Frequently Asked Questions

We accept the following payment methods: Paypal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Credit Cards and Bank Transfer.

Yes, we do.

If the shipment is damaged, please notify us at info@welana.com and we will replace your product.

Shipping is 5,49 € within Germany, 10 € within Europe and 50 € to the rest of the world.

For international shipments, you will receive a tracking number with the shipping confirmation.

Please notify us through info@welana.com and we will track your package. If it got lost in the mail we will resend it to you.

If you do not like a product you can send it back and you will be refunded. Welana will also bear the costs of the CO2-neutral shipping costs. Click here for further information.

Welana's products can be enjoyed equally in all seasons. Our shawls can be worn at glamorous festivities just as much as on the beach or nice long walks in the forrest. Our blankets can keep you warm at home or in the park and our hammam towels can accompany to a spa or be enjoyed in your own bathroom.

Please check the respective product pages for information or take a look at the label that came with your product. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to us through info@welana.com.

Our products are for any adult who enjoys wearing them, also for teenagers, children and babies.

Every product is available in only one size. However, the different shawls vary in size. Please check out the size of the individual products on the product pages.

Yes, you can purchase gift vouchers here.

Yes, we would be happy to hear from you at info@welana.com and discuss everything further.

We are a small team that is based in Berlin. At the moment we do not have the infrastructure and human resources in place to work with the weavers directly but enjoy working with trust-worthy (and certified) and established local producers that can deliver our products based upon the principles of fair trade, dignified treatment of employees, fair wages, provision of health insurance, overall community support and the use of natural fabrics for our products.

Our producers source the cotton for the textiles from local vendors within Addis Ababa. Currently, there are very limited amounts of organic cotton available in Ethiopia. Therefore, Welana is planning to partner with the Pesticide Action Nexus Association (PAN-Ethiopia), which is a non-for-profit organization (NGO) working on the mitigation of human health and environmental impacts of pesticides and other hazardous chemicals in Ethiopia and beyond. They enable smallholder cotton farmers to produce organic cotton and they succeeded to achieve the first and only organic certified farmer groups in Ethiopia.

The high quality dyes for the cotton products come from companies called Bezema and Maiwa. For the silk products natural dyes are used. Explore the whole production process on our "Handmade in Ethiopia" page.

Anna Papadopoulos and Welella Negussie are the founders of Welana.

Anna has always been interested in the intersection of business and social change. She gained her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration in Berlin and her Master of Social Science in Organisational Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Copenhagen Business School. Since 2013 she has been working at Mandalah, a consultancy that focuses on human-centric and purpose-driven products, services, strategies and organisational designs that build bridges between purpose and profit.

Welella is Berlin born and raised with Ethiopian roots. She studied Arts and Culture in Maastricht and gained her Master of Science in Development Studies in London at the School of Oriental and African Studies. Interested in humanitarian issues and international development, she has been working in this field for the past few of years, lastly for the United Nations in Addis Ababa, Nuremberg and Berlin.

The idea of setting up Welana emerged in 2015. We have been trying to come up with innovative solutions and ideas for the lack of (employment) opportunities for the local population in Ethiopia. We wanted this solution to be long-lasting and sustainable- and at best be a solution that can transform not only the lives of single Ethiopians but entire communities.  

Ethiopia’s beauty is undeniable, and the country has gained a spot on the map for its rich history, multi-faceted traditions and great food. Ethiopia is also home to an incredible weaving culture, which produces beautiful cotton and silk textiles.

We want to connect and transport these qualities to Europe and beyond by importing handmade textiles which are produced locally, under fair conditions and with great appreciation of the weavers and local producers.

Welana stands for the fair and dignified treatment of employees - no matter what part of the world they come from. We know that everything we do in this world and the choices we make have an immediate effect on the lives of others and on the environment. Therefore, we strive for a holistic approach that emphasizes the concept of conscious consumption of beautiful and unique products, which are handmade with patience and dedication.

Yes, we are. Please find more information on our approach, our believes and values on the "About Welana" page.