Q&A with Designer, Sammy Abdella
Today’s Q&A is with Sammy Abdella, an artisan and expert leather craftsman working in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Sammy has been a friend of Handspun Hope for years and his beautiful bags have long been a staple of the Hope Artisan Collective. We want you to get know him and his business … welcome, Sammy!
Q: Sammy, thank you for talking to us. How long have you been making your beautiful leather bags? Who taught you the craft?
A: Since 2005. Ethiopia has a high quality and variety of leather because of climate and geographical conditions. When the business/brand started developing and getting recognition in handwoven textiles, it was a natural progression to design and make leather articles with talented artisans. Using traditional techniques - hand stitching embellishments and hand tie-dye leather - we are trying to create sustainable employment with artisan partners.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your family.
A: My parent's sense of style and taste for quality and tasteful clothing have influenced how and why the company was started. My mother had sewing and embroidery skills and a love for handwoven, traditional textiles from a young age. Friends and family sought advice from my mother. She would consult as a hobby on design, color, material, and texture because of her love and knowledge of hand-loomed, traditional textiles.
Q: How long have you had a working relationship with Diana & Handspun Hope?
A: I would say 6 - 7 years. We love working with Diana and her team, enjoy trying different designs, and being creative with Diana. Most of all, I appreciate her consistency and high spirits. We have very pleasant interactions based on each other’s knowledge, trust, and handmade, sustainable products mission.
Q: What does the working relationship with Handspun Hope mean for your business?
A: It means continuous work and employment with artisans in and outside of our company.
Q: What is something you love about Addis that Americans may not know?
A: Very friendly and easy-going people. The city is changing in so many ways and it’s exciting to see the dynamics of it. It's a city that has traditional life elements with contemporary all mixed in it.
Q: What is something you see - in your own life, community, or the world - that gives you hope?
A: Seeing how our business has gone through so many obstacles and successes, I am happy and satisfied to see that we’re still with the women and men of our team. We are making amazing handicrafts, preserving the art/knowledge, using sustainable materials and lives have changed for the better.
