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Genet Berhe

Skyline designing school

My name Genet Mekonnen, Co-Founder and Managing Director of SEGEN, an artisan leather brand based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I am married, a mother of four boys, and an entrepreneur passionate about creativity and craftsmanship. Before joining the creative industry, I worked as a nurse for many years. My journey into design began when my sister, Senait, encouraged me to work with her and sent me to a design school. That opportunity changed my life, I discovered a deep passion for leather craftsmanship and the joy of creating bags that blend functionality, elegance, and Ethiopian artistry. At SEGEN, I lead our design and production, ensuring that every piece reflects our philosophy that “Variety is Beauty.” My nursing background taught me patience, precision, and care qualities I now apply to every design and decision. My transformation from nurse to designer and entrepreneur has been a journey of courage and purpose. Through SEGEN, I hope to inspire other women, especially mothers, to embrace new beginnings, believe in their creative potential, and turn their dreams into reality

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Ankelba

Category: Accessories

Competitions: Africa

SEGEN Signature Story: The Ankelba We are the result of our history. From childhood to adulthood, every experience leaves its mark on us. Every joy, every challenge, every lesson, and every triumph becomes part of who we are. At SEGEN, we believe that every piece of our story is a patch, and every patch tells a story. Our signature patchwork designs are inspired by the human journey. Just as individual leather pieces are carefully joined together to create something beautiful and strong, our lives are shaped by the many experiences that form our identity. Even our scars have meaning. They are reminders of where we have been, what we have overcome, and how we have grown. When we embrace our past, we begin to heal. We discover beauty in our imperfections and strength in our struggles. Our weaknesses, mistakes, and challenges become the building blocks of our character. As the saying goes, what does not break us makes us stronger. This philosophy inspired the creation of the SEGEN Ankelba Collection. Ankelba is a traditional leather carrier used by generations of Ethiopian families to carry children on their backs. For many of us, the Ankelba represents our earliest connection to love, protection, and belonging. It reminds us that before we learned to walk on our own, we were carried by others—our mothers, fathers, grandparents, and communities. Today, as adults, we carry different responsibilities. We carry our families, our dreams, our businesses, our communities, and the next generation. The role has changed, but the spirit of carrying remains the same. By transforming the traditional Ankelba into a contemporary luxury leather bag, SEGEN bridges heritage and modern life. The design honors the generations who carried us while celebrating the generations we now support. It is a symbol of continuity, resilience, and responsibility. Every Ankelba-inspired bag tells a story: a story of where we come from, who carried us, and what we choose to carry forward. At SEGEN, we believe that variety is beauty, and every life story deserves to be celebrated. Through the Ankelba Collection, we invite people to carry not only a bag, but also a reminder of their roots, their journey, and the legacy they are creating for future generations.

In association with Arts Thread

Working with our partners at Arts Thread to develop lifelong learning and career opportunities for students of fashion and design. Our partnership provides the opportunity to compete on a world stage, participate in industry led workshops, set up an outstanding portfolio and gain access to the resources that will kickstart careers in fashion and design.