International Women’s Day is a moment to recognise the strength, resilience and achievements of women everywhere. At English Tea Shop, it’s also an opportunity to pause and reflect on the many women whose work, determination and care help shape who we are as a business.
Supporting Women Across Our Community
Across farms, production lines and offices, women play an essential role in bringing our teas to life. From the small-scale farmers who grow our organic ingredients to the teams who craft, blend and pack our teas in Sri Lanka, their skills and dedication are part of every step of the process.
At English Tea Shop, we believe empowering women begins with opportunity. Across our teams and farming communities, many women are building independent livelihoods, developing new skills and growing into leadership roles. Through our employee share ownership programme, profit sharing and open workplace culture, we encourage women across our business to take an active role in shaping both their own futures and the future of our company.
This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to share a few of their stories.
Nandawathi’s Story
Lekshmi’s Story
Lekshmi, 46, has been part of the ETS family for 13 years. A single mother of four, her journey has been one of resilience, strength and quiet determination.
Before joining ETS, life was filled with financial hardship. Without the support of her husband, she carried the full responsibility of raising her children on her own. But she never gave up.
“When I joined ETS, everything slowly began to change,” she shares with pride.
Through steady work, commitment and perseverance, Lekshmi achieved one of her biggest dreams, building her own home. She was also able to educate all four of her children, creating opportunities she once only hoped for.
In the packing department, Lekshmi is more than a team member. She mentors new recruits, shares her knowledge with peers and ensures quality in every product that leaves her line. Her experience and leadership quietly shape the work of many around her.
Her message to other women:
“Don’t break down. Stay strong. There is nothing women can’t do. Keep your family in your heart, and you will surely succeed.”
Sachini’s Story
Sachini, 19, joined ETS just seven months ago. Growing up, life was tough, limited facilities, little support, and early responsibilities caring for her family alongside her mother. She had previously worked in manpower at another factory, but her journey took a positive turn when she joined ETS.
With her salary at ETS, she is able to save, support her parents, and even rent her own place, milestones she had never imagined before. For Sachini, simple joys like attending a company get-togethers became treasured memories, moments of happiness she had never
experienced.
Her outlook is inspiring:
“In just seven months at ETS, I’ve gained independence, confidence, and the chance to create a future I never imagined possible.”
Darshini’s Story
Over the past three years, Darshini has navigated both personal and professional milestones, getting married and welcoming a baby. Balancing these responsibilities was challenging, but ETS’s flexible work policies and supportive team made it possible.
Her message to other women:
“Life will challenge you from time to time, but never give up. Stay strong, trust yourself, and believe that you are capable of making the right choices at the right time.”
Sandamali’s Story
Joining ETS has been a truly empowering journey. When I started in 2017, my baby was very small, and the support from my husband gave me the strength to keep going. The team at ETS, from leadership to my supervisors, also guided me every step of the way. Over the years, I’ve achieved milestones I never imagined: building my own home, improving my skills in speaking and reading, and even becoming a shareholder.
ETS’s culture of support and empowerment, along with initiatives like the Parent & Child Benefit allowance during difficult times, have allowed me to grow personally and professionally. Today, I am one of the most accomplished women in my family, and I hope my story inspires others.
My message to women everywhere is simple:
“Help one another, stay strong, and believe in your potential. When women lift each other up, the possibilities are endless.”
Kevini’s Story
Kevini Yashani joined ETS in 2014 and currently serves as Senior Executive – Overseas Operations. Specialising in pricing, costing, and management accounts, she has always had a passion for working with numbers.
“Working with numbers is my passion,” she shares. “Through OBM, my knowledge has grown significantly. It has helped me think beyond the immediate task, to see the bigger picture and understand the impact of every decision we make.”
During the 2022 economic crisis, Kevini and her team relied on data-driven insights and the empowerment culture fostered at ETS to navigate uncertainty. By working on forward-looking scenarios and analysing future impacts on sales and profitability, the team played a role in strengthening the brand and driving recovery during a challenging period.
Beyond her professional achievements, Kevini takes great pride in continuing her career after becoming a mother.
“As a wife and a mother, my happiest achievement is being able to grow in my career while raising my children,” she says. “Flexible work hours have helped me balance both my professional and personal life. My greatest achievement is continuing to grow in my career while raising my children, proving that with the right support, a woman can truly have both”
This International Women’s Day, her hope is simple yet powerful:
“I hope my children grow up to love people and nature as I do, not just as a woman, but as a mother.”
Their stories remind us why moments like International Women’s Day matter.
And to all the amazing women around the world who enjoy our teas, thank you for being part of a community that supports women at every stage.