Building a street to the future with YEMA
It's curious how sometimes you may start from scratches and reach all your desires through courage or luck. The stories of those who have stubbornly carved out their own way are fascinating and intriguing. And so is YEMA's story.
YEMA is an American fashion startup that sells products ranging from clothing to accessories and household items, while at the same time supporting the future of African children. For each piece sold, 20% is donated to orphaned children in the slums of Kibera, Kenya, and Ethiopia. The goal? Help to create a future for the next generation.
Since 2016, the founders committed in creating a brand that is ethically attuned to problems facing the African continent. And when the mission is a result of personal life-journeys, it gets even significant value. Hawi Awash and Yema Khalif first connected at a university in California. Him having grown up in difficult circumstances while she being a refugee, they established their love story and shared endeavor. Using their history as a starting point, they concentrated on what the demands of tomorrow's adults would be. They take advantage of their ability and noble intentions to provide African youngsters with the same possibilities they did.
Here’s a brief introduction they’ve shared with their community on their website:
“I grew up in Kibera slums (the largest slum in Africa) in Nairobi, Kenya. My neighborhood didn’t have clean running water, good schools, and job opportunities, much less TV or online shopping. I was born in a family of 8 and my parents could barely afford school fees, so I had to drop out of high school on several occasions even though I was getting good grades. After struggling to graduate from high school, I was stuck in the slum with no money to go to college, no job and no opportunities to make something of myself. Six years later, I was given a chance to come to the US to study Communications and Media at Dominican University of California through Road to Freedom scholarships, an organization that empowers and educates children living in extreme poverty. At Dominican University I was on the dean’s list for all four years of college and graduated a valedictorian. I also gave the senior class commencement speech. I graduated as an outstanding student and Dominican University gave me a full-ride scholarship to study for my master’s degree in business which I did in a year. This scholarship made a huge difference in my life. That’s why I am committed to giving African kids, like me, a chance at life, just like I was given”.
“I am a co-founder at YEMA. I am a native of Ethiopia and was a refugee in Kenya before I moved to Minnesota at the age of 8. I love fashion, modeling and giving back to my community. At the age of 11, I was recognized by the state of Minnesota for my community work, and I received an award from Kevin Spacey. I started modeling at 11 and through modeling, I was able to raise money and then send the money raised to Ethiopian women in Rural Ethiopia in every year. This empowered these rural women in starting small scale businesses. I have a bachelor’s degree in Pre-med and Humanities with a minor in Public Health because I am passionate about working with vulnerable communities. I was once a refugee and I know first-hand what having nothing feels like”.
