Molecular Biologist as Entrepreneur

Anitha V. Shiv, a molecular biologist by profession, embarked on a transformative journey during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis in 2021. Pregnant with her second child, Anitha faced a common yet significant challenge—finding suitable skincare products for her baby’s sensitive skin. Local consumers depended heavily on imports for safer alternatives to the local products that often contained harsh chemicals unsuitable for young children. Recognizing this gap, Anitha decided to create a safe, locally sourced solution.

This realization led to the birth of Shishu Baby Care, a 100% Sri Lankan-manufactured skincare line specifically designed for children with sensitive skin. Anitha and a team of scientists conducted extensive research to ensure that the product line was natural and organic, safe and dermatologically tested, making them ideal for infants, children, and mothers.

Shishu’s journey began modestly, with Anitha selling three product lines to close friends. However, fueled by a strong vision and the trust of Sri Lankan mothers, the brand quickly gained momentum. By mid-2023, Shishu had expanded into retail stores and consistently sold around 450 units of each product line monthly. The product portfolio now includes bath and body wash, moisturizer, and shampoo, with plans to expand the product range and explore export markets.

Anitha operates a production facility in Colombo which aims to empower women. The facility employs over 20 women and provides amenities to care for their infants and young children, aligning with Shishu’s mission of nurturing mothers and children.