I visited Ethiopia for the first time as an adult at 24. Ethiopia is a place I had seen so many photos of and heard various stories about- but had never fully experienced until then. Yet, as soon as our plane landed and I looked outside the window, I felt a sense of home.

As the daughter of Ethiopian immigrants, the reality that my ancestors had always been from this place was palpable. Driving through the city, reconnecting with family and surrounded by the sights and sounds of a culture that felt both deeply familiar and new, I was overcome with a sense of gratitude and love.

From the inspiring landscapes to the timeless traditions, that first trip back to Ethiopia opened my eyes to a world of beauty, resilience, and deep-rooted history. 

The inspiration for Jegna was born through my desire to bring a piece of this heritage—this love for culture, tradition, and craftsmanship—back with me wherever I went.