Nanna Hoffman

Nanna Hoffman (1846–1920), was a Swedish entrepreneur.[1]

Nanna Hoffmann Idun 1893, nr 23

She became the owner and managing director of the August Hoffmanns pianofabrik ('August Hoffman Piano Factory') in Stockholm after her late spouse August Hoffman in 1884. The Swedish piano industry was very small. In the 1870s, the business almost went bankrupt in competition to the import of foreign pianos because of the new piano method, which was not known in Sweden, and to which her husband could not adapt. Nanna Hoffman managed to become the Swedish agent for the American piano manufacturer William Steinway and convince him to give her permission to use his technique in Sweden. In combination with the new import taxes which was introduced, this resulted in a great success for Nanna Hoffman's industry, which revived the piano industry in Sweden.

She was interviewed in Idun (magazine) in 1893, during which she described her difficulties taking ower the company:

"How I worked to learn the profession, which was now to become mine, and how many times I prayed to God, that I should succeed! And when my workers, my capable, skillful workers now and then complained about my pickiness, I only replied: "Just than God that I am thorough, because on that depends the existence of both me and you!" I also had a great help in the fact that I was musical, and was able to understand for myself if an instrument was good or not."[2]

She was given a Royal warrant of appointment in 1912 as the first of her trade in Sweden, stating herself that she had been a purveyor to the royal court of Sweden informally since 1892.[3] She was given the Illis quorum for her contribution to Swedish industry.