Glossy, Viral, Lucrative: Epoxy Crafts Takes Off Among Ethiopian Creators

When Samrawit Habtamu landed a nursing job with an international NGO a year ago, she believed she had finally found a stable, well-paying position. Compared to her previous work at a public hospital, the wage jump was a welcome relief. But over time, the promise of financial freedom began to feel increasingly out of reach.

Looking to supplement her income, Samrawit turned to the internet. Scrolling through YouTube, she stumbled upon a series of videos about epoxy art, sleek, glossy creations made from a resin-based adhesive that seemed to blend craftsmanship with creativity.

“I decided to look for someone who could teach me the trade,” Samrawit told Shega.

Epoxy, a versatile adhesive made by mixing resin and hardener, is widely used in construction, manufacturing, and woodwork. But in recent years, artists have adapted the material to produce luminous, glass-like art pieces. Its appeal among Do It Yourself (DIY) creators is clear: it allows even novices to produce polished, professional-looking work.

For Samrawit, epoxy art checked every box, it was self-driven, sales-oriented, and flexible. She paid 5,000 Birr for a week-long training course and jumped into her first project soon after. A few days after posting her work on TikTok, she received an unexpected message from a potential buyer.

“I couldn’t believe it when the advance payment hit my account,” she said.

After experimenting with different ratios of resin, hardener, and pigment, Samrawit found her rhythm. Six months later, her TikTok page Samricrafts has gained around 30,000 followers and now brings in consistent orders each week. Encouraged by the public response, she recently left her nursing job to pursue the craft full-time. She is now planning to rent a larger workshop and hire staff to meet growing demand.

Creating epoxy resin art involves a detailed process blending chemistry, skill, and creative flair. Artists typically mix resin and hardener in equal parts, pour the solution onto a prepared surface, and let it cure for up to 72 hours. Because of the chemical components, protective gear is recommended to safeguard both the work and the artist.

Though epoxy resin was originally popularized in the 1950s for industrial and military use, following early success during World War II, it quickly gained traction among artists. In the 1960s, French sculptor César Baldaccini used polyester resin in monumental works. By the 1990s, improvements in safety and increased internet access helped expand its use across commercial and artistic fields.

Today, epoxy is used globally for everything from sleek tabletops and countertops to vivid jewelry, decorative trays, and custom home décor in addition to its industrial application. In Ethiopia, its artistic use has only recently started to gain momentum, thanks largely to TikTok and the DIY movement.

While Samrawit is among the new wave of creators, others have been experimenting with epoxy for years. Kidist Tadese, a marketing graduate, has been crafting a wide array of resin-based products for more than two years. Her pieces range from furniture to earrings and decorative accessories, often featuring intricate, custom designs.

“There were only a few of us when I started,” she said.

Kidist purchases up to four liters of epoxy at a time for around 5,000 Birr. A self-taught artist, she creates only when inspiration strikes. The biggest challenge, she says, is the strong odor of the chemicals during production.

“It’s extremely profitable,” she noted. “But safety is a must.”

Both Samrawit and Kidist have built a national customer base through social media, leveraging the visual appeal of epoxy to attract clients from across the country. Yet despite their growing success, the creative potential of epoxy art in Ethiopia remains largely untapped. Given the material’s versatility and appeal, it could offer a sustainable source of income for many more aspiring artisans, especially those looking for new ways to blend art, business, and financial independence.