Tuesday Treasure: lemlem

Hi Dolls!

This is probably the most inspirational Tuesday Treasure feature I will ever do... I absolutely LOVE the whole concept behind this amazing company. I especially love what the founder Liya Kebede, is trying to accomplish. Liya, who is Ethiopian by birth, started the company lemlem, with such a heartwarming and inspiring objective in mind: To preserve the ancient artform of traditional weaving which she realized was dwindling in Ethiopia.

From the website:

Liya Kebede discovered that traditional weavers in her native country of Ethiopia were losing their jobs due to a decline in local demand for their goods and wanted to do something about it. Recognizing the beauty, quality and historic significance of their work, Liya started Lemlem in 2007 as a way to inspire economic independence in her native country and to preserve the art of weaving.

Isn't that amazing? I'm so happy to know this thriving company is providing employment to people that deserve to show off their skills and bringing attention to a treasured artform such as weaving.

The concept behind lemlem hits especially close to home because I too have found different artforms to be dwindling in my home country of Angola, where I currently reside, due to the highly westernized lifestyle of the younger generation. Arts such as shoemaking, basket-weaving, jewelry-making, and more are all but forgotten in today's fast-paced environment.

I've had ideas swimming in my head for a while now, and since hearing about lemlem, I'm THAT much more inspired to make a difference among Angolan artisans!

This is definitely not the last you will hear from me regarding this concept. But for now, please check out lemlem, support the business, and spread the word!