Chairperson and Founder of Abans Group, Mrs. Aban Pestonjee was adjudged Woman Entrepreneur of the Year at the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2017 awards, held at Taj Samudra Colombo, recently. She also won ‘Gold’ for her ingenious entrepreneurial skills in the Extra Large Business Enterprise category.
“When I started, there were hardly any women in business. Today we have women leading fields in the government and corporate sector who are doing very well. I also know that WCIC is helping women in need to build up their lives and to start businesses. I wish them the best, and I thank WCIC for the awards,” said Mrs. Pestonjee.
The Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards is a premier event of the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC), a non-profit organisation that focuses on empowering female entrepreneurs across Sri Lanka, and improving the overall work environment for women.
Determined to fulfill the goal of making the lives of homemakers like herself easier, Mrs. Pestonjee founded the Abans Group as a modest corner store at Galle Road, Bambalapitiya in 1968. Purchasing quality home appliances put out for sale at auctions, especially by embassies, and reselling them with a guarantee were the core operations of her business.
In 1978, Mrs. Pestonjee began writing regularly to large British companies that distributed popular international brands. At first, several refused. However, her strong persistence led to Electrolux representatives visiting her store and service centre, which was then located in her home garage. Deeply impressed, Electrolux became the first brand to join hands with Abans to enter the Sri Lankan market. Soon, other famous brands including Hoover, Pyrex, and Russell Hobbs started knocking on her door.
Guided by the simple business model of honesty, hard work, and perseverance, Mrs. Pestonjee’s tireless efforts has resulted in the Abans Group being the corporate giant it is today.
Mrs. Pestonjee’s two WCIC awards join the growing list of achievements she has acquired.