In this episode of Tea with Tooting Mama, I am joined by Dee Gibson, a highly sought-after British Sri Lankan interior designer.
We talked about a pivotal holiday in Sri Lanka that changed her life resulting in Dee becoming a hotelier through the creation of her boutique hotel, Kalukanda House, which has been featured in HIP Hotels and Conde Nast Traveller.
Kalulanda House is more than just a hotel. It has become the foundation to start a new conversation to shift the narrative of Sri Lanka.
Her new initiative, HERA Project X, is a curated programme of events, retreats, and cultural exchange to champion women’s creativity and entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka and the global diaspora.
Dee is looking out for like minded retreat leaders with impact who can offer enticing options and are able to provide reciprocal scholarship places to local HERA Project X beneficiaries.
During our conversation Dee revealed her favourite Sri Lankan restaurant in London and the way she has weaved Sri Lankan food into her bicultural family’s lives.
Shownotes:
Discover Kalukanda House and HERA Project X in HIP Hotel and Conde Nast Traveller
Find out more about Dee’s successful interior design practice Velvet Orange
The restaurants we discussed: Kolamba restaurant, Jaffna House, MUVS ALLDAY
I just want to say a big thank you to Dee who, over the last few months, has been gently prodding me to get this podcast off the ground.
Whether you are building a hotel or launching your podcast:
You just got to start!
Dee Gibson, Founder of Kalukanda House and HERA Project X
You just got to start!