Startup Story
Taking a very customer-centric approach to skincare that celebrates and takes care of every individual’s needs is what drives Marla Edwina Taquidir and her business, Muthiana Orera. Today, the company is building a reputation for creating natural, high quality, proudly locally produced skincare products that are appealing to customers.
LoA chatted to founder Maria Edwina Taquidir recently to find out more….
What does your company do?
We are a Mozambican company that produces 100% natural cosmetics for skin, bringing better quality and creating well-being. Our natural cosmetics are made from natural raw materials, they do not harm the skin, guaranteeing aesthetic benefits, healthy skin and a balanced body.
At Muthiana Orera, we produce 6 kinds of products, including:
Shower gel
Aloe vera gel
Sunscreen
Body cream
Body moisturizer
Miracle oil
These products are produced according to the type of skin of each client (oily, normal, or dry skin) and by the type of aroma that the client prefers.
“The desire to be able to have my financial independence has always been something that has captivated me on this journey, but above all the power to do something different and beautiful in the market.”
What inspired you to start your company?
The desire to be able to have my financial independence has always been something that has captivated me on this journey, but above all the power to do something different and beautiful in the market. I am a Mozambican, and it is quite difficult to be recognized for merit and hard work, and I believe that I was born for this, to be able to break down these barriers and to be the gateway of many young women with huge and quite possible dreams.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
We work to satisfy our customer needs, and we always do this with love. For every order, we try to take into account the client's skin type, the type of scent (essence) that the client prefers, and we always try to make each client feel special.
“I am a Mozambican, and it is quite difficult to be recognized for merit and hard work, and I believe that I was born for this, to be able to break down these barriers and to be the gateway of many young women with huge and quite possible dreams.”
Tell us a little about your team
Our company is made up of 2 members. I am in the production part of the business, and my partner is in the marketing part of the company. I would say that we are still a very young company, but with our great dream and our desire to grow, we will expand this company and make it the best cosmetics company in the world.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I always wanted to be an entrepreneur, but I never fought to be one. At the insistence of my partner, I started selling cookies at college as a civil engineering student. It was during this time that I began to believe that I could be independent and have my own money. But after 6 months, I stopped making biscuits because I felt that my business was no different to many people who followed the same path, and I wanted to be different, I wanted to innovate and get people's attention. After 8 months, my partner and I created our brand "Muthiana Orera".
One month after we launched our brand, we were approved by UNDP Africa to travel to Uganda, and we attended a conference of young entrepreneurs. In March that year, we had our brand launched in one of the best magazines in Mozambique. In April, we were invited to participate in a RTP-Africa program. The power to create something different, and do it with dedication and love, has opened doors to various regions and borders.
“The power to create something different, and do it with dedication and love, has opened doors to various regions and borders.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
We want to expand our business to the provinces of our country and to different countries of the world. We believe in our potential, and we believe that everything is possible for those who believe in God and in themselves to achieve their dreams. Our vision is to make our company the preferred brand in the cosmetics market. And for this we believe that we must satisfy the needs of the customer guaranteeing better quality in the products
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The best satisfaction in being entrepreneurial is being able to help women on this journey. The power to ensure that with my story, they can believe that following a dream is enough to risk and move on. I believe so much in the women of my country and I will do everything through my business to inspire them to follow their dreams.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
The distance between us and our dreams is the fear we feel in trying. Just start, just believe, just do it.
Contact or follow Muthiana Orera
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL marlaedwina01@gmail.com
Why LoA loves it….
In Mozambique, there are many wonderful examples of strong, ambitious, passion-driven women entrepreneurs who are creating great businesses and quality products that customers want to buy. Marla Edwina Taquidir and her business, Muthiana Orera, are just such examples. Maria has a great vision, a great product line and brand recognition, and her business is set to really grow in the marketplace over the years to come. Definitely a business to watch over the next couple of years in Mozambique. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo of Lionesses of Africa