Episode 12: Stop Asking for Free Shit

This week we are having an intimate conversation about the power of forgiveness, working through depression, and embracing the value you possess with Kalkidan Gebreyohannes, founder of Kalu, for our last episode of season one of the Change Cadet Podcast. Ethiopian born, Canadian raised and current proud Oakland resident, Kalkidan has always had a calling for the arts. Kalkidan’s past creative experiences as a ballerina, writer, athlete, makeup artist and personal shopper/stylist were all preparations leading up to her biggest endeavor yet - KALU. KALU was birthed on a sunny beach day in Santa Monica in 2012, not long after the arrival of Kalkidan’s second child. The idea of entrepreneurship as a handbag and accessory designer stemmed from an honest conversation with her best friend about life and motherhood. With these concepts in mind and family to raise of her own, Kalkidan created a brand foundation catered to empowering the fashionable self-expression of a woman who was constantly on-the-go. After two and a half years of perfecting her designs, sourcing materials and mastering her craft, she launched her first KALU collection “Le Reve - The Dream” in December 2014. Since the premier collection, Kalkidan has shared six unique sets all crafted and handmade in ethically sourced leather and debuted her silk head wrap line ‘Head Wrapistry’. Today, she is a mother of three and continuously blazes the trail for women of color in the industry and customers from around the world. Don’t miss the episode packed with gems for your journey in becoming a Change Cadet.