Desta and the Flower

Photo Credit: Mercy Sebsie (Friend of Desta Founders and Former Colleague) - Taken in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - September 27, 2024

Did you know that Desta means "joy" in Amharic, the national language of Ethiopia? The name "Desta Therapy" reminds us that joy is innate, and though it may be diminished at times, it can be reclaimed through hard work and determination!  

The flower associated with the Desta name is called "Adey Abeba" in Amharic. During their four-year stay in Ethiopia, the founders of Desta Therapy would purchase these flowers from women selling them on the streets. They would place the flowers around their home as a reminder that the rainy season was ending and spring was approaching. The Adey Abeba symbolizes a seed that, given time, transforms beautifully — much like the journey of healing and rediscovering joy.

Jimmy and Rachel Gross, Founders of Desta Therapy and Desta Provisions, took this picture of their youngest daughter after purchasing the Adey Abeba flowers on a morning walk.

Currently, the Adey Abeba is being sold on the streets all over the capital city of Ethiopia. The picture at the top of the page was taken today.