Last Sunday marked our fifth anniversary. I posted this photo on Instagram the day I launched Bolé Road. It was taken at a pivotal time in my life that planted the seeds for starting something in Ethiopia.⠀
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I was born in Addis Ababa. My family and I emigrated to Canada when I was three, then to the US when I was seven. I spent the rest of my childhood on Long Island, NY, and went on to study interior design at Cornell in Ithaca, NY.⠀
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When I was in my third year of design school, I made my first trip back to Ethiopia. I was so overwhelmed by the feeling of embrace, belonging, and kinship I felt that I knew I had to keep coming back.⠀
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What I experienced wasn't unique to me, I think everyone from anywhere, who visits Ethiopia feels this spirit.⠀
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I started Bolé road because of my love for Ethiopia. I hope that love translates through our work. ⠀
In honor of our five years, I've been sharing how we create our line from start-to-finish on Instagram. I'm still in awe of the craftsmanship of our artisans in Ethiopia. I look forward to creating collections with them for years to come.
Heres to a brighter future together,
Hana