Jocelyn and Ephream: Love Blossoms at Eritrean Restaurant in Philly
- Jocelyn DeGroot-Lutzner, who graduated from the New School in New York City, was at a professional crossroads and returned to her hometown in West Philadelphia.
- In 2013, she applied for a bartending position at Dahlak, a popular Eritrean restaurant owned by Ephream Seyoum, who also grew up in West Philadelphia.
- The job at the restaurant not only provided her with employment but also led to a special romantic relationship with Ephream Seyoum.
In 2013, Jocelyn DeGroot-Lutzner found herself at a crossroads after graduating from the New School in New York City with degrees in urban studies and fashion photography. Unsure of her next steps, she decided to return to her roots in West Philadelphia, where she had grown up just blocks away from Ephream Seyoum. This decision was influenced by a friend's endorsement of the restaurant that Ephream owned, known as Dahlak, which had a nostalgic connection for her family as a frequent hangout spot for her father and his friends. As she applied for a bartending job at Dahlak, Jocelyn was motivated not only by a desire to find work but also by the comfort of being back in her hometown. Though there was uncertainty about her professional path, her growing interest in working at a local establishment marked a return to familiarity and community. Once she secured the bartending position, Jocelyn and Ephream quickly developed a bond that transcended their professional relationship. Their connection deepened as they navigated the dynamics of work and personal life, ultimately blossoming into a significant romance, which was a surprise given that they had never crossed paths before despite their close proximity in childhood. This story is a testament to the unexpected ways in which life can connect people, emphasizing that sometimes the most meaningful relationships arise when we least expect them, particularly when familiar territories are re-explored.