Betty’s inspiration for Entoto Beth Artisan originated from an experience when she visited a group of underprivileged and HIV positive women seeking refuge at a mountain top church commonly known as Entoto.
The women, shunned by their families and with nowhere to turn, resorted to a life in a church compound under extreme poverty and despair.
Betty, who is no stranger to poverty herself, recalled her own experiences of growing up in a family that had all too little. Betty also recalled the family’s struggles and her mother’s strength and perseverance to rise above the impacts of poverty.
It didn’t take too long for Betty’s empathy to turn into inspiration. She then decided to start a social enterprise that would eventually restore courage and dignity in the lives of underprivileged women.
In 2012 EBA was founded as a jewelry business creating employment and restoring self-esteem in HIV positive women. Since then, EBA has grown to be known as one of the most successful jewelry businesses serving the local and international markets. Today, EBA is serving as a vehicle to fulfill Betty’s dream of creating hope, courage and self-sufficiency for 200 HIV positive women.
Betty used this success as a springboard to launch new complementary business lines including her 100% cotton scarfs and leather bags. Betty’s vision is to become the number one player in the jewelry, cotton and leather businesses serving both local and international markets.
With this, EBA will continue to offer employment opportunities for 2,500 more vulnerable and at-risk women in Addis Ababa and its vicinity.
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