Journey of Eskedar
Eskedar Coffee was founded by Eskedar, an Ethiopian refugee who crossed Sahara Desert and Mediterranean sea in 2006 to find safety in Europe. Her 11months journey has brought her to Lithuania, where she have done her Undergraduate and graduate studies in International Business Management. Three kids and five jobs later she founded Eskedar Coffee as a single mum.
Why Coffee?
Eskedar Coffee is a vibrant celebration of Ethiopian coffee culture and a reflection to the potential of refugee women. Our slogan is Wake up to a better world. Which is a symbol of coffee as stimulant which wakes us up everyday, and also our goal to build a school through Eskedar Coffee Foundation will change life for generations to come.
African coffee is yet on the rise, we believe it need to be discovered that is why we have only African coffees on our shelves. Our core values—building community, authenticity, and sustainability—reflect a commitment to making a positive impact.
Coffee Ceremony
Born and raised in Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, Eskedar intimately understands the rich cultural significance of this beloved beverage. Coffee is woven into the fabric of daily life in Ethiopia, where the Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony is a cherished tradition in her family and beyond. That’s why we exclusively serve African coffee, including our signature Ethiopian espresso, paired with Nitir Kibeh—spiced clarified butter made in-house at the cafes.
Coffee Beans to Cups
Eskedar Coffee embodies hope, survival, perseverance, and purpose. From her beginnings as a refugee navigating the treacherous Sahara and Mediterranean, Eskedar found her calling in Lithuania. She started a coffee roasting business that supplies cafes, boutiques, and homes. As demand grew, she opened her first café in the heart of Vilnius and now operates four locations, with aspirations for international expansion.
Eskedar Attire
In addition to her coffee ventures, Eskedar has also made her mark in fashion. Eskedar Attire is a vibrant fusion of African print fabrics and Lithuanian linen, born from a passion for colors and patterns. Her journey in fashion began in 2013 during the “African Days” event, which celebrated African culture and cuisine. Following a successful showcase in Vilnius, Eskedar dreamed of reimagining textiles from both continents, transforming traditional fabrics into timeless, classic garments.The perfect outfit is one that feels comfortable and inspires confidence. Eskedar Attire is designed for individuals who embrace their unique style, love joyful dressing, and radiate confidence without fear of attention.
Eskedar's Mission
Eskedar's mission extends beyond coffee. After returning to Ethiopia for the first time in 19 years, Eskedar felt a bittersweet connection to her homeland. While the country has experienced significant economic growth, many still endure extreme poverty. Through education, the Eskedar Coffee Foundation strives to create lasting change for future generations. She believes that investing in education can create a ripple effect, empowering one child to inspire change for an entire generation. The Eskedar Coffee Foundation aims to establish a primary school in Yirgacheffe, providing essential educational opportunities that break the cycle of poverty and foster a brighter future.
Give colors to your life
Eskedar's story is a testament to resilience. Through her endeavour in coffee and fashion, she aims to inspire others to find their strength and purpose while making a positive impact on the world around them. We invite fashion and coffee enthusiasts, as well as compassionate individuals from around the world, to join this vital cause. Her vision to “give colors to your life” reflects a deep commitment to transforming lives beyond our own.