Culture, Illuminated. Story, Reimagined.

Mella Studio was founded with a simple premise: bring the depth and beauty of Ethiopian craftsmanship into contemporary spaces — through light.

2022

Year Founded

15+

Master Artisans

500+

Spaces Illuminated

2–6

Weeks Per Piece

From Addis Ababa to the World

Mella Studio crafts more than lighting — we create conversations. Each piece tells a story of Ethiopia's rich artistic heritage, reimagined for contemporary spaces.

Our artisans transform centuries-old patterns and cultural motifs into sophisticated lighting solutions that make statements in modern homes and offices. From hand-crafted table lamps to statement pendant lights, every Mella creation bridges the gap between Ethiopia's artistic legacy and contemporary design.

What began as a small workshop in Addis Ababa has grown into a studio where architects, artists, and master craftsmen collaborate to push the boundaries of what lighting can be — while honoring the traditions that make each piece irreplaceable.

From Addis Ababa to the World

Great Design Should Not Be a Privilege.

Quality and accessibility can coexist — and we prove it with every piece we create.

We believe extraordinary lighting should be within reach. By working directly with artisan communities, we eliminate layers between maker and owner — delivering heritage-quality craftsmanship at prices that respect both the artisan and the client.

INNOVATION

Always Leading the Way

We outfit all of our lights with energy-efficient LEDs, and we were the first Ethiopian studio to integrate solar string lights and USB charging into handcrafted lamps. We listen to our customers and constantly push what's possible.

AUTHENTICITY

Rooted in Heritage

Every pattern, every curve, every material choice traces back to Ethiopian cultural traditions. We don't appropriate — we preserve, evolve, and celebrate the craft that our artisans have inherited across generations.

SUSTAINABILITY

Crafted to Last Generations

We source Ethiopian cedar from sustainable forests, use natural finishes, and build pieces meant to be passed down. Fast furniture is not in our vocabulary — enduring beauty is.

The Studio Behind the Light

A collective of architects, artists, designers, and master artisans — united by the belief that Ethiopian craftsmanship belongs in the world's most discerning spaces.

Co-Founder | General Manager

Co-Founder | General Manager

Operation

Collaborates with clients on bespoke installations, ensuring each piece transforms the architecture of the space it inhabits.

Co-Founder | Creative Director

Gelila Tefestewold

Co-Founder | Creative Director

Vision & Design

Leads the creative direction of every collection, bridging traditional Ethiopian aesthetics with contemporary luxury design.

Head of Craftmanship

Head of Craftmanship

Production & Quality

Oversees the artisan workshops, ensuring every piece meets the exacting 127-point quality standard before leaving the studio.

Crafting Culture, by Hand

Mella Studio's vision is to create unique lighting products and infuse Ethiopian culture into both local and international clients' surroundings. Our team transcends the traditional boundaries of design — delivering spaces that redefine perceptions.

Mella Studio is not just another studio — it's a hub for creativity.

Our founding principle

Every Light Tells a Story.

From intimate table lamps to statement chandeliers, find the piece that speaks to your space — and the heritage that will make it unforgettable.