Our Story

Prior to starting Welcome Merchant in 2020, Marjorie had been working in the social justice space since 2011, at organisations like Metro Assist & Amnesty International Australia. She never saw herself as a social entrepreneur until she realised that Welcome Merchant can be more than just an Instagram account.

Marjorie has a Master’s Degree in Human Rights & Democratisation, where her passion for migration rights became deeper. Marjorie is available for consultancy work on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

A passionate traveller, Marjorie has also lived in Colombo (Sri Lanka) Milan (Italy) and Istanbul (Turkey). She is obsessed with her cat, goats, dancing and good food.

She has completed the Master of Environment at the University of Melbourne, where she focused on sustainable food systems and policy. Prior to this, she worked as an intern for Harlem Grown, a New York-based not-for-profit striving to improve nutritious food access and literacy among children. She’s originally from the Philippines and has spent much of her time in Australia working to vegetarianise Filipino cuisine. 

She has a Master’s in Social Work and now works for Headspace.

With Irish and Luxembourgish heritage, Poppy retains a deep connection to Europe, and lived in Barcelona for a year in 2019 where she learnt a lot about creative community organising and activism. Her hobbies include playing the banjo, ocean swimming, and doting on her dog.

Cheyenne was also our first volunteer e-newsletter writer. She is a first-generation Filipino immigrant whose family moved to Wagga Wagga, NSW, when she was seven years old. She has just completed a Bachelor in Commerce/Media (PR and Advertising), she loves photography, writing, and creative strategy. Her latest projects include producing editorial pieces spotlighting women of colour in the creative industry. She also loves cooking and eating her way around Sydney!

She’s passionate about ethics and equity. She loves exploring new places. Will get distracted by food and dogs.

…often told through the format of documentary and commercial. 

Prioritising the perspectives first and foremost of those on the other side of the lens, Samuel is interested in exploring more ways of seeing a diverse range of stories presented in a dignifying and empowering way where the human experience is front and centre, told in beautiful, moving frames. Check out Samuel’s work here.

She uses her writing to inspire others to lead more mindful and environmentally conscious lifestyles, exploring topics such as natural skincare and tiny homes.

With a background in the higher education and research sector, Rochelle spent many years welcoming international PhD students to Perth and helping them adjust to life in a new country.

Rochelle has studied abroad in Indonesia and travelled extensively throughout South East Asia. She spends her downtime playing with her pup Emi, reading cookbooks but never making anything from them and seeking out waterfalls on scenic hikes.

…Moving from Mexico to Australia almost 10 years ago Fernanda’s journey has been full of contrast. From working in a gelato store, a multinational tech startup, and became the face of ‘the best pizza cooking classes’ on the front page of an Adelaide newspaper. Her biggest passion has always been meeting new people, listening to their stories, and gaining new perspectives on life. A naturally curious creature who’s always looking to fulfil her eagerness to learn, explore, and expand while her inner child takes command… once in a while.

Originally from Canada, Maria has lived in Australia for over six years. Before attending university, she spent a significant amount of her time traveling and living abroad. She has worked at Plan International Australia and a local NGO in Cambodia. Currently, Maria works as a Producer at Disrupt Radio.

And if Maria isn’t searching for records in a second-hand shop, she’s finding out if she can bring a dog to the party.