Startup Story
Jusaina Violanda is the founder of Nandzika Garden Center in Mozambique, a business dedicated to bringing nature closer to people’s lives through beautiful plants, green decor, and professional landscaping. She uses the power of plants at her garden center to help her customers create beautiful personal spaces and environments that enhance lives and fulfill the emotional need to be closer to nature.
LoA spoke to Jusaina Violanda at a recent Green Lioness Lean-In event where she was a guest presenter, to learn more about her passion for plants and her mission to bring nature closer to people in their homes and workplaces.
What does your business do?
At Nandzika Garden Center we specialize in landscaping, indoor decorations, and a range of products and services that bring nature close to people.
“What gives me the most satisfaction in being an entrepreneur is the impact that I have on other women by showing them that they can also be an entrepreneur and financially independent.”
“I want people to think of Nandzika as more than just a place for plants - I want them to see it as a place that can make them feel happier.”
What inspired you to start your business?
Since I was a child, I was exposed to plants while visiting my grandma. She had a beautiful yard with a variety of plants and vegetables, and that’s where my passion and love for plants began. In my family, we don’t have businesswomen, so I wanted to be a role model for the generations to come.
What makes your business so unique, what differentiates it in the marketplace?
I seek to connect with my customers by showing them that plants not only change environments but can also fulfill emotional needs.
Tell us about your team, what makes them special, how do they work together as a team
For us the most important element of our company is our workers, so we keep them motivated by listening to them, hearing their complaints, understanding their needs, and providing advice. At Nandzika, we make our team feel that this is their company, not just a place where they work, so they are committed to the brand. As a team, we have established clear systems that show who is accountable for each task, and each member knows that in order to achieve their tasks, the other members must complete theirs.
Share your entrepreneurial journey. Do you come from an entrepreneurial family?
I always wanted to do something impactful, but I never had the opportunity until I connected with other female entrepreneurs who showed me that I could also make a positive impact on people.
“We are very committed to providing quality to our customers. I aspire to be a point of reference across the entire country and, eventually, the whole continent.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your business?
My clients are loyal to me and my brand because of the quality of the products and services we provide. I want people to think of Nandzika as more than just a place for plants—I want them to see it as a place that can make them feel happier. We are very committed to providing quality to our customers. I aspire to be a point of reference across the entire country and, eventually, the whole continent.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The impact that I have on other women by showing them that they can also be an entrepreneur and financially independent.
What is the biggest piece of advice you can give to other young aspirant women entrepreneurs?
“You don’t need a diploma to be your own boss” - Anita Roddick
Find out more
Email: nandzikagardencenter@gmail.com
Why LoA loves it…
At Lionesses of Africa we are great believers in the power of following your passion and turning that into the inspiration for a business. After all, passion will keep you going when things get tough and will keep you motivated to achieve your goals. Jusaina Violanda, founder of Nandzika Garden Center, is doing just that with her business, and her passion for harnessing the positive power of plants to improve lives is what makes her brand stand out in the marketplace. She is building a following of like-minded plant fans who see the positive difference they can make in their lives, plus she is creating jobs and careers for the next generation of garden and green home creators. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa