Startup Story
Anna Karina de Sousa is the founder of Executive Nails in Mozambique, a business she launched specializing in aesthetics and beauty in 2019. Her business is dedicated to the treatment of hands and feet, with a range of specialist treatments on offer to customers. Executive Nails is highly differentiated with Anna creating and bringing to the Mozambican market a premium space with investment in the refinement, dedication and implementation of unique details such as gourmet catering, excellent service, investment in staff training, and official distribution of the Andreia Professional brand in the country.
In 2021, Anna decided to expand her business by partnering with the Qimari Estética aesthetic space, where Executive Nails are now present in their facilities. Also in 2021, she was named by Access Bank as one of the 100 Women Entrepreneurs in Africa, where she completed an MBA carried out by the bank, having been one of the few Mozambican finalists.
LoA learned more about this growing business and brand, and how Anna has big ambitions to become a market leader in the country.
Tell us more about yourself
I am a young Mozambican entrepreneur, 40 years old, married with two children, from a humble and hardworking family that has always been in favour of an education with values and returns. I graduated in Linguistics & Literature from the Faculty of Letters, at Eduardo Mondlane University. I later did my post professional technical training in the area of Communication & Design in Johannesburg, South Africa. I have 7 years of professional experience in the area of Internal Communication, Internal and Administrative Management in multinationals, together with a background of more than 5 years in the area of business and social events.
“We are always thinking about the customer as a priority, and always thinking about creating another special moment for the customer.”
What does your company do?
Executive Nails is a space dedicated to the treatment of hands and feet.
What inspired you to start your company?
Bringing a difference to the Mozambican market as it is a premium space with investment in refinement, dedication, and implementation of unique details such as gourmet catering service and excellence in service.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Unique details such as gourmet catering service, excellent service, investment in staff training, official distribution of the Andreia Professional brand in the country, among other details such as the introduction of individual booths with iPad’s and headphones for the customer to use with space services, choice of varnish color, service bell, automatic cell phone charging, choice of essence in exfoliation, creams, and oils, and much more. We are always thinking about the customer as a priority and always thinking about creating another special moment for the customer.
“My greatest satisfaction is being able to know that somehow the services provided by our company can help to raise someone's self-esteem.”
Tell us a little about your team
My team is mostly made up of young women, who, in addition to the experience acquired previously, underwent internal training, which is being done frequently as a way to improve the way we work with our customers. We are proud to be the same team since the foundation of the company. The business employs 21 people.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I have 7 years of professional experience in the area of Internal Communication, Internal and Administrative Management in multinationals, a background of more than 5 years in the area of business and social events, and in 2019 I decided to drop everything and I started to focus on my entrepreneurial side.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
My aspirations are to further expand the brand, become a leader in the aesthetics market, thus creating more jobs for women.
“My aspirations are to further expand the brand, become a leader in the aesthetics market, thus creating more jobs for women. “
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
My greatest satisfaction is being able to know that somehow the services provided by our company can help to raise someone's self-esteem.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
My advice to women who want to start is not to be afraid of making mistakes, be willing to work tirelessly to achieve your goals.
Contact or follow Executive Nails
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL annasousa.moz@gmail.com
Why LoA loves it…
Finding a niche in which to launch a successful business is often the most challenging thing to do, but Anna Sousa has found hers and is building a growing customer base as a result. She has launched a premium product offering for customers who want a more refined personal pampering experience, and that is making her business stand out in the marketplace. Anna understands what makes a differentiated product offering resonate with customers, and also what a luxury product experience needs to be. As a result, her business and brand are growing as discerning customers are seeking out her business offerings. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa