Priyantha Joseph
PRIYANTHA HAILS FROM SRI LANKA AND WITH AKIRA GRATEFUL, HE’S INTRODUCING TO AUSTRALIA (AND THE WORLD) PRODUCTS THAT SHOW THE BEST HIS HOME COUNTRY HAS TO OFFER!
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I was born in Sri Lanka in 1972, with Tamil background. Due to the civil war/terrorism, I moved to Australia at age 13. Our property in Sri Lanka got burned due to the riots, and we arrived in Melbourne with only 2 suitcases of possessions.
Education was challenging but I got through it and completed Year 12. I obtained a diploma in computing and worked in personal care manufacturing/operations/production, learning many aspects of this field along the way which lead to starting my own businesses.
How did you get the initial idea to start your business?
I started a packing business called Outsource Packaging in 2003, working with many beauty, skincare and cosmetics brands. Part of the journey was to return the blessings by starting Akira Grateful and supporting many charities.
Who is involved in running your business? Who is your business partner (if any), or who works together with you?
All aspects of the business is run by myself as it’s still very much in its early stages.
What’s the best part about running your own business?
Running Outsource Packaging for 20 years helps me to run Akira Grateful and I love working for myself and the rewards/opportunities that come with it.
What’s the highlight so far with running your business?
Meeting people and charities, and the ability to provide financial support to many of these charities.
Any exciting future plans you can share about your business?
We are hoping to do more products, and are working through the challenges to make them happen in the near future.
Anything else you’d like to tell us about you and/or your team?
Akira Grateful has been able to support and donate to charities, but we have also taken a further step by joining their founding committees to help them build and grow. I have loved meeting the people and learning about their stories and challenges, as well as gaining the knowledge and experience from others.