Gelila Assefa

Gelila, born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, completed her MFA in Furniture Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Growing up in a community of diverse cultures and traditions, she has developed an appreciation for society’s history and heritage. Gelila infuses her designs with authenticity and reverence for her roots. Her pieces showcase a unique blend of modern aesthetics and traditional Ethiopian elements, such as geometric patterns, textures, materials, and vibrant colors. Through her work, Gelila hopes to preserve and celebrate the beauty of Ethiopian culture and inspire others to embrace their unique heritage by creating pieces that are not only functional but also tell a story and evoke emotions.