consider focusing on B2B (business-to-business) clients first. B2B sales provide a stable revenue stream and allow you to demonstrate proof of concept to potential investors. Early on, we secured our first export client after sending over 600 cold emails. Only one responded, but that client remains a partner to this day. This leads to another key point: perseverance. In entrepreneurship, one successful connection can open doors to countless opportunities. Don’t get discouraged by rejection; each “no” gets you closer to a “yes.”

The Power of Cold Outreach
Cold emails and calls might seem intimidating, but they are invaluable tools for building connections. In the early days, we spent hours crafting personalized emails to potential clients worldwide. Out of hundreds of emails, only a few replies came back, but those few were pivotal.
The lesson here? Persistence pays off. Cold outreach requires thick skin and resilience, but it’s a skill that every entrepreneur should master.

Build a Strong Team
No entrepreneur can succeed alone. One of the most valuable lessons we have learned is the importance of building and investing in a talented team. Identify your own weaknesses and hire people who excel in those areas.

For example, none of us had technical expertise in product development, so we brought on specialists to help with our R&D. Today, we not only have a strong internal team but also collaborate with experts to innovate and expand our product line.
Your team is your most important asset, so take the time to find the right people and foster a culture of collaboration and growth.

Leverage Start-up Accelerators
Joining start-up accelerators was a game-changer for us. These programmes, such as Dilmah’s Good Life X and the British Council’s initiatives, provided us with mentorship, funding, and invaluable networking opportunities.

Through these accelerators, we connected with business partners, secured new clients, and gained insights that helped us refine our strategy. If you are a budding entrepreneur, I highly recommend seeking out similar programmes to fast-track your growth.

Learn from Setbacks
Entrepreneurship is not a smooth road. There were times when everything that could go wrong did go wrong—supply chain disruptions, production delays, and even unexpected challenges from regulatory bodies.

However, each setback taught us something new. We learned to pivot quickly, adapt to changing circumstances, and build resilience. Success often feels just out of reach, but every failure brings you one step closer.

Invest in Community and Sustainability
From the start, we wanted our business to give back to communities. By working with seaweed farmers in the north of Sri Lanka, we have created a livelihood for over 50 families.
This not only aligns with our values but also strengthens our supply chain by building trust and loyalty with our farmers.

A regenerative business is not just about sustainability; it is about creating a positive ripple effect. Whether through fair wages, training programmes, or community initiatives, find ways to make your business a force for good.

Keep Innovating
The entrepreneurial journey does not end once your business gains traction. To stay competitive, you must continuously innovate. For us, this meant expanding from seaweed farming to launching consumer products like sea moss drinks and gels and eventually establishing our R&D lab.

Innovation keeps your business relevant and opens doors to new revenue streams. Do not be afraid to experiment and explore new ideas.

Closing Thoughts
Starting a business from scratch with no prior experience was one of the most challenging yet rewarding journeys of our lives. What began as a simple YouTube video transformed into a company that is making an impact on communities and markets alike.

To aspiring entrepreneurs, remember this: persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to learn are your greatest tools. Seek opportunities to grow your network, build a strong team, and never lose sight of the vision that drives you. Success may not come overnight, but with hard work and resilience, it is always within reach.

We are just getting started and the future holds endless possibilities. If we can do it, so can you. Let this be your reminder that every great journey begins with a single step — and sometimes, a simple YouTube video.