Vander Antonio’s Inspiring Journey with Senza Cosmetics
Vander Antonio’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and the pursuit of new opportunities. Originally from Angola, Vander’s career as a chemical engineer and translator took an exciting turn when he discovered Senza Cosmetics in 2018. His entrepreneurial spirit, fueled by the support of his fiancée, led him to embrace the challenge of starting his own business.
Vander’s relationship with Senza Cosmetics began at Maponya Mall, where he was captivated by the quality of their products. Over time, his commitment to the brand grew, and he envisioned expanding its presence in Angola. Despite the challenges of importing products, Vander’s dedication has paid off, with his business thriving and customers in Angola embracing Senza Cosmetics.
Through strategic use of social media, Vander has successfully reached and engaged his target audience. His story is a shining example of how passion, perseverance, and the right opportunities can lead to remarkable success.
Please introduce yourself. A: My name is Vander Antonio. I am originally from Angola and currently work as a chemical engineer. I also work as a translator for a South African company in my country. Additionally, I am passionate about climate change and sustainability.
Q: What inspired you to start your own business? A: I have always been someone who looks forward to new opportunities and challenges. When I discovered Senza Cosmetics, I saw it as a perfect opportunity to start my own business. The brand’s commitment to quality and innovation aligned with my own aspirations, and I knew it could fuel my eagerness to grow and succeed.
Q: Have you always had an entrepreneurial spirit? A: Yes, I believe I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. However, it truly blossomed when I met my fiancée. She has always been a source of motivation and encouragement, pushing me to strive for more and explore new possibilities.
Q: How did your relationship with Senza Cosmetics begin? A: My relationship with Senza Cosmetics began in 2018 when I started purchasing their products from a store at Maponya Mall. I was impressed with the quality and decided to stock up from different stores as I moved around. Over time, my relationship with the brand has grown stronger and healthier.
Q: What is your vision for your business? A: My vision is to expand Senza Cosmetics’ presence in Angola. I want to establish stores in my country because we lack locally manufactured perfumes. By bringing these products to Angola, I aim to make them big and widely recognized.
Q: How does it feel to know you are adding value to the African economy? A: It feels incredibly rewarding to contribute to the African economy and the perfume industry. The positive reception from customers in Angola has been overwhelming. I started with small quantities, but now I am selling hundreds of bottles, and I am confident that I can continue to grow and reach more customers.
Q: What strategies do you use to reach and engage with your target audience? A: Initially, I sold perfumes without any promotion on social media. However, I soon realized the importance of digital marketing. Now, I actively promote my products on Facebook and Instagram, which has significantly increased my customer base.
Q: Can you share some feedback from your customers? A: Generally, the feedback has been very positive. Customers appreciate the quality of the perfumes, although some have mentioned that certain scents could be stronger. Overall, the response has been encouraging, and I continue to receive good feedback.
Q: What role does the community play in your business model? A: The community plays a crucial role in my business. Understanding my target market and their preferences helps me tailor my offerings. The community’s support and feedback are invaluable in shaping my business strategies.
Q: What are some of your biggest challenges as a Senza Cosmetics agent? A: One of the biggest challenges is importing products to Angola. Finding efficient and cost-effective ways to import goods is an ongoing struggle, but I am constantly seeking better solutions.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring Senza Cosmetics agents? A: My advice is to go for it. Senza Cosmetics offers high-quality products that can yield good profits if marketed correctly. With the right strategies, anyone can succeed in this business.
Q: How do you see Senza Cosmetics contributing to the local economy and community development? A: By taking South African products to other countries, we are supporting the local economy and adding value to the currency. It also helps in promoting South African craftsmanship and quality on a global scale.
Q: Which product is your personal favorite? A: UMAL22-M Inspired by Ultra Male - Jean Paul Gaultier
Q: Which product is your customers’ favorite? A: WANT51-M Inspired by Wanted - Azzaro
Q: If you were to start over, what would you do differently? A: If I could start over, I would focus on digital marketing from the beginning. Initially, I relied heavily on word-of-mouth, but using social media from the start would have accelerated my business growth.