As CEO of BARNES Mauritius, her ambition is to offer a high-end service that redefines luxury real estate on the island. Today, the brand is one of the market leaders, thanks to its visionary approach and its commitment to the core values of the luxury industry.
In this interview, Outi invites us to understand what motivated her to embark on this journey, what luxury means to her, and how she views the evolution of the Mauritian real estate market. Discover the story of a woman whose ambition and determination have continually paved the way for success!
Hello! Your experience has led you to work in countries as diverse as Finland, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and now Mauritius. What inspired you to explore such different professional and cultural horizons?
I’ve always had a bit of an adventurous spirit. When I was a young, newly qualified agronomist in my native Finland, the opportunity to work in Africa came up, and I seized it. At the time, I don't think I had any grand inspiration other than the natural curiosity that comes with youth
Could you tell us about the reasons that led you to embark on the journey of founding BARNES Mauritius, and what does this project represent for you today?
The reasons initially were pretty simple. I arrived on the island with two professional qualifications, neither of which met the demands of the industry at that time. I had three young children under the age of seven, and I didn’t speak French. So, I started a small rental company, which grew organically and eventually became BARNES Mauritius. Today, it represents something very special to me - my creation, my “baby.” Of course, I had help along the way from various people, but the energy and drive have always been mine.
In your opinion, what truly defines luxury, and what values are essential to building a career in this sector?
Luxury is something rare, something we desire, something we aspire to attain. For one person, it might be a luxury car; for another, it could be a grand house, and for someone else just silence or time alone.
The key is to understand the client- listen to them, feel what they need, and understand what their personal version of luxury is. It’s also essential to always remain true - true to ourselves first and foremost, and then true to what we do and what we represent.
Mauritius is an increasingly attractive real estate market. What trends do you see emerging in the luxury real estate market on the island, and how is BARNES Mauritius positioning itself in response to these new dynamics?
The main trend is that the demographic of our clientele and their expectations are shifting. We are seeing more real lifestyle seekers - clients who are not just looking for second homes or holiday properties, but for a place where they can settle and build their future life here in Mauritius.
Our agents are highly qualified and experienced, continuously receiving guidance and training. They are well-prepared to understand each client’s unique needs and advise them on the best options available in the market.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for the future of BARNES Mauritius and, more broadly, your personal ambitions for the years to come?
The timing of this question is tricky! There are some big plans for the future of BARNES Mauritius that I can’t share just yet. However, they will be revealed very soon, so stay tuned!
And to end on a personal note, if you were...
- A piece of music: Famous Blue Raincoat. There is certain melancholy in me that only those close to me know about.
- A place: Angela Island, my special place in Finland
- A flavor: Anything savoury
- An emotion: Joy
