Senait Tibebu is one of the pioneering Ethiopian women who passionately dedicated their time, energy, resources in the pursuit of their passions. In a situation where many fashion designers face obstacles in following their ambition, Senait can beat the challenges and outshine. Despite excelling academically and securing scholarships to study abroad, her true passion for fashion design outclassed, and she wholeheartedly devoted herself to it.
Even during the global threat of the Coronavirus pandemic, Senait remained immersed in creating new fashions, prioritizing innovative designs and fabrics and showcased her unwavering commitment and skill for her craft.
Senait`s journey was primarily driven by her innate passion, as she did not undergo formal education in universities or colleges to nurture her talent. What she has got is passion and basic training in her junior school. Her unwavering dedication and innovative spirit continue to shape her path, positioning her as a trailblazer in the future landscape of Ethiopian fashion design.
Senait was born in Debre-Birhan, a town renowned for producing long-distance runners. For that reason, she had a strong taste for athletics. Despite the high expectations of her family and friends due to the town`s athletic legacy, Senait`s heart gradually grabbed towards the world of fashion design in her later years, which ended up becoming her career and full-time job.
As a junior class student, Senait distinguished herself as an outstanding academic achiever, consistently securing top ranks. Her educational journey led her to Durame Catholic Mission Boarding School, where her teachers instilled a unique perspective on life in her, encouraging her to explore diverse opportunities.
While she was attending her education at the boarding school, Senait found embroidery and tailoring center within the school premises, igniting her passion and tempting her to transitioning away from the purely academic realm.
Recognizing her talent and interests, Senait`s teachers, particularly Sister Maria Teresa, offered her an opportunity to learn embroidery, design and sewing during the summer time, unveiling Senait`s inner desire and future aspirations.
Under the guidance of her teachers, who were good at hunting talent, including those from India and Italy, Senait excelled in vocational training, demonstrating her prowess in embroidery and design.
While honoring her skills in embroidery, Senait’s exceptional performance in academic circle enabled her to join Nazreth Technical College, which is now named Adama Science and Technology University where she pursued her education and graduated in the field of Electrical Electronics.
Following her graduation from Nazreth Technical College, Senait`s strong desire to further her education at Addis Ababa University led her to pursue a degree in Computer Science through the African Virtual University, which was unique and the most desired program by most Ethiopian students.
Looking ahead, Senait envisioned leveraging her diverse educational background and unwavering determination to draw a successful path in the dynamic world of fashion design, where her unique blend of skills and experiences will undoubtedly shape her future endeavors. Following her graduation from Addis Ababa University, Senait embarked on a different path by venturing into entrepreneurship, establishing her own computer accessary spare parts and internet center which was at the time profitable business when an android cellphones were unavailable to everyone.
Despite delving into the realm of retail business, her unwavering passion for design remained steadfast. Senait`s meticulous attention to the design and management of her store not only attracted customers but also showcased her creativity and innovative approach, setting her part in the competitive business landscape.
While managing her business, Senait also dedicated her time to support her husband`s business in Debre-Birhan, Simultaneously, shouldering the responsibility of giving care for her children, engaged in selling various types of products in her ladies’ boutique for approximately four years.
Upon returning to Addis Ababa after this period, Senait`s passion for fashion and design continued to thrive while she was encircled by her family and used to prepare well designed, stylish costumes. Her children, in particular, enjoyed and adorned costumes that were crafted by their mother, serving as a testament to her enduring creativity and talent.
As time progressed, Senait made the pivotal decision to immerse herself in the fashion world, investing her time, energy and resources.
Equipping herself with essential training through courses, Senait commenced producing unique and fashionable garments, utilizing sewing machine gifted by her caring and supportive husband. This new beginning marked the inception of Senait`s future accomplishments. The talent once started as a home-based fashion and design venture culminated in the establishment of one of Addis Ababa`s fashion and design schools, the Fabric School of Fashion Design, where Senait mentors numerous aspiring Ethiopian designers.
Despite the invaluable support of her husband through her career and her dedication, Senait acknowledges the challenges she encountered on her journey to success. Overcoming obstacles such as securing right venue for street fashion shows, she exhibited resilience, tenacity, and the ability to transform challenges into opportunities.
Guided by her perseverance and aided by the support of compassionate individuals, she successfully achieved her goals, shaping her inspiring journey in the fashion industry.
Looking ahead to her future aspiration, Senait envisions a pivotal role in nurturing the next passionate Ethiopian designer and presenting unique dressing styles, thereby promoting Ethiopian cultural costumes infused with modern elements to the global arena.
According to Senait, the fashion industry not only possesses the potential to showcase Ethiopia on the international stage but also to significantly contribute to the generation of foreign currency and job opportunities. She emphasizes that the current landscape of fashion and design in Ethiopia is fostering the emergency of exceptionally creative individuals. When leveraging effectively, this creative pool can offer them an opportunity to establish a prominent presence in the global market.
Furthermore, she harbors a deep desire to orchestrate compelling street fashion shows not only within Ethiopia but also across Europe, Africa, and various other parts of the world.
Senait`s vision encompasses a transformative journey that embraces and celebrates Ethiopia`s cultural heritage while seemingly integrating it with contemporary fashion, thereby leaving an indelible mark on the global fashion landscape. What is more, Senait`s dedication, journey and perseverance leaves a life lesson to other Ethiopian women who enjoy a quick fix or, give up easily when something fails.
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
THE ETHIOPI0AN HERALD THURSDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2024
