From Makeup to Hospitality: The Inspiring Journey of a Beachside Entrepreneur

Harsha Kumari stands tall as an inspiring entrepreneur by the sea view on top her establishment.

At 49 years old, Harsha Kumari stands as a proud example of determination and vision. Married with four sons, her entrepreneurial journey began far from the bustling world of tourism. In the early days, she provided makeup services and made sweets to support her family.

“I believed in my dream, and I worked until it became reality,” she reflects.

Three years ago, inspired by the tourist potential of her home near the beach, Harsha took a bold leap and founded Black Man Villas. Starting with eight rooms spread over two floors (with the second floor still in progress), she has steadily built a reputation for warm hospitality. Her peak season runs from October to December, when visitors flock to the coast. During this time, she employs two additional staff members, creating much-needed jobs in her community.

“When my business grows, my whole community benefits,” Harsha says proudly.

Guests love the location, but some suggested expanding the garden and compound space—a project she now plans to undertake, proving her commitment to continuous improvement.

Harsha’s success has been fueled in part by the FEMForward project, implemented by INDECOS and funded by WUSC. FEMForward is designed to address the root causes of gender inequalities faced by young women in Matara, focusing on enhancing economic empowerment, well-being, and inclusive growth. The project works across three spheres—women, training institutions, and industry actors—using a two-component pathway to achieve sustainable, scalable, and transformative change.

From humble beginnings in makeup and sweets-making to tourism ventures.

Through FEMForward, young women like Harsha receive specialized support, including vocational scholarships in hospitality and tourism, business development skills training, and access to mentorship and social networks. The initiative also engages employers and communities to foster positive attitudes toward women’s economic participation and to create an enabling environment for decent, sustainable work. By connecting women to training, internships, and industry networks, FEMForward equips them to not only secure employment but also create new economic opportunities, as Harsha has demonstrated.

Harsha now shares her experience with other women, encouraging them to pursue businesses that generate both income and employment.

“I want other women to see that they can create jobs, not just find them,” she adds.

Behind the scenes, her family has been her backbone. Her son, currently in Korea, built the house, while she proudly purchased the land herself.

“I bought the land myself, but my son built the house. This place is built with love,” she says with pride.

Today, her whole family supports the venture, united in making it a lasting success.

From a small-scale service provider to a thriving seaside villa owner, Harsha Kumari’s story is one of resilience, community impact, and the power of believing in one’s dreams—made possible through the transformative support of FEMForward.