WHO WE ARE - MUYA ETHIOPIA

WHO WE ARE

Muya Ethiopia PLC crafts authentic, high quality, handmade household products inspired by traditional Ethiopian patterns for wholesale export. Muya’s product range includes beautifully woven soft furnishings, such as cushion covers, runner rugs, cotton throws, and table settings, distinctive fashion accessories like handbags and shawls, and exotic pottery and furniture.

Muya Ethiopia was founded in 2005 by entrepreneurial fashion designer Sara Abera. Her objective is to introduce the rest of the world to the rich heritage of traditional Ethiopian weaving, while incorporating modern textiles and fashion tastes.

Sara Abera also wanted to bring together and retrain Ethiopian weavers and craftsmen, so they could work in improved conditions and eventually find higher-value markets for their handmade products. In fact, the word “Muya” means “talent” in Ge’ez, Ethiopia’s ecclesiastical tongue which gave birth to Amharic Script.

Muya Ethiopia’s socially-responsible business model has earned it the distinction of being the first Ethiopian company to obtain highly-coveted International Fair Trade Association membership.

Currently, the company operates from its compound at Sidist Kilo, employing well over 150 people, mostly weavers. A similar, larger site is now under construction, so that a further 600 weavers and potters can join the business over the next five years.

With the assistance of prestigious sponsors, Muya displays its fair trade crafts at major, international trade shows including SIDIM Montreal, AMBIENTE Frankfurt, Première Classe Paris, New York Sources Show, Ougadougou Fiber, and Fair Trade Fashion Show.

Muya’s textiles are sold in some of the most up-market shops in the world – from Club 55 in St. Tropez to designer shops in New York, Tokyo, Athens, Vienna and Zurich.

Ethiopia is at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and Europe. It is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a dynamic modern society. Muya Ethiopia crafts authentic, high quality, handmade household products inspired by traditional Ethiopian patterns for wholesale export. Muya’s product range includes beautifully woven soft furnishings,such as cushion covers, runner rugs, cotton throws, and table settings, distinctive fashion accessories like handbags and shawls, and exotic pottery and furniture.

Using textiles and ceramics as the voice of expression, Muya Ethiopia shares the beauty, vitality and artistry of Ethiopia with the world. Sara Abera, Muya’s energetic and visionary designer, inspires master artisans to create sophisticated designs. Each luxurious piece is beautifully handmade and enriches the contemporary lifestyle.

Muya Ethiopia is an experienced exporter and the 2008 recipient of Ethiopia’s prestigious Millennium award. Muya is the first Ethiopian company to obtain membership in the World Fair Trade Organization.