When I looked up the meaning of the name Semhal using Google, two very pertinent descriptions came up: 'power, practicality, ambition' and, according to a user from Ethiopia, the name Semhal is of African origin and "It means Unique".'  Believe me, Semhal lives up to her name every step of the way.  Her delightful personality is a ray of sunshine.

Semhal Guesh, CEO of KABANA Leather

We met Semhal in 2017.  She took part in our Marketing Workshops sponsored by CESO.   We visited her little shop at that time:  three employees working in less than ideal conditions (a curtain for example separated the main area from the outside world).  But, we recognized her quality workmanship right away.   

2017 Workplace with 3 employees.

Semhal with two of her loyal workers in 2017.

Feb. 2019.  The new location of KABANA Leather: A modern building with good ventilation, nice big windows that allow for good natural lighting, excellent floor space.

The New Location of KABANA Leather

When they are working on a big order, Semhal employs up to 80 people at a time.
The factory is buzzing with activity when we visit.

Join us on a tour of the Kabana Leather Factory with owner, Semhal Guesh.
https://www.slideshare.net/LydiaSorflaten/kabana-leather-semhal-addis-ethiopia


An interview with Semhal Guesh, CEO of KABANA LEATHER, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Young, enthusiastic, fast growing manufacturer and exporter of quality leather bags. In two years her factory has grown from 3 employees to 80! KABANA is exporting to Europe, other African countries and the US.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgUxdBxOHuQ

Her delightful personality is a ray of sunshine. We are Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO) volunteers. We met Semhal two years ago (April 2017) and recognized her quality workmanship and are so proud that you invited her to be part of the business delegation of Ethiopian women entrepreneurs.

In this video, Semhal takes us on a short tour of the factory, then talks about the importance of the jobs that the factory gives.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gVRrH_1v04

Dondoor's Amazing Business Change: Congratulations Aaliyah

Two years ago Aaliyah faced a big decision. Her father was closing Dondoors.  If at 23 she was to set up business, Aaliyah had to find a new location, establish contacts, get a new telephone number, obtain machines,  decide on what products to focus on, design and make samples to take to the market all while finishing her Bachelors’ Degree in Architecture.   What she has done is amazing!  Previously, Aaliyah had helped her father with design.  She now runs the business.  Her father is available by phone for advice.    

Aaliyah and Lydia at Dondoor's New Location

She does promotion bags for conferences, sports events, holiday bags.  We were surprised to see brand names we recognize like Pizza Hut.  It's all a big challenge. 

 Marketing is the biggest part of the business. 

The handwoven, traditional is still possible to make but the bigger part of her business is the modern      

t-shirts, tights, boxers, gym sets along with the promotion bags.   

Gym sets ready for packaging.

    

Ladies at Dondoors at work.

Visit Dondoors factory in this slideshare presentation:

https://www.slideshare.net/LydiaSorflaten/dondoors-2019-addis-ethiopia

Dondoors Facebook page has excellent pictures their beautiful products: 

https://www.facebook.com/dondoors/

An interview with Aaliyah re the challenges of setting up a new company in Ethiopia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoYNyMnUCzw

Aaliyah is a member of one of the many Rotaract Clubs in Addis. 

Lydia gives Rotaractor Aaliyah a Rotary Pin from Canada.

One of the projectsof the club that Aaliyah has been involved with is the 'Yenta' school program.

 Rotact members sell postcards for sponsorship to supply school materials, uniforms and school fees for children from very low income families.  Postcards she says are three types:  1/4 year, 1/2 year, or full year sponsorship.  They sell these postcards in supermarkets, malls and restaurants.

 

 They also sponsor a school feeding program.  Her Rotaract club meets on Sunday every other week.  There are about 30 members.  Their web site reflects the enthusiasm that these young professionals bring to Rotaract.  They have a 'mother' Rotary club that helps them with money.  I am so impressed with the project work and involvements of this club!  Here is the link to her Roteracts' web page:

https://www.rclewet.org/projects/#

Aaliah talks about her involvement with Rotaract:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toHxHYr1Rn0&feature=youtu.be

https://www.rclewet.org/about/

The Home of H and H Ethiopian Gemstones

Since meeting through our workshops in April 2017, we have had an ongoing dialogue with an incredible couple who work with poor and disabled women in the Korah district of Addis. 

Shortly after returning from Ethiopia in 2017, Allan received this email from Pastor Dejene:

Saturday, April 22, 2017 Subject: Greetings Dear Allan Sorflaten Hope this email find you well and my name is Pastor Dejene, my wife Haregewoin was one of the participants in the training which you had facilitated this week. just l would love to say thank you and may God bless you for what you did during thee day training to encourage women's to involve in the business world with their potential. I have seen how much Hareg is revived to work hard to help her needy students. Blessings, Pastor Dejene Dinku

Oct 18th, 2018 Hareg she is trying hard on her jewelry work to get the market and to train more Needy women. Recently she moved her workshop to the family compound her sister gave to her house for free of charge till she able to settle her financial constrain and to support her passion. The other good news is she got polishing machine from the government with the support of CAWEE /Center of Africa Women Economic Empowerment/. The government facilities training to how to use the machine so that she selected three physically challenged women for three months training they graduated soon. Finally we thank God who brought us this far He is faithful we need your prayer support we may able to reach many many needy women holistically, pray also she need more jewelry makers material and beads, jewelry accessories, finishing material. Currently she is developing web site we will let you know when it is done.

We were so fortunate to be able to spend quality time with Hareg and Dejene while we were in Addis.  They invited the ladies whom Hareg has worked with, arranged training for and set up to make the jewelry to meet with us. (From Addis Aaba ministry of labor & social affairs disability temporarily  shelter).   Being welcomed into their home, we enjoyed a great visit and a traditional meal of injera was a special treat.  Another day, Hareg took us on a tour of the school where she taught Music.  

Dejene picked us up in his vintage VW!

Hareg proudly showing a polished agate
pennant.  

.

The following slide share tell the wonderful story.

https://www.slideshare.net/LydiaSorflaten/ethiopian-gemstones-and-jewelry-giving-employment-and-hope

Meet the ladies who create the jewelry.  See the pride as they show you their work.

https://www.slideshare.net/secret/IWVKdhggz5FMKA

We visit the school where Hareg taught Music.  You will see why this school is unique.

https://www.slideshare.net/LydiaSorflaten/visit-a-unique-school-in-addis?next_slideshow

Hareg and Lydia in front of the school where Hareg taught Music.

Hareg prepared a traditional meal of injera for us.

Link to their web site:    http://WWW.mghhgemjewelry.com