Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu
1980 – present
Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu is an Ethiopian entrepreneur who founded the footwear company soleRebels in Addis Ababa, making shoes from recycled materials and traditional Ethiopian craft techniques. The company grew into an internationally distributed brand and was among the first Ethiopian businesses to sell directly to overseas consumers. She later founded the coffee company Garden of Coffee.
Lived at the same time
Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu.
- Ada Yonath (1939–2026) Overlapped 46 years →
- Adonis (1930–present) Overlapped 46 years →
- Ai Weiwei (1957–present) Overlapped 46 years →
- Akira Yoshino (1948–present) Overlapped 46 years →
- Alex Ferguson (1941–present) Overlapped 46 years →
- Ali Daei (1969–present) Overlapped 46 years →
Life events
Grew up in the Zenabwork district on the outskirts of the city.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgGraduated with a degree in accounting before starting her own business.
Started the company in her home neighbourhood, employing local artisans and using recycled tyres for soles.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgReported as the first footwear company to become a member of the organisation.
Distribution through overseas e-commerce platforms expanded the company's export market.
The company opened standalone stores in overseas markets, including Taiwan.
A venture selling hand-roasted Ethiopian coffee, built on the same direct-to-consumer model as soleRebels.
Source: en.wikipedia.org