Featured VentureMom – Liya Kebede Founder of Lemlem

On a trip to her native country of Ethiopia, supermodel Liya Kebede discovered that traditional weavers were losing their jobs due to a decline in local demand for their goods. Recognizing the beauty and rare quality of their work, Liya started lemlem in 2007 to preserve this ancient art form and simultaneously create job opportunities for local artisans. 

lemlem is an artisan-driven brand of beautiful women resort wear made entirely and responsibly in Africa, with a core mission of preserving the local art of weaving in Ethiopia and inspiring economic growth on the continent. Meaning to bloom and flourish in the Ethiopian language of Amharic, lemlem is a label of love, celebrating women and nature. Inspired by the unique Ethiopian handwoven patterns and the vibrant colorful combinations in the streets of Africa, lemlem is all about happy colors and stripes, creating new casual and chic pieces easy to wear on all occasions.

Since 2007, lemlem has expanded its presence in Kenya with ready-to-wear and Morocco with swimwear. lemlem is the first international brand made in Africa, with a core mission of inspiring economic growth in the region and preserving the local art of weaving.

“By employing traditional weavers, we’re trying to break their cycle of poverty, while preserving the art of weaving, to create modern, casual, comfortable clothes that we really want to wear.”

Slow fashion is our passion at lemlem. We’re committed to building a strong, fair and sustainable fashion industry in Africa, taking a holistic approach to production that values and upholds artisans, their craftsmanship, and their communities.