Welcome to the world of florist, where flowers come to life with love and creativity. Discover our story, our passion for flowers, and our commitment to making every moment memorable.
OUR TEAM
Shimena Team
At Shimena, our dedicated team—from spinners and weavers to sewers and finishers—works together to preserve Ethiopia’s textile heritage. Since 2014, we’ve empowered artisans with fair wages and sustainable jobs, blending tradition and modern design under the vision of founder Firew Konjo.
Artisans
We are dedicated to preserving Ethiopia’s centuries-old hand spinning and weaving craft. Despite the rise of mass-produced textiles, our artisans continue to face challenges like low income and also the disappearing of craft.
We are committed to changing this narrative. Since 2014, our team of skilled artisans has been provided with fair wages, sustainable employment, and ongoing training to enhance their craft, manage finances, and improve their well-being. Our mission is to empower artisans, restore confidence in traditional weaving, and create a cycle of prosperity for the community.
GARDENERS
Our main production area is surrounded by cotton field and fruits orchard in Arba Minch.Markose and Teka ,our skilled staff ,manage and cultivate these plantations.
SPINNERS
Our spinning department is group of 6 talented women artisans. Thier name is Addis,Adanche,Asnakech,Abyneshe,Timket and Tshaye (from Right to left) .They are responsible to hand spin cotton and silk into thread on spinning wheels.
DYERS
Abushe,Taddese,Tigist and Eyob Togther these talented dyeing artisan combine their knowledge ,creativity,and dedication to ensure that every piece of fabric not only reflects the beauty of color but also tells a story of craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
Winders
Our winding work is a key step in preparing for our hand weaving. It involves transferring yarn from one package to another, such as from a hank, babbin or ring to a larger package. These works are done by our talented Artisan Konjo and Desta.
WEAVERS
At Shimean, we take immense pride in preserving traditional weaving techniques while embracing modern innovation—brought to life by the skilled hands of our dedicated artisans.
From left to right, meet the talented individuals behind our craft: Meskerm, Joblo, Abera, Kalante, Dirsha, Kebebush, Almaz, Banchi, Kapte, Sefu, Tesfahune, Werku, Melese, and Teshale.
Each artisan plays an essential role in creating our textiles, blending deep-rooted cultural heritage with contemporary craftsmanship. Together, they weave not just fabric, but stories—infusing every piece with care, skill, and a legacy that lives on in every thread.
SEWERS
Our Sewing Department is led by a talented team of skilled professional women who bring each product to life with precision and care.
From left to right, meet the creative hands behind the craft: Helen, Lemlem, and Mhiret.
Together, they oversee every aspect of the sewing process—expertly completing a diverse range of items, from elegant kaftans to stylish jackets. Their dedication to detail, craftsmanship, and quality ensures that every piece reflects the high standards and design excellence we stand for.
FRINGERS
Our Fringing Department is dedicated to adding the perfect finishing touch to each piece we create. From left to right, meet the skilled team responsible for meticulously crafting the edges of our hand-woven shawls and other products: Betty,Amarch and Saron.
These artisans carefully collect the hand-woven items from our weavers and expertly twist each fringe, knotting them by hand to ensure precision and perfection. Their craftsmanship elevates our products, adding a beautiful, refined edge that showcases the attention to detail and quality we are known for.
IRONERS
Our Ironing Department plays a key role in ensuring that every product is presented with the utmost care and precision. Aletaseb and Sada are responsible for pressing and refining our textiles, making sure each piece is perfectly smooth and ready for its final presentation. Their dedication to quality and attention to detail ensures that every item we create maintains a polished, professional appearance.
FINISHERS
Our Finishing Department is dedicated to ensuring that each product meets our high standards of quality and perfection. From left to right, meet the talented team responsible for the final touches:Mentwabe,Yenu and Mestwat.
They sew on labels, remove excess threads, trim fringes to ensure uniformity, and conduct thorough quality checks on every product. Their attention to detail guarantees that each item is finished to the highest level of craftsmanship before it reaches our customers.
LEADERSHIP
Shimena is fortunate to be guided by a dedicated leadership team that ensures the smooth operation of the company and the well-being of our artisans. Our management team, comprising six individuals—three of whom are women—brings a wealth of experience and knowledge that forms the backbone of our company. Their collective expertise drives the decision-making process and shapes the direction of the business.
While our talented artisans bring our textiles to life with their craftsmanship, it is the leadership behind them that ensures their beautiful work reaches the world. The commitment and vision of our leadership team enable us to support our artisans and sustain the values of quality, creativity, and sustainability that define our products.
OUR FOUNDER
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.
