Many consumers are becoming much more discerning and knowledgeable about the cosmetics they buy and put onto their skin. But finding good quality organic cosmetic products that celebrate local, natural plants and production techniques can be difficult. That’s where Mozambican entrepreneur, Selma Uamusse, founder of Nhani comes in. She is producing great quality, organic cosmetic products that customers want to buy and can trust.
LoA spoke to Selma this month to find out more.
What does your company do?
Nhani is a company dedicated to the production of cosmetics from organic products. From traditional plants we produce ready-to-use organic cosmetics.
“Nhani is a company dedicated to the production of cosmetics from organic products. From traditional plants we produce ready-to-use organic cosmetics.“
What inspired you to start your company?
In my teens I started to suffer from some dermatological diseases, so I had to pay close attention to the products I used. Since most of the products were imported and very expensive, I decided to create my own products where I would better control the quality and composition.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
The fact that we bring to market local plants and materials that were once used for cosmetic purposes in the form of a ready-to-use product. As I usually say, "a little Mozambique in each product”.
“We bring to market local plants and materials that were once used for cosmetic purposes in the form of a ready-to-use product. As I usually say, "a little Mozambique in each product.”
Tell us a little about your team
Our team is currently composed of myself as founder and the person responsible for production; a good friend of mine and colleague Aurore who comes from Rwanda and who is responsible for research and planning; and also Arquimedes from Mozambique who is responsible for financial management.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My biggest influence was my mother who at the time was a single mother, and who besides working in the government had to do some business to support her six children. At the age of 10, I was already helping to sell chickens and eggs at home; at the age of 16 I started making party invitations and favours; at 19 I became my aunt's business partner making cakes, snacks and desserts for parties. In the midst of all this I was making rustic bijous, lining bags and shoes. I liked all that I did, but in none of the things did I identify and feel fulfilled until late last year I started making soap for myself.
“My future plans and aspirations for the company are to create specific lines of organic cosmetics, and be a national and international reference for Mozambican organic cosmetics.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
To create specific lines of organic cosmetics, and be a national and international reference for Mozambican organic cosmetics.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Helping people who have health difficulties like mine.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Don't wait for someone to make your dreams come true, get up and do it because you're the only one who can.
Contact or follow Nhani
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL sece.uamusse@gmail.com
Why LoA loves it….
They say that often you are own best customer, and that if you know the types of products you need to meet particular challenges in your life, then the chances are that others will too - and there you have a market for your business. For entrepreneur Selma Uamusse, her starting point came as a result of needing to find organic solutions for her own particular skincare needs and challenges. Today, she has built a successful business around the creation of natural soaps that are kind to the skin and the environment, a recipe for success. — Melanie Hawken, founder & CEO, Lionesses of Africa