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About
Florentina Agu is the founder and Creative Director of Hertunba, a Nigerian sustainable fashion brand that blends indigenous African weaving techniques with contemporary design. Rooted in heritage and craftsmanship, Hertunba is known for its bold silhouettes, ethical production, and commitment to preserving rare Nigerian textiles while promoting sustainability and fair labor practices.
She is the creative mind behind Hertunba, a sustainable fashion brand renowned for its vibrant, innovative and artistic designs. With over a decade of experience in business development, Florentina has transformed Hertunba into a recognizable name both in Nigeria and internationally.
Florentina’s fashion journey began at the age of 13, deeply influenced by her traditional Igbo upbringing. Encouraged to develop a skill, she took up sewing and found creative ways to excel academically by associating lessons with the colors of her teachers' outfits. Her entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on as she and her brother sold curry leaves in the market, a venture that laid the foundation for her future success.
While at the University of Port Harcourt, Florentina launched a profitable event planning business that funded her education and supported her siblings’ academic pursuits. This experience also helped her build a strong social structure that eventually led to her election as faculty president. Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, she learned the importance of empathy and leading with compassion, which now drives her passion for mental health advocacy. Florentina ensures her team feels valued and supported, fostering a healthy work-life balance within her company.
In 2020, she founded Hertunba to address the gap in the market for African-inspired fashion. The brand’s name is a blend of "Her" and "Otunba," a Yoruba title for a highly revered chief, reflecting Florentina’s dedication to creating pieces that exude power, strength, and honor. This name represents her respect for African heritage and her commitment to elevating it through fashion.
Florentina’s deep knowledge of textiles, passed down from her grandmother, has been key in preserving rare Nigerian weaving techniques. She is committed to ensuring fair compensation for artisans, inspiring a new generation of craftspeople dedicated to these traditions. Her goal is to elevate indigenous Nigerian artisanal techniques to a prestigious status, revitalizing a dying art form.
Hertunba is built on sustainable and ethical practices, with Florentina prioritizing recycling materials, minimizing waste, and ensuring fair labor conditions. Each design blends traditional African artistry with modern innovation, making Hertunba a symbol of elegance and cultural pride. As an advocate for mental health and employee well-being, Florentina leads with empathy, ensuring that her team thrives both professionally and personally.
Her vision for Hertunba is to build an African legacy house that brings pride to the continent on a global level.
Year Launched:
2020
Category/Categories:
Womens wear
