Charmin Fernando is a remarkable woman who wears many hats - she is the founder and CEO of Ground Spirit Organics, a thriving spice brand based in Sri Lanka, as well as a devoted mother. Through her company, Charmin is not only building a successful business, but also empowering women and uplifting local farming communities.

Ground Spirit Organics was founded with the mission of bringing high-quality, ethically-sourced spices to consumers while creating sustainable livelihoods for smallholder farmers. Charmin's passion for this cause stems from her own upbringing - she grew up in a family of farmers and saw firsthand the challenges they faced in getting fair prices for their crops.

Today, Ground Spirit Organics works with over 200 small-scale farmers in their farms across Sri Lanka, providing them with training, equipment, and fair prices for their spices. Notably, the majority of these farmers are women, as Charmin is committed to empowering female producers. "Women play a crucial role in agriculture in Sri Lanka, yet they often lack access to resources and opportunities," she explains. "By partnering with women farmers, we're not only improving their incomes, but also their social status and decision-making power within their communities."

In addition to supporting farmers, Charmin has also built a predominantly female workforce at Ground Spirit. Over 90% of the company's employees are women, many of whom are the sole breadwinners for their families. Charmin provides them with fair wages, flexible schedules, and opportunities for advancement - creating a workplace culture that values work-life balance and gender equity.

"As a mother myself, I understand the challenges of balancing a career and family responsibilities," says Charmin. "That's why it's so important to me to build a company that empowers women, both in the field and in the office."

Charmin's holistic approach to business has earned Ground Spirit Organics a reputation as one of the most ethical and socially-conscious brands in Sri Lanka. But for Charmin, the true measure of success is the positive impact Ground Spirit has had on the lives of its farmers and employees. "When I see the pride and confidence in the eyes of the women we work with, that's what really motivates me," she says. "This is about more than just building a business - it's about creating lasting change and a more equitable food system."

As Ground Spirit Organics continues to grow, Charmin remains steadfast in her mission to empower women and support local agriculture. With her unwavering dedication and innovative approach, she is truly setting a new standard for ethical entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka.

With Regards,

Devin Cooray