Deseta Dolls

Deseta Design by Maro Haile

Get To Know The Maker

Where are you from/where did you grow up?

My family is from Ethiopia, but shortly after I was born, we migrated to the US and relocated to Minnesota. Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to live in a big city and I fell in love with NYC the first time I visited. Shoutout to the Cosby Show, Spike Lee, Digable Planets and Mos Def for drawing me specifically to Brooklyn! It became clear that this borough had the diverse, artistic community that I wanted to be a part of.

Why did you start your business?

I built a career designing home décor products sold to big box stores, but as a creative, I always felt underwhelmed by designing for the mass market. I wanted to see products that spoke to me. So I created Deseta, which means happiness in Amharic (my family’s language) as a place to create items that are both fun and whimsical, and inspired by Ethiopian art and culture with broad universal appeal.

How does your work connect to Brooklyn?

Brooklyn is my home, it is where I’ve been able to thrive. It has provided me with the creative energy I’ve needed to pursue my dreams. And not only can I say my art is created here, but I’m also thrilled that this is where my work is primarily sold, whether it is through vending with Black Owned Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Museum or at the Brooklyn Made Store. I am making my dreams come true in the city and borough I fell in love with from so far away!