Other Women's Jobs // A Day In The Life And Career of Natalie Jayasuriya

NAME: Natalie Jayasuriya

 

INSTAGRAM HANDLE: @nataliejayasuriya

JOB TITLE: CEO of FROKME AND FROK (Clothing Brand), Co-Owner of The Love Bar Dragonfli and CocoBar and Vice Principal of DEANNA School of Dancing.

Born in the UK to Sri Lankan’s parents, Natalie Jayasuriya’s journey has been one of passion, resilience, and creativity. A trained classical ballerina, she began dancing at the age of two and a half and went on to attend the prestigious Elmhurst Ballet School. While dance remained a lifelong love, her ambitions extended far beyond the stage.

In 2014, Natalie made her mark in Colombo’s hospitality industry, becoming one of the first female entrepreneurs to own and operate a nightclub. She quickly established herself as a force in the industry, running some of the city’s most successful establishments. Today, she is at the helm of The Love Bar, Colombo’s leading nightlife destination, and Dragon Fli, a modern Asian restaurant known for its innovative dining experience. She is just about to launch the newest addition to the hospitality arena - an Indo Western Bar called COCOBAR

When the world came to a standstill during COVID-19, Natalie identified an opportunity in the online fashion market. Recognizing a gap, she launched FROKME a multi-vendor platform and her own brand FROK, an accessible yet stylish brand that not only catered to a growing demand but also supported Sri Lanka’s local apparel industry, which was struggling during the crisis. Her commitment to empowering local vendors and artisans has been a cornerstone of her brand’s philosophy.

Since its inception, FROK has grown beyond Sri Lanka, launching in India in 2023 and expanding to the UAE in December 2024. Meanwhile, Natalie has also opened her first boutique in Colombo, FROKME cementing her status as a dynamic entrepreneur in both the fashion and hospitality industries.

Launching her business in the UAE has been a dream of hers as the UAE has always been like a second home to her.. FROK.AE is now online in the UAE.

Let's discover a day in Natalie's life and world, which she describes as Coffee, Curry, and Controlled Chaos:

I am a morning person - Not in the annoying, “bounce-out-of-bed-singing” way, but in the “up before the sun, coffee in hand, planning world domination” way.

5:30-6:00 AM – Holy, Caffeinated Mornings

My day kicks off with gratitude and a little divine intervention. A quiet moment in prayer, giving thanks and asking for guidance, sets the tone before I switch into meditation mode for 10-15 minutes. This is the calm before the storm. Then, it’s time to put on some music (because silence makes me feel alive) and let the first sip of coffee officially bring me to life.

7:00 AM – The Boss Hour

This is my sacred, undisturbed moment to attack my inbox, check up on work, and send out a flurry of emails before the rest of the world even wakes up. No one is online to reply (which is bliss), but I like getting a head start. Delegation is an art, and I prefer to paint my masterpiece in the peaceful quiet of early morning.

8:00 AM – Padel or Pump?

I’m a gym-goer, but recently, I’ve fallen in love with padel tennis. It’s competitive, social, and a sneaky way to get a full-body workout without realizing I’m exercising. Plus, smashing a ball around is an excellent stress reliever before diving into the chaos of the day.

10:30 AM – Boutique Boss

Next stop: my boutique. A quick walkthrough, checking in with the team, discussing sales, and making sure everything is running smoothly. Retail is an ever-changing world, so these visits keep me in the loop and ensure my vision is on track.

11:30 AM – Lights, Camera, Marketing!

Marketing meetings are where the magic (or madness) happens. We brainstorm reels, campaigns, and new ways to keep things fresh. Social media waits for no one, and staying ahead of the trends is a full-time job.

1:00 PM – The Rice & Curry Coma

Ah, lunch. In Colombo, rice and curry isn’t just food—it’s an experience. It also happens to be the fastest way to put yourself into “no function mode” for at least 45 minutes. Enter: the power nap. A completely justified, culturally appropriate energy reboot.

2:30 PM – Calls, Deals, and Decisions

After waking up from my self-induced food coma, it’s time to get back to work. Calls, check-ins, and tying up loose ends before the next big mission of the day.

3:30 PM – Restaurant & Bar Takeover

Next, I head to the restaurant and bar I operate, where I morph into my hospitality alter ego. Finances, purchasing, upcoming events—it all needs my attention. A smooth-running restaurant and bar isn’t just about good food and drinks; it’s about strategic planning, problem-solving, and sometimes, a bit of fire-fighting (hopefully not literally).

5:30 PM – Dance School Diaries

From boss to ballet teacher. Two hours of teaching classical ballet and contemporary dance to senior students at our family-run dance school. There’s something grounding about passing on the art of movement, discipline, and expression. It’s my creative escape from the business side of life.

After class I check in with my mum and sis and we catch up on each other’s lives.

8:00 PM – Home, Husband, and Half-Watching a Movie

By now, I’m home, showered, and ready to catch up with my husband over dinner. We unwind with a movie, although I may or may not sneak in some work while pretending to watch. (Multitasking is a lifestyle.)

And just like that, another day is done—balanced between business, passion, and the little moments that make life fun. Immensely grateful to spend another day on this planet!