Goodfolks is a family business founded by Dinesh Gratian Perera and Anne Ridhmi Perera. Between us we have nearly 30 years of experience in the branding, marketing and advertising industry. We also have a background in general finance and working with entrepreneurs. These skills are what we use to elevate our identified products and ideas. However, given our own personal convictions and values, this process will also be green, ethical and inclusive. And special gratitude to our friends and family who have inspired us, made us think, and helped us become the best versions of ourselves. And also to all social entrepreneurs, activists, spiritual teachers, who make up our circles and enrich our views so that we may transfer that light and wisdom into what we do.
I started out in banking and finance (Mercantile Investments, Nations Trust Bank and NDB Bank) and later made a career switch into advertising. I kicked things off at Bates Strategic Alliance which was a regional creative agency at the time and moved around a few other agencies before returning to Bates where I rose to the position of Creative Director & Head of Digital. Throughout this time I worked on numerous brands, big and small, local and international, for profit and not-for-profit. Overtime I became unhappy with how my work was manifesting out there in the world. Products I would do campaigns were essentially making people ill or messing with their heads. I then moved to Australia but had to return mostly due to family concerns. On my return I decided to support the travel business I had started with my close friend before I had left the country. The travel business, Foozoo Mantra took on a life of its own and turned us into proper entrepreneurs. And because we had no prior experience it allowed us to do things our way - which is always quirky, fun and from the heart. I have successfully carried these ideals to Goodfolks and I believe that one day we will be a global case study for a successful regenerative brand.
I began my professional career as an amateur news reporter and ended up becoming a producer cum news anchor specialising mainly in business news. During my close to 6-year tenure in this field, I was given the opportunity to produce a documentary type television programme titled ‘Achievers’, a program which was backed by the Export Development Board of Sri Lanka, giving recognition to successful Sri Lankan entrepreneurs. It was from here that I gained a deeper learning about the local SME businesses and their tremendous capabilities. I was truly fascinated and inspired. Thereafter, I bid adieu to my career in journalism and joined the corporate world in 2010. Since then, I have been actively involved in public relations, advertising and brand building efforts having worked for various advertising agencies and corporates. I gained most of my corporate world exposure during my 7-year tenure at one of Sri Lanka’s largest listed conglomerates with international presence, where I worked as its Chief Manager in Marketing Communications. With 15 years of experience in Sri Lanka, my dream has always been to gain international exposure. And so, chasing that dream, I moved to Canada with my beloved family. I am currently living in the beautiful province of British Columbia, savouring the diverse cultures and being around an international community.
I am the youngest of the lot and help out with the business as best as I can. My strengths lie in my creativity. My contribution is limited due to a small disability but I am a team player that gets involved in setting up for presentations, making decisions on design work and so on. I am really happy to be a part of the good that we are working towards.
I possess over 10 years of experience in Sales & Marketing specializing in online sales and ecommerce. My stints at Scienter Technologies, IC & CS and Franklin Covey paved the way for a bigger role at ODEL PLC where I was able to play a leading role in managing and generating sales through its online store. Some of the achievements during my tenure there include winning the Gold in the Best Web competition for 3 consecutive years and the nomination at the world web championship. I later joined DSI Private Limited as Assistant Manager e-commerce, where I was able to manage the online store of the company (footcandy.lk) playing an instrumental role in changing the look and making the website profitable to a great extent. From there, I took a huge step by moving to Canada where I currently work and reside.