Afrique Fashion House
Credit: Afrique Fashion House
From Ethiopian wellness to Ghanaian fashion, heritage finds new expression
African traditions have traveled thousands of miles to find new homes across the Washington, D. C., region. In Silver Spring, an Ethiopian wellness ritual, practiced for generations, is being introduced to a new audience. In Upper Marlboro, handwoven Ghanaian fabrics are being transformed into contemporary clothing. Together, these businesses offer more than goods and services; they provide a window into the traditions their owners are working to preserve.
Silver Spring: A Ritual Reimagined
Tucked behind a beauty salon in Silver Spring, an Ethiopian wellness tradition is finding new life. At Awi Weyba‘ Tis, owner Tehetna Derebe welcomes women into an intimate space dedicated to Weyba‘ Tis, a centuries-old ritual centered on steam, natural ingredients and women’ s wellness.
The experience unfolds over roughly two hours, beginning with a warm welcome from Derebe and a change into traditional Ethiopian clothing. Natural ingredients including honey, butter, turmeric and coffee are incorporated into the treatment before its centerpiece: steam created by gently heating Weyba wood. Wrapped in layers of fabric to retain the warmth, guests settle in for a practice Derebe sees as both a wellness treatment and a connection to generations of Ethiopian women.
Afrique Fashion House
Credit: Afrique Fashion House
AW Beauty Salon, 240-438-1797, 908 Thayer Ave., Silver Spring, MD
Upper Marlboro: Woven Into Tradition
Color commands attention at Afrique Fashion House. Racks of boldly patterned clothing line the Upper Marlboro shop, while jewelry, accessories and richly woven fabrics transform the space into a showcase of styles from across the African continent. At the center of it all is owner Dora Boakye-Ansah, who grew up in Ghana’ s Ashanti region and has turned her appreciation for African craftsmanship into a business with customers well beyond Maryland.
Among the shop’ s most recognizable textiles are kente, the brilliantly colored woven cloth especially associated with Ghana’ s Akan people. Historically associated with royalty and ceremonial occasions, kente carries cultural significance far beyond its striking patterns. At Afrique Fashion House, that heritage finds its way into clothing designed for contemporary life.
Afrique Fashion House, 240-898-8661, 14707 Main Street, A., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
AUTUMN / WINTER 2026 37 FLYWASHINGTON. COM