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We caught up with British-Tamil entrepreneur Vibushan Thirukumar, CEO and cofounder of Oru Space, a work space and cafe based in London. Get to know him below!
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Born in Trincomalee, raised in South London, managed to sneak into a grammar school to my parents' delight, managed to utterly fail university to my parents' disappointment, tortured myself to qualify as an accountant, which has been an absolute gateway to great things and people.
What are 3 values that help you guide your life?
1. If you’re going to bother doing something - do it properly.
2. Don’t accept only what life gives you.
3. Never listen to your parents.
What is Oru Space? What sparked the idea?
Imagine a utopian future, where work isn’t shit and people aren’t horrible, add yoga, Sri Lankan influenced food, the best coffee around and bam, you have Oru Space. Co-working + Hospitality + Well-being + Events.
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How did you get your idea off the ground?
I spent many evenings in the pub with my good friend and now cofounder complaining about spaces, places, food, coffee, opportunity and style. And decided to do something about it. I asked my parents to give me their shop, I developed it, I remortgaged their house, I sold my flat and took out loans and credit cards.
When you started your company, did you get any push back/face obstacles? How did you handle that?
Many....firstly we launched 8 days before the pandemic begun. Secondly everyone thought we're mad... co-working on a local high street? And food well... The most useful thing in the world is rejection. It shapes, motivates and guides you. Delivering vegetarian Sri Lankan influenced food to East Dulwich - people laughed at the idea, and now 400-600 people a day come to the cafe alone.
You’ve been around for about 3 years - do you feel proud of yourself and your accomplishments to date?
I haven’t really got the time to rest and celebrate, we’re developing a second site which is 8 times the size at 40,000 sq ft. Our East Dulwich site is going to have another floor added to it AND we’re going launch a restaurant/evening service soon.
What’s a major win and a major challenge you’ve dealt with in your business this past year?
Major win... we’re not bankrupt and we’re not compromising on our values. Major challenge...I don’t know where to start.
What are a few character traits that you think entrepreneurs need to have or develop that are essential for success?
I think you have to be excited by risk. Without taking any risks you achieve nothing unique. You must look after yourself. To be a good version of yourself is incredibly important, and not being miserable, allows decision making to be so much easier.
How do you spend your free time?
I have a half dachshund/yorkie called Wolfie AND I adore my nieces and nephew Sia, Nila & Kailan. I also practice Mysore yoga with an incredible instructor, Tom. That’s about it. OH I also try and replicate my mum’s cooking, it works out about 80% of the time.
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As an entrepreneur, what are some great resources or people to look to for inspiration in managing and growing a business?
Become or get to know an accountant who understands the value of things as much as the cost of things. Spend time understanding your people: your team, your customers.
How has the British-Tamil community impacted you both personally and professionally?
To be honest I’ve drifted somewhat away from my Sri Lankan friends but the family has remained very prominent in my life. We have three Sri Lankans in Oru and work with a further few.
Favourite Tamil food?
Where to begin... Kirributh and meen kolombu? Rice, the green aubergine curry and mutton curry? Paavakai yoghurt salad thing?
What does Tamil culture/identity mean to you?
It means struggle, it means working hard, it means we have the best food in the world. I take it as an opportunity to try and build bridges between different cultures, what’s happened in Sri Lanka and all over the world starts with how we talk to one another and how we treat one another.
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Our MTD couple was captured by our UK photography partner Photon Image by Daran.
