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ABOUT US
We source cotton from local farmers, which is then spun by local women’s cooperatives. Young staff members handle the dyeing process, while local women take care of winding the threads. Our master artisans skillfully weave the fabric, and dedicated women complete the fringe work and other finishing touches. Every aspect of our production is manual and labor-intensive, emphasizing our commitment to craftsmanship.
Weaving Heritage, Empowering Lives
Welcome to Shimena
Welcome to Shimena, a social enterprise dedicated to preserving the ancient art of weaving while empowering artisans in southern Ethiopia. Founded and managed by Firew Konjo, a skilled weaver artisan, Shimena takes its name from the Amharic word for ‘weaving’, symbolizing our commitment to this timeless craft.
Established in 2014, Shimena offers a diverse range of products, including scarves, hats, ponchos, home decor items, and towels. Our operations involve over 100 artisans working across two workshops in Arba Minch, where we handle the entire production process—from spinning and dyeing to weaving, stitching, finishing, and quality control. Each month, we proudly produce around 2,000 unique pieces.
Our journey began with the USAID-funded Ethiopian Sustainable Tourism Alliance (ESTA), which focused on community-based tourism and craft development. Although the program concluded in 2013, many artisans faced challenges in accessing markets due to marketing skills and language barriers. In response, Firew Konjo transformed the NGO model into a sustainable business, enabling artisans to sell their crafts in local, Addis Ababa, and international markets.
At Shimena, we are not just creating beautiful woven products; we are also committed to uplifting women and providing them with livelihood opportunities. By promoting weaving as a respected and profitable profession, we aim to change perceptions among the youth and support environmental sustainability, all while ensuring better income for the communities we serve. Join us in celebrating the rich heritage of weaving and the artisans behind it.
Our Craft
We take pride in sourcing raw cotton from local farmers, which is then:
- Spun by women’s cooperatives
- Dyed by young, trained staff using natural dyes from plants, grass, and roots
- Wound by local women
- Woven by master artisans
- Finished with care by dedicated fringe-makers and detailers
Every step of the process is manual, labor-intensive, and environmentally conscious, ensuring not just authenticity but also sustainability.
Vision
Shimena aspires to be globally recognized as a distinguished symbol of Ethiopian handwoven textiles—pioneering a model of community building and women's empowerment that inspires others to follow.
VALUES
- Authenticity
- Connection
- Fairness
- Empowerment
- Craftsmanship
- Preserving Traditions
- Sustainability
Mission
Shimena showcases the transformative potential of traditional, sustainable weaving practices by producing exceptional, culturally rich textiles that honor the heritage of the Gamo people in Ethiopia. By equipping women with expert weaving skills, Shimena seeks to uplift the artisanal community—nurturing sustainable livelihoods and strengthening family support systems. Through its commitment to preserving and promoting the art of weaving, Shimena aims to spark a passion for the craft among future generations, ensuring its enduring legacy. Shimena forges meaningful connections through weaving, fostering cultural exchange and cultivating a deeper reverence for traditional crafts.
BY FREW KONJO
Firew Konjo was born and raised in the Gamo Highlands of Ethiopia, an area renowned for its weaving traditions. Growing up in a family-oriented weaving community, Firew learned the craft while assisting his uncle. His skills were honed over time as he practiced on the loom when his uncle rested. The Ethiopian Sustainable Tourism Alliance (ESTA), a USAID-funded program, introduced him to craft development and market linkage. It trained many artisans but phased out in 2013, leaving over nine craft associations without market access. Realizing the need for marketing skills, Firew decided to shift the NGO model into a business that would bring these crafts to market.
In 2014, Firew founded Shimena in Arba Minch, starting with wholesale clients like Sabahar and Salem Designs, who remain loyal partners. Firew was motivated by the desire to change the perception of weaving among young people, who often saw it as a low-paying job and preferred urban, quick-money work. His goal was to revive the art, provide sustainable livelihoods for local women, and demonstrate that weaving is a respected, profitable business.
Learn
Firew learnt how to weave at a very young age, from his uncle who was a master weaver.
Market
Over the years, weaving started to decline and artisans began shifting to other professions due to the craft losing its value
Creative
Firew's passion towards weaving & a strong desire to restore its value, while supporting his community, led to the establishment of Shimena
Supportive
Traditionally, weaving was a man's job. But Firew, through Shimena, is now able to train women to weave!
Our Story
Firew konjo
In the highland of Gamo, located in southwestern Ethiopia, Firew konjo grew up watching his uncle, who was one of the community’s master weavers, weave intricate textiles .The Gamo people were known for their exceptional weaving skills, and it was a tradition passed down from generation to generation. As Firew grew up, he became fascinated with the art of weaving and the cultural significance it held. Years later, Firew started shimena, a brand dedicated to preserving the traditional of sustainable, handmade production using raw cotton from local farmers and natural dyes from plants, grass, and roots in the local area. In addition to this, Firew promotes female empowering through his brand by employing and training women to practice weaving. Traditionally, weaving has been a male –dominated practice in the Region. By sharing his story, Firew motivates others in the community to engage weaving and uplifting the empowerment of women and the preservation of traditions.
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