Their Own Zen Island
By Tia Goonaratna
@tiabuffy
Yohan and Dheethika Fernando are a young couple that are creating a different kind of work space. Their venture together, Zen Island, is a laidback spa located in Mirihana Road offering spa treatments along with manicures and pedicures. Yohan, with an MSC in Business Information Technology, worked as a System Analyst in the Middle East, until he discovered that while his personal life was fulfilling, his work life could be improved. Dheethika, who studied Architecture and Interior Design, worked in real estate and interior design in the Middle East, but decided to follow her husband to Sri Lanka last year.
Zen Island was founded on the basis of creating a space that is a safe haven not only for the customers, but to the staff as well Yohan and Dheethika as well. Been spa-enthusiasts, they have combined their best experiences and offer relaxing packages for all their customers. Yohan emphasised heavily on the fact that he believes in complete relaxation, and their services not to be a rushed job. Even with regard to the staff, he maintains a strong understanding that if his employees are looked after, they will look after the customers. That is why Yohan and Dheethika handpicks the employees paying attention to their personality, manner, and their ability to get along with the rest of the team. ‘This is your place. Do what you would do at home,’ Yohan explains how the staff is very much involved in the daily operations of the business.
Yohan and Dheethika have been trained professionally, and they have brought in a few methods to centre the team. Before they begin their work day, they’d practice meditation for half hour, as well as do a few breathing exercises to centre themselves before each client. This has been brought into avoid distress, or personal issues coming to the client, especially since the services are affected by the mental state.
The name, Zen Island, also derives from the fact that they wanted to create the atmosphere of a place of complete relaxation. With white walls and simple decorations adorning the venue, they have kept everything at a minimal to avoid clutter. Dheethika designed the entire venue, keeping up to international guidelines, and currently, Zen Island is the second standalone spa in the country to receive certification from the Sri Lanka Tourist Development Authority.
Zen Island is not just a business. It’s an experience. Yohan feels strongly about letting the customer enjoy the experience than about making it a business. He doesn’t sell a product. He sells a safe place to relax and unwind. While many places time their services, Yohan urges his staff to concentrate on offering a quality service than checking the clock. So whether it goes 10 minutes over or half hour over, Yohan is satisfied as long as the customer is satisfied.
With Yohan and Dheethika’s ideologies about customer service, employee care, and service quality, it is remarkable to remember that they come from different backgrounds of IT and design. At the end of the day, being customers for many years at spas, they have learnt from experience what they love the best, and are now offering the same comforts to their customers. Step over to Zen Island and have a chat with Yohan and Dheethika, as they’re almost always at the venue, speaking to customers, getting involved, and even sneaking a treatment themselves.
