When Family Ties Paint the Future

Apr 19 , 2025.

Makush Art Gallery & Restaurant was founded in 2000 by Tesfaye Hiwote, after spending three decades in the United States. A pioneer in combining fine dining with visual art, the gallery has become a cultural fixture in Addis Abeba.

Tesfaye’s nephew, Natnael Yohannes, has been involved for 21 years and took over leadership after his uncle’s passing three years ago. Since its founding, revenue has tripled, and the gallery has hosted exhibitions for more than 120 local and international artists.

Q: Did you grow up wanting to run the family business, or were you pulled in another direction? And what is the most bizarre piece of advice an older relative ever gave you that, against all odds, worked?

Natnael: My early professional aspirations were firmly rooted in the legal field rather than the arts or hospitality sector. However, what began as temporary employment during my law studies in 2001 gradually transformed into my life's vocation. This unexpected transition allowed me to develop the business organically over time.

Q: How do you maintain the old-school charm and family traditions that people love without falling behind modern expectations?

Makush has strategically positioned itself at the intersection of heritage and innovation. We proudly conserve Ethiopia's rich artistic traditions while actively promoting progressive contemporary works. With a collective of 120 pioneer artists, our gallery serves as both custodian of cultural legacy and platform for avant-garde expression.

Q: What is your secret for surviving those heated boardroom debates with relatives who still call you by your childhood nickname? And how often do you consult your parents’ coffee-stained notebook to guide today’s decisions?

The confidence my uncle demonstrated in handing down this enterprise remains my most treasured inheritance.

Q: If your business has an age-old family motto, what is it really (not just what’s on the brochure)? And which piece of “family business wisdom” do you refuse to pass down to the next generation? Why?

No comment.

Q: If your company’s journey became a holiday movie, would it be a comedy, a drama, or a cautionary tale? And if your family business were a movie character, would it be the eccentric genius, the lovable underdog, or something else entirely?

Our trajectory resembles a suspense film featuring numerous crucial moments. Each operational challenge has represented a critical juncture successfully navigated. The institution itself might be personified as a strong cultural steward, equally committed to artistic integrity and innovative vision.

Q: When you propose changes that break from long-held tradition, do you ever get the classic, “But that’s not how your parents did it!” pushback, and how do you balance preserving tradition with evolving the brand?

I have walked carefully in my uncle's footsteps, letting his wisdom guide every decision on my journey, ensuring his legacy remains strong.

Q: What is the most infamous meltdown in your family’s business history that everyone still talks about? And did it ultimately reshape how you operate?

I cannot recall any moment.

Q: If your business showed up at a holiday dinner, would it be the wise uncle, the overachieving cousin, or the unpredictable in-law? And behind the scenes, do you keep any quirky holiday rituals alive simply because they are part of the family DNA?

It would obviously be the wise uncle.

Q: Between family loyalty and customer loyalty, which one truly keeps you up at night? Can you recall a hilariously awkward moment when the generational baton was passed (maybe even literally dropped) that demonstrates this tension?

I perceive these elements as complementary rather than competing interests.

Q: Which item from your product line or service is so dear that you secretly hoard it for yourself?

No comment.

Q: Have you ever been tempted to rebrand around a bizarre old family saying, purely for nostalgia’s sake, no matter how strange it might sound now?

No comment.

Q: When you feel stuck, which ancestor’s voice do you hear echoing in your head, a gentle, encouraging nudge or a firm “Behave!”? How does it shape your moves in a shifting economy?

To me, my uncle was more than family; he was my father, my mother, my everything. Losing him is not just losing one person, it was losing an entire world. That is why the number seven holds such significance. Because he was not just a single being, but seven roles in one: guide, protector, teacher, and so much more.

PUBLISHED ON Apr 19,2025 [ VOL 26 , NO 1303]

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