Mito Ayele

What sets Mito apart is not just her business acumen but her unwavering commitment to others. She looks after not only her guests but also her team of employees, many of whom are women. Her focus on creating safe, welcoming spaces for women is one of the most significant and innovative aspects of her work.

Both the Zanzibar hotel and lounge bar are "women-friendly" environments: places where women can feel secure and empowered, even when alone. In Ethiopia, where cultural norms may not always support women's independence in public spaces, these havens offer a powerful sense of autonomy and dignity.

Here, women can gather, unwind, and work, free from the concerns of safety or judgment, which is a bold statement in a society where such spaces are rare.

Through her vision and leadership, Mito has not only succeeded in her ventures but has created spaces that foster female empowerment. By offering women a place where they feel respected and secure, she helps redefine what it means to be a business owner in Ethiopia, showing that success is measured not just by profit but by the positive impact on the lives of others.