Danuka: A Cultural Blend of Passion and Ambition

Danuka, with roots in both Sri Lanka and Norway, has a story that balances two cultures, a family business, and a busy family life. His upbringing and experiences have shaped him into the dedicated person he is today, both as a father, husband, and businessman. In this interview, we take a deep dive into Danuka's life, his role in Nangi, and how he manages to balance his hectic lifestyle.

Roots from Two Cultures: Sri Lanka Meets Norway

Danuka's parents came to Norway in the 1970s, driven by a desire for better opportunities and a connection to a Norwegian company his grandfather worked for. "My dad moved to Norway when he was 20," Danuka explains. With a foot in both cultures, he has learned to appreciate the value of both worlds. "For me, it's really about getting the best of two cultures," he says, emphasizing the importance of family ties as a central value in both Norway and Sri Lanka.

Read Danukas Engagement Ring Mythbuster article here!

Above: The picture is from Jenny and Danukas wedding day. Standing left to right: Tharindu, Jenny, Danukas Grandmother, Danuka, and Danukas mother.

Danuka's grandmother works at an orphanage, which Nangi supports. Read more about it here!

He speaks warmly about the family culture he grew up with and how it has shaped his outlook on life. "The family orientation from Sri Lanka is something I truly appreciate, and I’ve tried to incorporate that into our own lives," he says.

Nangi: A Family Project with Jenny at the Helm

When the conversation turns to Nangi, the jewelry brand he helped build with his wife Jenny, Danuka is quick to give her the credit. "Jenny is the driving force, as everyone knows," he says with a smile. For Danuka, seeing Jenny’s passion for Nangi has been a great source of motivation in itself. "It's inspiring to see someone have such a deep passion for something. So for me, it was really just about cheering her on and helping out wherever I could," he explains. It’s clear that Jenny’s passion for jewelry has rubbed off on Danuka, as he supports her both practically and emotionally in their work on the brand.

Above: Danuka's push present to Jenny for their three children. Learn more about what a push present is here!

Two Jobs and a Busy Family Life

But Nangi isn’t the only job in Danuka’s life. He also holds a full-time position as a consultant alongside the jewelry brand. "My other job is my full-time job," he explains. Balancing two jobs, a family life with three children, and his role in Nangi requires discipline and strong time management. "I try to fit things in whenever there’s time and opportunity," he says. Although it may sound like an impossible task, Danuka handles it all with grace and a smile.

Above: Danuka and Jenny, with their three kids

The Family Project Nangi: Working with Spouse and In-laws

For Danuka, Nangi is more than just a business—it’s a family project. Both Jenny and their sister-in-law, Ida, are deeply involved in its operations, and for Danuka, this brings great joy. "I think it’s mostly just a pleasure," he says about working so closely with family. Being honest and open with each other is a significant advantage, in his view. "You grow fond of colleagues, but there’s something special about working with the ones you love and trust."

Above: Danuka, Tharindu (Danukas brother), Ida (CTO) and Jenny

Jewelry as a Symbol

Although jewelry may not be Danuka’s greatest passion in everyday life, working with Nangi has given him a whole new perspective on the industry. "The fact that we get to be part of our customers' big moments just by designing a beautiful piece of jewelry – that’s incredibly cool," says Danuka. He finds it particularly rewarding when customers share stories about proposals, marriages, and "push presents" that have involved Nangi jewelry. "It’s really fun to create something that means so much to our customers," Danuka says with pride in his voice.

Above: His Rounded and Star Girl - Danuka has His Rounded in rose gold as a wedding band

Third Child and New Challenges: How Do You Balance It All?

With a third child recently born, it’s natural to ask how he manages the increasingly demanding balance between work and family life. Danuka laughs when asked about this and says with a twinkle in his eye, "Ask me again in a year!" However, he offers practical advice for others looking to start their own business: "Start before you have kids," he says with a chuckle, but adds that it’s important to plan well and give each other space to make mistakes and learn along the way.

The Future of Nangi: Growth in Norway and Abroad

When it comes to the future of Nangi, Danuka is optimistic. He has big ambitions for the jewelry brand, both in Norway and internationally. "It’s exciting to go from being a company in little Norway to becoming a brand that works outside of Norway," he says enthusiastically. His vision is clear – to grow step by step, building the brand both nationally and globally, and ensuring that Nangi continues to be a brand that holds meaning for its customers.

Danuka is a living example of how one can balance multiple roles – as a father, husband, consultant, and co-founder of a growing jewelry brand. His ability to blend two cultures, support his wife in her passion, and manage a busy daily life with a smile shows that with love, patience, and hard work, great success can be achieved.