From pirouettes to boardrooms, Natalie Jayasuriya's journey from a classical ballet dancer to the founder of FROK, a contemporary online fashion platform, is as distinctive as inspiring. Her recent dialogue with Limkokwing University students has shone a spotlight on the road less travelled.
Hailing from the beautiful island of Sri Lanka, Jayasuriya is a force to be reckoned with. Carrying forward a legacy of strong-willed women, she’s not just any entrepreneur; she’s a lifestyle influencer who’s touched multiple sectors — business, entertainment, fashion, or hospitality. The foundation of her multifaceted journey lies in the Deanna School of Dancing, founded by her mother. It was here she not only learned the discipline of dance but also derived invaluable life lessons that influenced her business ventures.
When asked about this transition from ballet to business, she reflected, “Classical ballet was pretty much the foundation for all my businesses. It flourished the creativity side of my whole personality.”
Facing adversity is part and parcel of an entrepreneur’s journey, and this wasn’t any different for Jayasuriya. The hospitality and entertainment sectors posed unique challenges, especially in Sri Lanka. She recollects, “There was lots of noise about what I did, but at the end of the day, what’s in your heart is what truly matters.”
In her talk, the CEO emphasised the importance of time management, organisational skills, and resilience, especially during unprecedented times like the COVID-19 crisis. “We never really knew this level of perseverance existed. It was the fighting spirit that got us all through it,” she articulated, adding that it was an awakening not to take life for granted.
The highlight of her talk was the collaboration between her brand FROK and the Limkokwing Fashion Club, a step that promises to inspire and nurture young fashion enthusiasts. FROK, now proudly displayed at the Limkokwing Fashion Club, is a testament to her journey. It’s more than just clothing; it’s a statement on women’s empowerment, beauty, strength, and celebrating femininity. “Starting any business can be daunting,” she expressed, “But I hope my journey shows students that they shouldn’t be afraid. Making mistakes is not the end; it’s the beginning of learning.”
Jayasuriya underscored the importance of industry talks in a world rapidly transitioning from traditional teaching methods. “These are real life, authentic experiences which, I believe, relate more to a student than any textbook ever can,” she mused.
Closing her session, she had a few words of wisdom for budding entrepreneurs, particularly women, echoing the sentiments of dedication, vision, hard work, and commitment. She reminded the eager minds, “In an age where everything seems easier, don’t forget the hard work. Your journey is what builds everything.”
The stage may have changed for Natalie Jayasuriya, but her commitment to her passion, whether dance or business, remains steadfast and inspiring.
Limkokwing University is more than just an educational institution; it’s an incubator for creativity, innovation, and leadership. Its campuses across three continents have cultivated a reputation for producing world-class talents that transcend borders. Fostering a unique blend of practical and theoretical knowledge, the university is well-known for its industry-focused programmes that ensure students are always at the forefront of global trends and challenges.
Having Natalie Jayasuriya, a symbol of resilience and innovation, interact with the students was the epitome of the university’s commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry. Such interactions resonate with Limkokwing’s ethos of providing its students with unparalleled exposure, ensuring they are not just degree holders but future industry leaders and change-makers.
