LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Mozambique’s The House of Agness, a pioneer in floral design luxury and modernism
Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is the founder of The House Of Agness in Mozambique, a unique contemporary floral design company inspired by minimalism and sustainability. She is passionate about all things minimal and meaningful, and her business reflects that passion. The House of Agness focuses on contemporary floral design thats seeks to become evermore sustainable in the techniques used in its designs, such as foam free arrangements. Another notable characteristic of The House Of Agness brand is that it seeks to empower women through its supply chain, being that 90% of their suppliers are made up of women-owned businesses. With 5 years in the marketplace, this brand has surely become a reference point for Luxury and Modernism, both in Mozambique and beyond its borders.
Lionesses of Africa spoke to founder Mariana this month about her business, her incredible entrepreneurial journey to date, and her aspirations for the future.
What does your company do?
The House of Agness is a contemporary floral design company, started in 2015 and inspired by minimalism and sustainability. Products and services include, but are not limited to, the deliveries of signature boxes, bouquets, gift boxes and onsite floral services, as well as corporate event management and design. The primary flowers include roses, orchids, hydrangeas and peonies (seasonal). The company takes pride in the preserved flower collection where a rose can last for as long as 2 years in the company’s signature acrylic boxes.
What inspired you to start your company?
My mother Rosa (ironically means Rose in Portuguese) has always been by biggest inspiration. She has always had a curiosity for entrepreneurship. Coming from a very small village in northern Mozambique she used to sell candy and chips close to schools in Maputo to become financially independent in the late 80s, early 90s.
What makes your business, service or product special?
Our products and services are all designed around our customers. We make the process as simple and pleasant so that our customers can feel our passion and efficiency throughout their experience. We have designs for all occasions and always make sure to take a step further in personalizing the orders.
Tell us a little about your team
From a one-woman show, the company now employs a total of 14 people. Our oldest employee was discovered selling flowers in the informal market roughly five years ago as at this stage I had very little knowledge of what I had gotten myself in to. He was friendly, energetic and curios, characteristics that have led to the employment of the rest of the team, all coming from completely different professional backgrounds. The team or as we call, the Family has grown to become unified and to act accordingly.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My mom’s Candy & Chips sales are as far as I go with an entrepreneurial background. Growing up I was exposed to small events that I believe led me to where I am today. From selling cookies at middle school for us to make money for our school trips, from becoming a dance teacher at the age of 14, and from occasionally selling candies on Children's Day, I believe I was trying to find my way. In 2015, as I was juggling between finishing my Bachelors degree thesis and working at a bank, I decided to start my hobby/business focusing on my love for flowers. After some research I realized there was a gap in the market for contemporary floral design. A few life decisions after, The House Of Agness Flower Box was created.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
I aspire for an evermore inclusive and sustainable business that will contribute substantially to the development of my community, starting with the empowerment of girls and women. To make The House Of Agness Brand evermore recognised locally and globally.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The biggest satisfaction comes being part of very special life events of my customers, many of whom today a very good friends of ours. Another aspect of the satisfaction of being an entrepreneur is having the freedom to plan and schedule my time according to my life's priorities. My brand means everything to me and so does the time I am able to make to be with my family and friends and also finding some time for myself.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
The only thing stopping you is, well - you! Just like its certain that the rest of the days of your lives will come with highs and lows, make sure you are going through it on your "favourite" rollercoaster (and of course profiting while doing it). Make sure to surround yourself with people that challenge you physically, mentally, spiritually and that will be there for you when the going gets tough. Be curious and invest in your own skills development and that of your team. Your brand is only as good as the people behind it.
Find out more
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | EMAIL hello@thehouseofagness.com
