Meet Bethlehem Teshome | Fashion Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bethlehem Teshome and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bethlehem, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always loved fashion and art, the act of bringing something to life from your imagination. My mother was an evening gown designer in the ’90s and even made her own wedding gown. Growing up around her creativity sparked an early fascination with design. I would always task myself with design projects using her remnant fabrics, upcycle her clothes and even deconstruct her favorite dresses. Whatever it took to bring the creative vision to life. However, that creativity was not something I prioritized early on in life, it was a quiet form of self expression.
When I moved to San Diego five years ago with my husband something shifted, the warm weather reminded me of home, Ethiopia. I felt a newfound sense of freedom. Inspired by the climate and landscapes, I launched Abshir, with a capsule swimwear collection featuring a traditional Ethiopian motif print inspired by a dress my grandmother had gifted me.
And with every collection since inception, sustainability became such an important part of the business model. It felt natural to prioritize it when working in fashion. An industry known for it’s significant impact on the environment.
With Abshir I design contemporary womenswear, with a made to order model, focusing on sustainable and biodegradable fabrics. The made to order model allows us to focus on fit and functionality while minimizing environmental impacts.
Abshir means “all good” in Amharic one of the many languages spoken in Ethiopia, an expression that communicates a deep sense of ease. My Ethiopian heritage continues to be a powerful source of inspiration. Through Abshir I am able to explore it with designs that bridges culture and connectivity. Celebrating a nurturing, yet authoritative femininity, as it relates to the sun. And become a part of ones wardrobe honoring the self-autonomous decision to dress and present yourself on your own terms.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The goal with Abshir is to nurture a distinctive voice and perspective in fashion, one that celebrates culture, heritage, and people. With designs that speak through a visual language rooted in storytelling and connection. And most importantly to empower individuals to dress and present themselves on their own terms.

The sun is my creative north star. It’s a powerful symbol, one that reminds me of the women in my life: nurturing, radiant, and deeply authoritative. The sun gives life, it grows our crops, dictates the seasons, tells us when to rise and rest. It uplifts, heals, and nourishes. But if you get too close, it will burn you. A reminder of strength and boundaries.
I want to build a world that centers this feminine power. It also mirrors how I think about sustainability: cyclical, renewing, and conscious. We prioritize repurposing materials, sourcing deadstock fabrics, biodegradable materials, and specialty fabrics from Ethiopian weavers, with a made-to-order model that values longevity over excess. In 2023, we launched swimwear using Amni Soul Eco®, a biodegradable yarn that breaks down in five years once in landfills, unlike other synthetic fibers that take decades to decompose, an initiative I’m especially proud of.

I am most excited to see how Abshir will continue to grow in the coming years. I want to spend more time in research and development and continue to create pieces that feel deeply personal but also universally resonant.
Getting here hasn’t been easy but finding joy in the process has been essential for my growth. It’s taken belief, risk, and the support of my friends and family. I’ve learned to keep growing, keep learning, trust the process and to not be afraid of rerouting when necessary.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting San Diego, I’d want to give them a memorable, relaxed, and inspiring week.
We would start our mornings with early beach walks, the earlier the better to catch the crisp air and sunrise. It’s energizing, grounding, and the perfect way to begin the day. Afterwards, we would head to Paris en Rose in Del Mar for coffee and pastries. Their terrace has beautiful ocean views, and their pastries are delicious.

A weekday morning spent strolling through Balboa Park is a must. With beautiful gardens and calm energy, it’s a great way to slow down. While we are there, we will be stopping by the ICA Museum. It’s small but incredibly intentional, showcasing rotating exhibitions from local contemporary and mixed media artists. The staff is kind, knowledgeable, and passionate about what they do.
When it comes to food, Donna Jean is a my go-to. Their vegan lasagna and hot shrooms are unforgettable. Marisi in La Jolla is another favorite, with great ambiance and consistently amazing dishes. Origen is another favorite of mine, in North Park offers an elevated coastal Mexican dining experience. You can really feel the heart behind the concept, the food, service, and hospitality are exceptional. Another standout dining experience is The Marine Room, where you can enjoy dinner with waves crashing dramatically against the windows, it’s pure magic.
To end the night, there’s no better spot than Loulou’s Jungle Room at The Lafayette Hotel. With art deco vibes, live jazz, and creative cocktails, it’s the perfect nightcap.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am incredibly grateful for the support system that has shaped both my personal and creative journey. Since starting Abshir, I’ve crossed paths with so many incredible people and built truly meaningful relationships along the way. I’m endlessly thankful for the Ethiopian culture that raised me, the deep connection to heritage continues to inspire my work and keep me grounded in purpose.
I’m especially thankful for my mother. Her career and work ethic left a lasting impression on me and continue to guide my path. My husband Christian, my greatest inspiration and most honest critic. He pushes me to go deeper, to question everything, to keep digging until the very last moment. He encourages me to take risks, especially when they feel scary. And for that, I’m deeply grateful.
To be able to do what you love and build a purpose-driven career around it makes life that much sweeter.

Website: https://www.abshirfashion.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abshir.fashion/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethlehem-teshome-bsn-rn-892148242/

Image Credits
1st picture Model: Hayat Photographer: Christian Ullrich
2nd picture Model: Symone Photographer: Christian Ullrich
3rd picture Model: Jatziry Photographer: Christian Ullrich
4th picture Model: Kelsey Barker Photographer: Nolan
5th picture Model: Amber Rosario Photographer: Lily Soleil Correa
6th picture Model: Nieshia Nechelle Sledge Photographer: Christian Ullrich