Startup StoryBusinessUpdated April 2023

From a Small Ethiopian Village to the Global Fashion Industry: Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu's Impactful Journey with soleRebels

She was particularly inspired by her mother's traditional weaving techniques, which she saw as having the potential to create high-quality, fashionable footwear. However, as she grew older, Bethlehem faced significant challenges. She struggled to find employment opportunities that aligned with her passion for social justice, and she saw firsthand the negative impact that poverty and lack of opportunity were having on her community. Despite these challenges, Bethlehem remained determined to create positive change. In 2005, she founded soleRebels , a footwear brand that utilized traditional Ethiopian weaving techniques to create stylish and eco-friendly shoes. However, Bethlehem faced many obstacles in growing her business. She lacked funding, had limited access to global markets, and had to navigate the complexities of global supply chains.

Read Time

4 min read

Company

Founder Story Profile

Outcome

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu was born in 1980 in the Zenabwork area of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Growing up, Bethlehem's parents instilled in her a strong sense of social justice and a desire to make a difference in her community.

From a Small Ethiopian Village to the Global Fashion Industry: Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu's Impactful Journey with soleRebels

Why This Story Matters

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu was born in 1980 in the Zenabwork area of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Growing up, Bethlehem's parents instilled in her a strong sense of social justice and a desire to make a difference in her community.

Story Overview

She was particularly inspired by her mother's traditional weaving techniques, which she saw as having the potential to create high-quality, fashionable footwear. However, as she grew older, Bethlehem faced significant challenges. She struggled to find employment opportunities that aligned with her passion for social justice, and she saw firsthand the negative impact that poverty and lack of opportunity were having on her community. Despite these challenges, Bethlehem remained determined to create positive change. In 2005, she founded soleRebels , a footwear brand that utilized traditional Ethiopian weaving techniques to create stylish and eco-friendly shoes. However, Bethlehem faced many obstacles in growing her business. She lacked funding, had limited access to global markets, and had to navigate the complexities of global supply chains.

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu was born in 1980 in the Zenabwork area of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Growing up, Bethlehem's parents instilled in her a strong sense of social justice and a desire to make a difference in her community.

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Story Snapshot

FounderBethlehem Tilahun Alemu
CompanyFounder Story Profile
IndustryBusiness
CountryGlobal
Revenue
StageGrowth
FundingBootstrapped
Read Time4 min read

Founder Context

Global