Serkalem’s Stitch of Success: From Dream to Garment Business
“Garment has always been my dream, not just as a means of living, but as a source of satisfaction and purpose.”
– Serkalem Tsegaye
From Employee to Entrepreneur
Serkalem Tsegaye spent three years employed in a garment enterprise in Addis Ababa, where she first learned the art of sewing. It was more than just a job; it was the spark that ignited her dream of owning her own garment business. Without access to sewing machines or a dedicated space, she left her job and began sewing in the most traditional way, fuelled by determination and vision.
“I was determined to work for my own garment business,” she says. “It is not only my means of living; it is my source of satisfaction and purpose.”
Over time, she managed to acquire her own sewing machine. What started as a solo effort gradually grew into a small business. Today, Serkalem employs two workers: one focused on cutting fabric and the other on sewing. She produces and sells a wide range of clothing including hoodies, sweaters, shorts, pyjamas, shirts and trousers for both children and adults.
Thriving Business despite Space Challenge
Despite her growing customer base and expanding production, Serkalem faces a critical challenge: lack of workspace. For the past five years, she and other young entrepreneurs have operated from a compound within Arada Manufacturing TVT College. However, they’ve recently been informed by local authorities that they must vacate the premises.
“This has made it very tough,” Serkalem explains. “At the very moment I’m trying to transform my business, I am being pushed to find a new space for both production and sales.”
Still, the demand remains strong. Many of her customers buy in bulk, while others purchase for personal use. Serkalem has managed to build trusted relationships with her clients, drawing them in with quality and variety, despite rising input costs.
Empowered by GIZ: Turning Vision into Action
Recognizing her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication, GIZ stepped in with a comprehensive support package. Through the Ethio-German Sustainable Training and Education Programme (STEP), Serkalem received technical training, life skills and business mentorship. STEP is implemented on behalf of the German Government.
GIZ’s support also helped her participate in an online funding competition, where she secured 130,500 Ethiopian Birr from the BMZ funded Africa Diaspora in Europe (WIDU) initiative that’s enough to purchase two additional machines and raw materials. The STEP programme provided business management and life skills mentorship and facilitated continuous coaching in design, production and marketing through its partnership with Arada Manufacturing TVET College.
What stands out for Serkalem is GIZ’s holistic approach. “They support us across the full journey from finance to production to market,” she adds.
She also gives back. Serkalem has mentored a young girl from the GIZ internship programme, teaching her not only how to sew, but how to navigate the full garment production value chain. She also earned a Level 1 Certificate of Competency (CoC) in sewing, validating her informally gained skills as part of the Recognising Prior Learning approach introduced by the Ministry of Labor and Skills with technical support from the Ethio-German Sustainable Training and Education Programme.
Looking Ahead: Scaling a Vision
Serkalem dreams big. In five years, she hopes to own a large garment enterprise that employs more people and serves a broader market.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs?
“You must be the expert of the skill that your vision business demands. Study the market, take risks with courage and start now even without space. Deliver to your customers directly if you have to. One thing I’ve learned: if you have quality products, customers will find you.”
Author: Daniel Zemichal