Konjo Me is one step closer to becoming a brick-and-mortar business after receiving a $15,000 grant from the Olga Loizon Memorial Foundation.
The foundation is a Michigan-based nonprofit created to carry on the legacy of Olga Loizon, founder of Olga’s Kitchen. Loizon was a trailblazer in the restaurant industry and became the first woman in Michigan to secure a commercial business loan. Today, the foundation supports women entrepreneurs across the state by offering funding and resources.
Currently, Konjo Me operates as an Ethiopian pop-up venture founded by Helina Melaku.
“Helina’s mission extends beyond providing fresh ethnic foods, spices, and coffee. She is committed to empowering underserved communities by teaching how to cook healthy, nutritious meals rooted in Ethiopian traditions,” the website reads.
Melaku is no stranger to the kitchen. Her work has gained significant recognition in Detroit — she won TechTown Detroit’s Retail Boot Camp, is a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses alum and was a top four finalist in the Hatch Detroit competition.
In addition to pop-up events, Melaku leads Ethiopian cooking classes and offers catering for dinner parties, office events and wedding receptions. Konjo Me products are also available for purchase online, including natural Yirgacheffe coffee, mitmita and berbere spices, as well as branded mugs and T-shirts.
What Now Detroit reached out to Melaku, who said she has expansion plans underway and will share updates when they become available.
