CASE STUDY

SELYN

DESIGNING WITH HEART & HERITAGE

Selyn is Sri Lanka’s leading Fair Trade handloom manufacturer, founded by Mrs. Sandra Wadurangala, Attorney-at-Law, in 1991. The vision was simple but bold - to create an avenue of greater economic empowerment for herself and her village, working out of a small backyard with 15 rural women employees. Today Selyn is a thriving Fair Trade certified handloom company which manufactures and exports handloom textiles and textile-based toys and handicrafts to 18 countries around the world, employing close to 350 rural men and women directly.

In addition, Selyn has developed an innovative approach to decentralise the production process by assisting 16 former Selyn members of staff (predominantly women) to setup and operate 9 handloom workshops and 5 sewing/handwork workshops in villages in the rural outskirts of the Kurunegala and Batticaloa districts which enabled the further economic opportunities for 750 rural men and women.

In this case study we explore how Selyn is driving innovation within the handloom sector and providing sustainable employment whilst preserving and developing Sri Lankan handloom heritage and craft. Selyn’s core approach to sustainability and low impact starts with its workforce, applying Fair Trade principles throughout its operations.

In this video, Selyna Peiris, Business Development Director and Selyn’s next generation lead, discusses the main principles of what made Selyn’s Fair Trade operations a success:

• Running a vertical business model: Selyn owns their own supply chain, which enables their sustainable mission

• Implementing low impact processes with fair trade principles

• Putting People over Profit and striking a balance via the Selyn approach

• Applying “The Formula”: finding your “why” - a cause greater than your product or brand

• Aligning with like minded crafters and creatives to partner for the cause

• Ensuring your ethos and process follows through - walk the walk, talk the talk

• Sharing profits for win-win-win situations for all involved in production

• Never losing sight of the Selyn Heart model

FOSTERING SUSTAINABLE EMPLOYMENT

Leading your creativity, designs and brand from a more holistic and sustainable heart and mindset is possible. It is about identifying your greater purpose. How can your designs and processes create a positive impact in your community? How can you empower those less fortunate and create mutually beneficial opportunities?

LEARN MORE FROM SELYN

• A test of resilience: in this video, discover how Selyn adapted its operations in the context of COVID-19 staying true to its commitment of fair trade practices.

• Read more about Selyn in this interview with Selyna Peiris

• For further information, opportunities to be sponsored, mentored or visit Sri Lanka and see first hand the work that Selyn is doing, get in touch with the team at: info@selyn.lk

LEARN MORE ABOUT FAIR TRADE

According to Global Issues, almost half the world - over 3 billion people - live on less than $2.50 a day. Fair Trade makes us rethink how global trade can create opportunities for millions of families by empowering producers and consumers. This  alternative trade model helps the disenfranchised lift themselves out of poverty. Fair Trade is a story of how a transparent, traceable supply chain, with set minimum prices, transparent long term trade agreements, direct purchasing from producers and community investments can make trade fair. Read more about Fair Trade at WFTO here.