What led you to launch lemlem in 2007?

​L​emlem was founded as solution to a problem: the weaver community in my hometown of Addis Ababa (the capital of Ethiopia) was struggling to find work and I wanted to make sure they had a market for their beautiful craftsmanship.

We actually started as a children’s line, so for us, creating this collection is really going back to the beginnings of our brand.

Sales from your line benefit the lemlem foundation. Tell us a little about your organization's mission.

What originally started as a way to give these weavers a market has evolved into so much more. We want to influence the way the fashion industry perceives Africa. It is often seen as a destination for low cost manufacturing but we want it to be a source for highly skilled artisans and ateliers that can create for the luxury market.

You have two children. How do they inspire your work?

​When I started lemlem, my children were ​still young, and​ I always loved picking clothes out for them. ​Adding in the bonus of choosing beautiful, hand-woven garments made by artisans​ from ​my country made the pieces even more special.

What are some Mother's Day traditions you follow?

My kids usually make me breakfast in bed or cook me dinner. It’s something I ​look forward to ​every year.

What has motherhood taught you, and what do you love most?

Motherhood is a constant learning curve. There’s always something new. It’s been the toughest, but also the best​​ role in my life. My kids and I have so much fun together. They make me laugh. I love seeing the people they are becoming.

​One thing you learned from your own parents?

​My parents always emphasized the importance of helping others. It's something I ​​try to instill in my ​own.​