Startup Story
Irene Isac Mavie is the founder and CEO of Mavie Cosméticos in Mozambique. As a lover of creativity, her business is focused on the supply of natural and handmade cosmetics which are of good quality. Her business model takes into account ensuring accessibility of the product range for her customers.
LoA chatted to Irene Mavie this month to learn more about her business and her aspirations for the future.
What does your company do?
My company, Mavie Cosméticos, produces natural and handmade cosmetics. We have soaps, shampoo, creams, scrubs and other products. We start from the acquisition of the raw material until the quality end product reaches the customer.
“To be an entrepreneur is to be willing to give your time, it is to know that if you don't do it, no one will do it for you.”
What inspired you to start your company?
I've always enjoyed creating things since I was a child, but I never thought about taking it to my professional side. Then came the pandemic and the confinement, and I felt the need to occupy my mind so I wouldn't watch the time go by. When I started I only sold coconut oil and had no notion of the existence of other products. Then the creativity started! I love the art of creating, and that's where the inspiration for the other products came from. It is a huge satisfaction every time I create a new product.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
What makes my products special is the shape and purpose of their creation. When we love the product we are making, it is reflected in some way, and when we create it in order to improve something for others, we guarantee the difference it makes.
“Entrepreneurship has given me a different view of life. It is very satisfying to look back and to see that I am making progress.”
Tell us a little about your team
My company has counted on the help of its employees, and they are people who like the work they do. They have been very understanding and committed which has added great value to the company.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
It all started in 2020, after my graduation. At first it was complicated because it was all new, so I needed to understand myself, mainly because it was the same year the pandemic started. The reality of the entrepreneurial life was different from what we imagined, so it has been a journey of challenges and discoveries. I have set a goal, from which I follow. To be an entrepreneur is to be willing to give your time, it is to know that if you don't do it, no one will do it for you. It is to know that directly or indirectly it will influence your life or change it. I have learned a lot and entrepreneurship has given me a different view of life. It is very satisfying to look back and to see that I am making progress and I've helped to regain people's self-esteem. That is gratifying. I come from an entrepreneurial family, my father is a fashion designer, my grandmother has always worked in sales, and my brother works with photography.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
I work to make Mavie Cosméticos sustainable and to reduce plastic use in our packaging. To have a good distribution network and to use local primary suppliers (in order to help mine) and get to a level of business so that I can train my staff by myself.
“As an entrepreneur what gives me satisfaction is the acceptance of the market and achieving their satisfaction, being able to look back and analyze the obstacles I have overcome and to be able to feel the impact of my business.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
As an entrepreneur what gives me satisfaction is the acceptance of the market and achieving their satisfaction, being able to look back and analyze the obstacles I have overcome and to be able to feel the impact of my business.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
For all women, first choose what you really like and want to do. Don't expect to put together everything you need to get started, start with you. We’re capable, we’re worthy and we're going to make it. It won't be easy, it doesn’t have to be, but we’ll do it heartily and with all the guts we have for us, and for all who can use us as an example.
Contact or follow Mavie Cosméticos
FACEBOOK | EMAIL mavieireneisac@gmail.com
Why LoA loves it…
There is always something special about seeing a creative person turning their talents to the world of entrepreneurship, and creating goods and services that people want or need to buy. Irene Mavie is doing just with her natural cosmetics business, building a brand that people love and can trust, and at the same time, fulfilling her business building dreams. Now, that’s a creative win-win! — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa