The heart of this brand is a simple, beautiful feeling: the pride and confidence that comes from wearing the Habesha kemis. For me, putting on this traditional Ethiopian dress meant looking and feeling truly unique.

This profound personal connection is exactly why I founded my company, which I named Lakonjo—meaning "The Beautiful." It is my deepest aspiration that every person wearing our outfits feels that same sense of intrinsic beauty and individuality that I experience every day in this traditional wear.

"Woven in Ethiopia, Designed for you."

I started in the Ethiopian cotton business over 20 years ago as a wholesaler, learning firsthand about the complexities of the supply chain and the remarkable qualities of the shemma cotton: it is breathable, handmade (and thus one-of-a-kind).

In a world increasingly dominated by mass production, my goal is to give people something deeply rooted in heritage yet perfectly tailored for their life. My passion is for picking and pairing styles, and I genuinely love helping people find something unique that fits them perfectly.

The Habesha dress has historically been reserved for significant events like weddings and holidays. My vision is to make its beauty accessible—to offer fun, one-of-a-kind pieces that fit people like a glove and provide fresh styles that fit perfectly and feel amazing, whether you are dressing for casual days to special occasions.

When you choose Lakonjo, you are not just buying a garment; you are embracing a culture of intention, dignity, and beauty. You are making the decision to wear a story, because, as I truly believe: you protect the threads, you protect the culture.

Esete Endeshaw