“Being both a mother and an entrepreneur has taught me that leadership isn’t just about building a business—it’s about building a life with purpose where I inspire the lives I touch. Every challenge I face in one role sharpens me for the other. I’m not dividing my time—I’m multiplying my impact.”
This Mother’s Day, we celebrate not merely the love and selflessness of mothers, but also honor the incredible mumpreneurs who balance the demands of entrepreneurship with the joys and challenges of motherhood. Among these inspiring women is Nayomi Handunnetti, a true mumpreneur whose journey represents resilience, passion, and innovation. Beyond her business ventures, her story is one of overcoming personal hardships and breaking barriers, making her a shining example of how mumpreneurs can successfully blend motherhood with impactful entrepreneurship.
When she was 19, her world was shattered by the loss of her mother. After that with incredible courage, she found the strength to pick herself up. By the time she turned 20, she had returned to her studies and started working, determined to build a future despite the pain. This marked the beginning of her professional journey-a journey shaped by resilience, hope, and unwavering determination.
Nayomi is the holder of multiple educational qualifications including a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing from The Chartered Institute of Marketing; a postgraduate degree from the Institute of Certified Management Accountants, Australia; an Executive MSC in Strategic Marketing, Executive Education from Asia University; and an MBA from Buckinghamshire New University, UK.
With over 20 years of experience in marketing, hospitality, and tourism, Nayomi has gained corporate experiences from MAS Holdings, Sri Lankan Airlines, and E-W Information Systems, before starting her entrepreneurial journey.
Her customer-focused approach and expertise in delivering large-scale projects have been key to her success. Here, she shares more about her story and the diverse services she offers. She founded her company- The Siren, in 2008 and has displayed an unwavering commitment to her field of work.
Women’s Tabloid: As a mother and a successful entrepreneur, how do you balance the dual responsibilities of business leadership and parenting?
Nayomi Handunnetti: As a mother of two beautiful girls and a business owner, balance isn’t something I find once and hold onto—it’s something I continually create. Each day brings new
challenges, whether it’s managing a meeting or helping with a girl’s project or picking the girls up from school. But what I’ve learned is that the key isn’t perfection—it’s presence.
When I first started my business, I believed I had to compartmentalize everything: be the perfect CEO during the day and the perfect mom in the evenings. This thought brought me stress C chaos. But I quickly realized life doesn’t work in such clean boxes. There were days I took calls from a parent’s teachers meeting and at nights I reviewed proposals after bedtime. Instead of fighting the overlap, I embraced it.
I’ve learned to prioritize my work and family with intention. I ask myself what matters most today—where am I needed the most, and what can wait? I’ve become better at delegating, both in my company and at home. I’ve built a team I trust and a family culture where we support one another. My children see me work hard, chase goals, and lead with integrity—and I believe that example teaches them as much as any conversation could.
I also make space for myself—not out of luxury, but necessity. A quiet morning coffee, a workout, or simply a few minutes of stillness helps me reset and return to both my roles with clarity and calm.
WT: In your opinion, what are the most significant challenges women entrepreneurs—especially mothers face, and how can they be addressed?
NH: In today’s fast-paced entrepreneurial world, women are making bold strides—building startups, launching brands, and leading innovation across industries. Yet, for those who are also mothers, the entrepreneurial path comes with an additional layer of complexity. Balancing business leadership with the responsibilities of parenting isn’t just about time management— it’s about navigating a dual identity with grace, resilience, and intentionality.
Here are some of the most significant challenges faced by women entrepreneurs who are also mothers—and strategies to address them effectively
- The Challenge of Time and Energy
- Navigating Guilt and Societal Expectations
- Limited Access to Capital and Networks
- Bias and Underestimation
What helps:
- Adopt time-blocking techniques to create clear boundaries between work and family time.
- Focus on high-impact tasks and delegate others.
- Embrace the idea that “done” is often better than “perfect.”
- Use technology and automation to reduce your daily workload. ● Reframe guilt as a sign of deep care—not as evidence of failure. ● Seek out supportive communities of like-minded women who understand your ● journey.
- Remember: being a present mother and a driven entrepreneur are not mutually exclusive—they are complementary strengths.
- Connect with women-led investor groups, grants, and incubators tailored for female founders.
- Attend industry events—even virtually—and invest in building relationships, not just pitching ideas.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for introductions—networks grow through advocacy.
WT: As a mentor and advocate for women in business, how do you encourage young women to pursue entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka?
NH: As a mentor and advocate for women in business, my mission is to show young women in Sri Lanka that entrepreneurship is not only a viable career path—but a powerful tool for independence, impact, and transformation. I start by sharing real stories—my own and those of other women who have built businesses from the ground up, often with limited resources but unlimited determination. These stories resonate deeply, because they prove that success is not reserved for the privileged—it’s possible for anyone with vision, grit, and guidance.
I also place a strong emphasis on education and skill-building. Many young women in Sri Lanka have big ideas but lack access to the tools, mentorship, or platforms to turn those ideas into reality. Through workshops, one-on-one coaching, and community events, I help them understand the fundamentals of business—financial literacy, branding, networking, and digital tools—all adapted to our unique cultural and economic environment.
WT: Given the evolving landscape of remote work and digital platforms, how do you see these changes benefiting women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka?
NH: The evolving landscape of remote work and digital platforms presents a transformational opportunity for women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka—one that can significantly reduce traditional barriers and empower more women to step into business leadership on their own terms.
Here’s how these changes are creating tangible benefits:
- Increased Access and Flexibility
- Breaking Geographic Boundaries
- Lower Startup Costs
- Upskilling Opportunities
- Building Stronger Communities and Networks
- Challenging Traditional Norms
Envisioning the Future for My Daughters: A Legacy of Possibility
As a mother and an entrepreneur, everything I build today is with my daughters in mind. I don’t just want to leave behind a successful business—I want to leave behind a legacy of courage, conviction, and choice.
I envision a future where my daughters never question whether they belong — whether it’s being a pilot, Engineer, boardroom, at the head of a company, or launching a venture. I want them to grow up in a world where leadership is not defined by gender.
More than anything, I hope they inherit the freedom to choose their path—whether it’s entrepreneurship, artistry, science, or service—without societal limits or self-doubt. I want them to understand that success isn’t about having it all, but about building a life that reflects who they truly are.
The legacy I hope to leave isn’t just one of business success. It’s one of resilience, purpose, and impact. I want them to see that their mother showed up—not perfectly, but persistently. That I used my voice, built something from the ground up, and created opportunities not just for myself, but for others.
If they grow up believing in their own worth, owning their dreams, and lifting others as they rise—then I’ll know I’ve done my part.
