Lena Deresse

Lena Deresse is fascinated by the stories people carry, especially the ones that surface in ordinary moments.

She first discovered her passion for storytelling while writing her debut book, Cooking with Imaye. Though the cookbook focused on Ethiopian cuisine, Lena found herself most captivated by the memories of cooking beside her mother and the stories tied to each dish. Those personal reflections became the heart of the book.

Since then, Lena has been intentionally refining her craft, learning to observe more carefully, ask better questions, and listen for the deeper truths beneath everyday interactions. Her writing reflects that journey, blending culture, family, and emotional nuance into compelling narratives.