Mimi Girma

Born in Ethiopia, raised in the Cote d'Ivoire, and educated in the UK + New York City, Hiywet Mimi Girma's origins and exposure to textile and craftsmanship in Africa ignited a

passion for textile innovation, fashion design, and a strong sense of entrepreneurship.

Over a successful 25-year fashion design career in New York City, Mimi has led and been an integral part of successful brands at Armani, BCBG Max Azria, and Vivienne Tam.
Mimi saw first-hand the waste of resources that results from favoring the speed and never-ending cycle of fashion over the wellness of people and the planet.

As a designer and a mother, Mimi knew the only way to forward is to create responsibly and hence founded YESAET, marrying Artisanal luxury with local production, choosing to make a positive impact through ethical production and sustainability whilst empowering and supporting artisans in Africa and local businesses in New York.

In Amharic, YESAET means ‘a woman’s work’ and the brand’s sustainable practices and priorities are designed to capture and reflect women’s strength, focus, and resilience.

Yesaet is based in Dumbo, Brooklyn, where Mimi resides with her husband and son.