- Entrepreneur Danielle Gomez on what Christmas means to her
By Venessa Anthony
Danielle Gomez is a mother first, a wife second, and an entrepreneur third. The half-Sri Lankan, half-Danish lady was born and raised in tropical Sri Lanka and finds it to be a lovely island with so much potential. Gomez began her entrepreneurship when she was pregnant with her son Kai. Before that, she lived in Sydney, Australia for 10 years where she completed high school, her undergrad studies, and a Juris Doctor degree.
Currently, she lives a pretty hectic life, raising two babies under the age of two and running two businesses – Tropikai Swim and Smoobie Sri Lanka. She also has two dogs, her right-hand boy Button, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier she brought down with her from Sydney, and the little rascal Bogey, a Thai Schitzu.
She told The Morning Brunch that she’s very outdoorsy and enjoys a solid sea swim and playing sports. She just picked up golf after complaining that her husband spends too much time on the golf course, saying she was staying true to the spirit of “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!” We had a chat with Gomez about her seasonal plans and her aspirations for the new year.
Here’s what she had to say.
How will you be spending Christmas this year?
As I don’t have any immediate family in Sri Lanka at this time, I will be spending my Christmas with my husband’s very large family – it’s super fun! We generally like to attend midnight mass and then make it back home to open gifts (Santa generally visits whilst we are at church). It’ll be my daughter’s first Christmas so this will be a special one!
What would you say Christmas means to you?
Christmas means family, Christmas mass, and a scrumptious lunch. It also means giving back to those who are less fortunate – especially children.
What’s your most unforgettable Christmas memory?
Christmas in Hikkaduwa beach at Villa Saffron! It was unusual yet so much fun. It was just my parents, myself, and a few family friends. We rented the villa and the mummies made an incredible lunch and dinner. We did secret Santa and it was awesome dipping into the sea a couple of times throughout the day. Would love to experience this with my kids one day.
Holidays can be stressful sometimes. How do you like to unwind?
If things get too hectic, I cut back on particular social occasions and I’m in bed by 9 p.m. – right after putting the kids in bed and having some dinner, of course. I also enjoy going for a swim with the kids. On other days, I like lounging by the TV in the evening and getting my husband to rub my feet!
What would your perfect Christmas look like?
My day would start off with Sunday mass with the whole family. We’d then spend some time at an orphanage distributing gifts and chatting with the nuns (they tell the best stories). Then brunch with the entire family, including a carols session. And finally, end the day with a cool sea bath at sunset.
What is the best gift you’ve received?
My first dog named Koluu. He was a Boxer. Every Sunday, as a child, I’d take the HitAd and highlight all the puppies I wanted my parents to get me. They said no every single time but I’m pretty persistent. They did eventually surprise me with Koluu and he was absolutely incredible! It was truly an unforgettable day. If you know me, you know I love doggies and animals in general!
Any new year’s resolutions?
To practise patience and to do better and be better in every aspect of life.
What’s 2023 looking like for you?
Busy! I’ve got Tropikai Swim’s second swimwear collection launching in January and some new products coming into Smoobie. Most importantly, I’ve got Kai’s second birthday and Freya’s first birthday to plan. So let’s just say, the beginning of the year is just going to be crazy! But I know I’ll be absolutely fine as I have incredible friends and family around who will support me every step of the way.