Texbrasil talks to Rosana Marques, CEO at Ouseuse and winner of the UN Export Potential Award

The Empretec Women in Business Awards 2018 were held in Geneva, Switzerland on October 25, promoted by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Rosana Marques, CEO of the Ouseuse apparel company, a member of Texbrasil (Brazilian Textile and Fashion Industry Internationalization Program) – held through a partnership between Apex-Brasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency) and Abit (Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association) — was among the ten finalists of the grand award of female entrepreneurship, taking home the price in the Potential in Export category.

The awards honor women who have participated in Empretec, an entrepreneurship training program developed by the UN and carried out in Brazil by Sebrae. Rosana was the only Brazilian among the 50 women chosen to compete for the prize. For 24 years, Ouseuse has made underwear and been an active participant in the economic development of the city of Juruaia, in southern Minas Gerais.

Rosana’s leadership contributed to transforming the small farm community into a lingerie hub made up mostly of apparel factories helmed by women. In addition to running the company, she carries out activism projects connected to entrepreneurship and campaigns such as Amigas do Peito (Bosom Friends), which helps women breast cancer survivors that have undergone mastectomies to recover their self-esteem. The company is currently found in every state in Brazil and exports to countries such as Belgium, Germany, Japan, Portugal, Italy and Greece.

Texbrasil spoke with Rosana about entrepreneurship and her experience in Geneva. Below are some snippets from the interview:

Texbrasil: What is the importance of this achievement to you?

Rosana Marques: It was one of the greatest achievements of my life. It was wonderful to represent Brazil and Brazilian women at an event of this size. I left Geneva really strengthened to continue my work, our social and environmental and association projects, making our city of Juruaia more and more prominent, and continuing to make a difference in people’s lives. Always endeavoring and inspiring other women to embark on their own endeavors.

Texbrasil: Were you expecting to be nominated?

RM: It was a surprise to be nominated and even better to be chosen to be among the 10 finalists. I am really very happy for the recognition and to participate in the event and bring home the Export Potential Award. Experiencing all of this has impacted my history.

Texbrasil: Do you have any advice for people that want to start a venture?

RM: An entrepreneur’s first action is always to serve and resolve consumers’ problems, whether the solution is through services or products. An entrepreneur meets demands and needs and, more than anything, always believes. A good business is any business to which you are dedicated and believe in.

Texbrasil: And what is your internationalization strategy?

RM: Investing in products and especially in innovation is at the base of our strategy. We also want to invest in international trade shows and fashion shows. Our target markets are the USA, Arab countries and Europe.

About Texbrasil

The Brazilian Textile and Fashion Industry Internationalization Program (Texbrasil) works with textile and apparel industry companies to develop strategies for success in the global market. Over nearly 20 years, it has helped around 1500 brands to enter the export market, bringing in USD 3.6 billion in business. The Program is conducted by Abit in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil).