May 09 2014.
views 4225Navid Munas is an individual who is both focused and enterprising. Managing a portfolio of family properties in Colombo, Kabalana and Kirinda, Navid played a pivotal role in redesigning them to convert them in to Ceilão Villas a trio of boutique villas which he now runs. Here he explains his transition from accountant to hotelier.
What is the single most important reason for your success?
A strong family unit. It all started with my father who from a young age, groomed me for the world of business by handing business responsibilities to me in my late teens, testing me along the way and being my sounding board for every idea. More than this though, he
believed in me and encouraged me to feel that anything I wanted I could achieve. To add to this I have a very nurturing and supportive mother as well as two younger brothers who help me immensely when it comes to all things related to Ceilão Villas from people management to marketing.
How did you come up with this idea?
My family loves the beach and the wilderness. We used to always holiday either by the coast or near Yala national park, so we decided about 4-5 years ago that we wanted our own little piece of this beautiful country. This was the beginning of Ceilão Villas. A concept villa suited to each location and what the family wanted out of them. With the war over we noticed an increase in tourists to Sri Lanka. We then felt it was an opportune time to share our properties with tourists who dreamt of having a perfect holiday in the tropics.
How do you balance work, life and friends?
This is a great question. I will say that it is tough but if you are lucky enough to enjoy what you do for work, it makes the whole equation easier. Currently work is the priority for me and at times I do wish that I had more time to relax and enjoy my life - but these are the cards I was dealt and its about making the most out of everything.
Any advice for young people who don’t have the courage to start up their business?
Starting a business should not frighten you, if it does then I would say that you're not ready yet but don't be too hard on yourself, your time will come. Starting a business however is not easy, don't kid yourself with get rich quick schemes. Its a long and tough road and the idea will be quashed by many before it comes into fruition. Through the process though, you have to maintain hope and confidence, mainly in yourself to be able to deliver and implement your idea into a functioning business. A bit of advice though unless you are sitting on the next big idea like Facebook, before going out on your own, work for someone.
How old were you when you started your business?
My Dad and I started Ceilão Villas in mid 2012 which would have made me 22. I had just commenced my MBA after deciding that full time work as an accountant wasn't quite for me.
If you could add a famous entrepreneur to your team who would it be and why?
Easy question. Sir Richard Branson. I truly admire his passion and the enthusiasm he has for every business of his.
How did you get the capital to start up your venture?
The working capital to initially start the venture was provided by my parents. I am blessed but not spoilt, I have learnt to understand the value of money from a young age and as an accountant I am always aware of our finances.
What is your “Golden Rule” in business?
Be Hands On. Our business has benefitted so much more by me taking a completely hands on approach. Rather than sit in an air-conditioned office everyday I prefer to be on site working with the team whether that be arranging/inspecting furniture, experiencing levels of service, going through the bills or showing the team how I like my properties maintained. The hospitality industry is very service driven so our team is a vital part of the business and I need them to know that I am not above them but working hand in hand with them. I guess growing up in Australia has certainly helped, you tend to have to be able to do a lot more for yourself.
Where do you hope to see your business in 5 years time?
We have some plans of expansion for Ceilão Villas in the future. I have been travelling around this beautiful country of ours and have come across some amazing locations. That said I wont be adding villas just for the sake of it, to me it will always be quality over quantity. Our company is not even 2 years old so we have a long way to go. The hospitality industry is always evolving so we at Ceilão Villas hope to continuously improve and upgrade our product in terms of service and quality of accommodation. To me its a never ending game so I would say that in 5 years time I hope that our product remains fresh and exciting and is able to compete in the international arena.
By Tina Edward Gunawardhana
0 Comments
Keith says:
May 10, 2014 at 12:00 amGood read that inspires young people. Young entrepreneur is fab it gives some good tips
Nazli Farouque says:
May 11, 2014 at 12:00 amVery inspiring Navid, you are positive and forward thinking and have a very good grasp of how to succeed.
Ranuka Moses says:
May 12, 2014 at 12:00 am"The working capital to initially start the venture was provided by my parents. I am blessed but not spoilt" This is dumb. Hes working for his fathers business and he got the money from his parents to start his business. How is he an entrepreneur?? Arent there more deserving people that LIFE can feature? Entrepreneurs are people to be admired - people who start from nothing to become successful. Stupid article.
T.J says:
May 12, 2014 at 12:00 amWhether you get your working capital from your parents or if it fell from the sky, it doesnt matter. Becoming an entrepreneur is no easy task. It requires a complete paradigm shift in your life. And there is a big difference between working for your father and having a helpful guiding father who is offering his son an amazing opportunity to try things on his own. Ranuka, if you analyse the local set up, seeking initial capital is the most difficult objective, which is why half of the 'could be
Well wisher says:
May 13, 2014 at 12:00 amDon't think if you have money in your hand that you can come up in life, you must make use of it by your individual talent, or you can spend in over night. So doesn't matter he came up to this level with or without an initial support. All the best BRO keep growing..
Vertex.deep says:
May 15, 2014 at 12:00 amRM has a very valid point where many sri Lankans are very good at. Just to criticise everything that come across and hurt the feelings of others. Bravo Boy.. you need to expand ...expand beyond the shores.. good luck VertexDeep
Ruwandhi Jayasinghe says:
May 16, 2014 at 12:00 amI think it doesn't matter if the capitol was given by his dad or whether it fell from the sky either. i think it takes a lot of courage to do what he is doing. and of course he IS truly blessed to have the kind of parents he has.