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- Writing Amid the Rubble: Life and Loss in GazaWriting Amid the Rubble: Life and Loss in Gaza By Maria Lammerding “The war destroyed all the dreams,” Amer says, simply. Photo by Mohammed … Continue reading Writing Amid the Rubble: Life and Loss in Gaza
- The Threads That Hold Us Together
International Human Rights Day 2025 On 10th December each year, we observe International Human Rights Day, marking the date the Universal Declaration of … Continue reading The Threads That Hold Us Together - Skincare That Gives Back | One of a Kind Skin
Welcome Merchant had the privilege of speaking to the founder of One of a Kind Skin, Rawan. A skincare business that started in … Continue reading Skincare That Gives Back | One of a Kind Skin - Empowering Women and Strengthening Communities
Empowering Women and Strengthening Communities Cafe Stepping Stone based in Canberra, and founded by Vanessa & Hannah, is more than just a cafe … Continue reading Empowering Women and Strengthening Communities - Four Years Under Taliban Rule: What Has Changed for Afghanistan?
On 15 August 2021, the Taliban seized control of Kabul, marking their return to political power and a devastating turning point for the … Continue reading Four Years Under Taliban Rule: What Has Changed for Afghanistan? - Better Hair Days with Natu Natural’s
Hassanatu Bah, the founder of Natu Natural’s, was born in Guinea, West Africa. In 2017, she migrated to Australia, reuniting with her mother, … Continue reading Better Hair Days with Natu Natural’s - Why Supporting Refugee-Owned Businesses is Year Round Activism
Refugee Week in Australia, which ran last month from 15th to 21st June 2025, is a time to celebrate people from refugee backgrounds. … Continue reading Why Supporting Refugee-Owned Businesses is Year Round Activism - IN CONVERSATION: With Rasha Abbas from the PARA Foundation
Written by Daisy Henry for Welcome Merchant PARA is led by Australian Palestinians and is dedicated to supporting Palestinian migrants and refugees in … Continue reading IN CONVERSATION: With Rasha Abbas from the PARA Foundation - Community, Craft and Courage: Afghan-Australian Designer and Advocate, Anjilla Seddeqi on the Power of Representation
Refugee Week’s theme, “Finding Freedom – Diversity in Community,” feels tailor-made for Afghan-Australian designer and advocate Anjilla Seddeqi, a woman whose story weaves … Continue reading Community, Craft and Courage: Afghan-Australian Designer and Advocate, Anjilla Seddeqi on the Power of Representation - ‘A Mother to All’: honouring the women who shaped us, this Mother’s Day
As we celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend in Australia, we’re reflecting not only on the love and strength of mothers and mother figures … Continue reading ‘A Mother to All’: honouring the women who shaped us, this Mother’s Day - Refugees, Rights, and The Ballot Box
As the Federal Election draws closer, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by campaigns, manifestos, and headlines; especially with fear-mongering surrounding refugees and people … Continue reading Refugees, Rights, and The Ballot Box - Seeking Safety: Understanding the Process of Asylum
Though we’ve formerly defined refugees and outlined their rights and protections, another critical group to explore and understand is people seeking asylum. Important … Continue reading Seeking Safety: Understanding the Process of Asylum - It’s Our Birthday! Celebrating Five Years of Welcome Merchant
As we mark our fifth birthday at Welcome Merchant, it is the perfect time to reflect on our journey, celebrate our successes, and … Continue reading It’s Our Birthday! Celebrating Five Years of Welcome Merchant - Syria After Assad: Hope, Uncertainty, and the Road Ahead
On the 8th of December 2024, the brutal regime of President Bashar al-Assad fell. As quickly as the uprising began, it appeared to … Continue reading Syria After Assad: Hope, Uncertainty, and the Road Ahead - Mahshid Babzartabi: A Journey of Resilience, Food, and Storytelling
The name Mahshid Babzartabi is synonymous with Iranian cuisine. Through her various culinary ventures, including her first book, she’s already introduced us to … Continue reading Mahshid Babzartabi: A Journey of Resilience, Food, and Storytelling - Liew Ceramics Pop-Up Shop
Rue Liew who goes by they/them pronouns is formerly from Malaysia and is still seeking asylum. They currently reside in Melbourne where they … Continue reading Liew Ceramics Pop-Up Shop - Understanding Internally Displaced People (IDPs)
Defined by the United Nations, internally displaced people are “persons or groups of persons who have been forced or obliged to flee or … Continue reading Understanding Internally Displaced People (IDPs) - Defining ‘Refugee’: The Refugee Convention
At Welcome Merchant, refugees and people seeking asylum are at the heart of everything that we do. But to accurately support these people, … Continue reading Defining ‘Refugee’: The Refugee Convention - Meaningful Gifts That Give Back This Christmas
The countdown to Christmas is on and if you’re still searching for meaningful gifts, Welcome Merchant has you covered. Our curated gift guides … Continue reading Meaningful Gifts That Give Back This Christmas - The Perfect Presents for Your Loved Ones
Once again it is that time of the year to start gift shopping for your friends and family. The festive season comes around … Continue reading The Perfect Presents for Your Loved Ones - Catching Up with Emmanuel Asante
Emmanuel Asante is a visual artist residing in Western Sydney, I caught up with him a couple of weeks after he’d won the … Continue reading Catching Up with Emmanuel Asante - Lida Mangal on Ghan Fashion and The Taliban Regime
Lida Mangal the founder of Ghan Fashion has been supporting women in Afghanistan through her online traditional clothing business. Her clothing pieces help … Continue reading Lida Mangal on Ghan Fashion and The Taliban Regime - Historic Open Letter Demands Permanent Visas for Refugees After 100 Days of ProtestsAfter an unprecedented 100 days of national protests led by refugees themselves, a historic open letter signed by 75 prominent organisations has urged … Continue reading Historic Open Letter Demands Permanent Visas for Refugees After 100 Days of Protests
- Finding The Confidence To Start Your Own Business In Australia
Starting your own business in a new country is an exciting opportunity, but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether you’re just starting out … Continue reading Finding The Confidence To Start Your Own Business In Australia - International Day of the Girl Child: Spotlighting Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan
International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on 11th October, is a global celebration of the rights of girls, advocating for gender … Continue reading International Day of the Girl Child: Spotlighting Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan - Cooking Classes and Resilience
Aheda Amro is originally from a small village called Halhul, in Palestine. She comes from a large family of five brothers and three … Continue reading Cooking Classes and Resilience - Sudan in Crisis
A humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale has been unfolding in Sudan. Since April 2023, violent clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and … Continue reading Sudan in Crisis - Unyielding: The Strength of Afghan Women
Photograph by Nk Ni, via Unsplash Since the Taliban recaptured control of Afghanistan in 2021, the quality of life in the country has … Continue reading Unyielding: The Strength of Afghan Women - More Than Just a Name
Our names carry the weight of our culture and identity that has been selected by loved ones to represent us. The significance of … Continue reading More Than Just a Name - Defying Displacements: The Refugee Paralympic Team 2024
This week, 4,400 athletes have arrived in Paris for the city’s inaugural Paralympic Games. Competing across 22 sports, these Paralympians will push the … Continue reading Defying Displacements: The Refugee Paralympic Team 2024 - Authentic Malaysian Cuisine at Little Lagos Pop-Up Event
Sydney food enthusiasts, we have a treat in store for you on Sunday, August 18th, 2024. Welcome Merchant is hosting a Malaysian pop-up … Continue reading Authentic Malaysian Cuisine at Little Lagos Pop-Up Event - Overcoming mental health challenges in the world of business
Launching a business is a daunting task for anybody, but for refugees and people seeking asylum, the venture comes with an additional set … Continue reading Overcoming mental health challenges in the world of business - Sydney Stories of Power | Emmanuel Asante Art
Emmanuel Asante migrated from Ghana West Africa to Australia 9 years ago and has been residing in Fairfield Western Sydney. He has always … Continue reading Sydney Stories of Power | Emmanuel Asante Art - Debunking common myths about refugees this World Refugee Day
World Refugee Day, celebrated each year on June 20, is a day to honour people who have been forced to flee their home … Continue reading Debunking common myths about refugees this World Refugee Day - National Reconciliation Week: Promoting Understanding and Respect in Australia
National Reconciliation Week, observed annually from May 27 to June 3, is a significant event in Australia that aims to promote understanding, respect, … Continue reading National Reconciliation Week: Promoting Understanding and Respect in Australia - All Things Beauty with Hala Beauty Glam
Owner of Hala Beauty Glam, Hala Elnour a beauty therapist born in Libya to Sudanese parents who lived in Egypt for four years … Continue reading All Things Beauty with Hala Beauty Glam - Starting Your Own Business: Inspired by Oranan’s Journey
Blog post by Navitas Skilled Futures Looking to embark on an entrepreneurial journey by starting your own business? Take inspiration from Oranan Jantatep, … Continue reading Starting Your Own Business: Inspired by Oranan’s Journey - A Taste Of Tehran in Melbourne
Hamed Allahyari was sat amidst piles of construction supplies, paint roller in hand, as he took my call about his newest culinary venture, … Continue reading A Taste Of Tehran in Melbourne - Finding Customers – A Guide to Launching and Marketing Your Business
Starting a new business is an exciting journey, with one of the biggest challenges often being attracting those crucial first customers. This guide … Continue reading Finding Customers – A Guide to Launching and Marketing Your Business - Social Media for New Businesses: A Starter Guide
In today’s digital age, social media is a must-have for businesses of all sizes. It’s where connections are made, brands are built, and … Continue reading Social Media for New Businesses: A Starter Guide - Bringing the Flavours of Syria to Australia
When Damascus native Racha Abou Alchamat immigrated to Australia 10 years ago with her family, starting a new life and searching for good … Continue reading Bringing the Flavours of Syria to Australia - Lunar New Year
It is always a pleasure to learn about different traditional festivals celebrated by diverse communities. Welcome Merchant strives to be inclusive and highlight … Continue reading Lunar New Year - New Year’s Traditions
Happy New Year from Welcome Merchant, we hope 2024 is treating you well so far. When it comes to New Year’s, celebrations and … Continue reading New Year’s Traditions - Sharing Knowledge Blog #6 Money, money, money: where & how to find funding sources to start your business
By Rebecca Foreman for Navitas Skilled Futures Australia is a vibrant, multicultural country and has long been a beacon of hope and opportunity … Continue reading Sharing Knowledge Blog #6 Money, money, money: where & how to find funding sources to start your business - Sharing Knowledge #5: Identifying and Utilising Your Skills for Business
By Rebecca Foreman (Navitas Skilled Futures) For migrants and refugees arriving in Australia, the entrepreneurial spirit often becomes a ray of hope and … Continue reading Sharing Knowledge #5: Identifying and Utilising Your Skills for Business - Shop refugee-made gifts this Christmas
In Part 1 of our holiday gift guide, we highlighted some great gift ideas for the art lovers, beauty aficionados, nature enthusiasts and … Continue reading Shop refugee-made gifts this Christmas - Rohingya traditions endure despite genocide and displacement
Picture above taken from the Australian Rohingyan Women’s Development Organisation’s (ARWDO) Facebook page Rohingya Traditions Endure Despite Genocide and Displacement The Rohingya people … Continue reading Rohingya traditions endure despite genocide and displacement - Sharing Knowledge Blog #4: Small Business Support
How to keep going when the going gets tough (in setting up a business) Words by Rebecca Foreman for Navitas Skilled Futures Starting … Continue reading Sharing Knowledge Blog #4: Small Business Support - Christmas Gift Ideas
December is here which means Christmas is right around the corner, making it the perfect time to decide on gifts to give your … Continue reading Christmas Gift Ideas - A Conversation with The Multi-talented Sparrow Uganda
Peter Lubega who prefers to be called Sparrow Uganda was born and raised in Uganda and is a person seeking asylum. He is … Continue reading A Conversation with The Multi-talented Sparrow Uganda - Ever thought of starting a beauty business in Australia?
By Rebecca Foreman, Navitas x Welcome Merchant Blog Series #5 If you love all things relating to beauty and are thinking about making … Continue reading Ever thought of starting a beauty business in Australia? - “Why us?” The must-watch theatre show coming soon to the Seymour Centre
Every once in a while, a stage production comes along that does more than just entertain. It deeply stirs our emotions, nudges at our conscience, and challenges our way of thinking. Why us? is one such production, being performed next week at Sydney’s Seymour Centre. - Championing Diverse Creatives | Artist n More
ArtistnMore a creative agency founded by Derick Frimpong in 2020 came about through a video podcast ArtistnMore Xperience where he interviewed a few … Continue reading Championing Diverse Creatives | Artist n More - An Iranian refugee’s lived experience of Australia’s brutal mandatory offshore detention laws
The story of Leila Beigli is as heartbreaking as it is powerful. An Iranian refugee who fled oppression, Leila and her 9-year-old son … Continue reading An Iranian refugee’s lived experience of Australia’s brutal mandatory offshore detention laws - Ever thought of starting your own childcare business in Australia?
If you love children and would love to work with them in your career, the childcare industry in Australia is a significant source … Continue reading Ever thought of starting your own childcare business in Australia? - Fashion for good | Ginan Tabbouch
Ginan Tabbouch is a well-established bi-poc fashion designer based in Western Sydney, whose inspiration for her streetwear brand GTAB, comes from the social … Continue reading Fashion for good | Ginan Tabbouch - Loneliness and the Refugee Experience
In a world increasingly interconnected through digital platforms and social media, it may seem illogical that loneliness is a prevalent issue affecting people … Continue reading Loneliness and the Refugee Experience - Sharing Knowledge Blog Series #3: Advice from a Successful Business Owner
Refugees, readied with resilience and determination, are rewriting their stories through entrepreneurship, transforming past challenges into the foundations of their future success. However, … Continue reading Sharing Knowledge Blog Series #3: Advice from a Successful Business Owner - Afghan Women’s Fight for Freedom | Ghan Fashion
Lida Mangal is a former refugee who migrated to Australia from Afghanistan in 2005 in hopes of starting a new life. There she … Continue reading Afghan Women’s Fight for Freedom | Ghan Fashion - An Afghan artist reclaiming her power
As the second anniversary of the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan approaches, the country continues to struggle with political upheaval and uncertainty. One person … Continue reading An Afghan artist reclaiming her power - Alepp Soap: Sustainability and Social Change
Kate Ryan the founder of Alepp Soap started this social enterprise and registered charity during the pandemic. The name itself is significant as … Continue reading Alepp Soap: Sustainability and Social Change - Sharing Knowledge Blog Series #2: The First Steps to Take to Start Your Own Business in Australia
Welcome to the second blog in our Sharing Knowledge series, in conjunction with Navitas Skilled Futures, to support refugees and migrants to develop … Continue reading Sharing Knowledge Blog Series #2: The First Steps to Take to Start Your Own Business in Australia - Temporary Protection Visas: The harsh reality faced by refugees
Refugee Week presents an opportunity to recognise the ongoing challenges being endured by refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia, every day. It … Continue reading Temporary Protection Visas: The harsh reality faced by refugees - Refugee Week with Sangee’s Kitchen
Welcome Merchant had the privilege of speaking to Chef Sangeetha Malar from Sangee’s Kitchen about her journey towards fulfilling her cooking aspirations. A … Continue reading Refugee Week with Sangee’s Kitchen - Sharing Knowledge Blog Series #1: Essential Skills for Starting Your Business (And How to Get Them!)
We’re excited to announce the launch of an exciting new blog series, in conjunction with Navitas Skilled Futures, to support refugees and migrants … Continue reading Sharing Knowledge Blog Series #1: Essential Skills for Starting Your Business (And How to Get Them!) - Four Ethical Fashion Brands You Need to Know About
Sustainability has become a buzzword in the fashion industry in recent years and for good reason. With the rise of fast fashion and … Continue reading Four Ethical Fashion Brands You Need to Know About - Mother’s Day gift guide
Mother’s Day is fast approaching and if you’re stuck on what to get your mother figure, Welcome Merchant has compiled a few gift … Continue reading Mother’s Day gift guide - The Clean Beauty Movement: An Interview with Sassy Organics Founder Aida Rejzovic
The clean beauty industry is growing rapidly as more and more consumers seek out natural alternatives to traditional products. One company specialising in … Continue reading The Clean Beauty Movement: An Interview with Sassy Organics Founder Aida Rejzovic - SRI LANKAN NEW YEAR
Welcome Merchant speaks to Niro Vithyesakar, a Sri Lankan-born refugee who 15 years ago made the move to Australia. He spends his time … Continue reading SRI LANKAN NEW YEAR - O1 Kebab: A Conversation about Family and Resilience
01 Kebab, a halal-certified restaurant residing in Melbourne, is known to provide Turkish food that is freshly made which is sure to not … Continue reading O1 Kebab: A Conversation about Family and Resilience - A guide to the must-try dishes of Uyghur cuisine
Discover the vibrant world of Uyghur cuisine with our guide to the must-try dishes. From hearty Laghman noodles to smoky and aromatic lamb kebabs, Uyghur food is a feast for the senses. This article explores the cultural influences that shape this unique cuisine - Celebrating International Women’s Day: Honouring the Resilience and Success of Female Refugee Entrepreneurs
This International Women’s Day we celebrate the success of female business owners from Maryam Oria and Yarrie Bangura. - Turkey-Syria EarthQuake
On Monday February 6th 2023, a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southern Turkey in the Kahramanmaras province on the north of Gaziantep which lies … Continue reading Turkey-Syria EarthQuake - Ethical Actions To Take In 2023
We’ve compiled this (non-exhaustive) list of actions you can take this year to empower yourself with knowledge and do good in the world around you. - Support Our Refugee-Background Entrepreneurs This Christmas
This festive season, Welcome Merchant are encouraging you to do things a little differently. We’ve compiled a list of gift ideas created by our refugee background entrepreneurs, to help you slow down and shop ethically this holiday season. - Join us at the Welcome Merchant Christmas Markets in Melbourne
We’ve got our Melbourne-based friends covered this year with our first ever Christmas market - Aunty’s Ginger Tonic Turns 5
On Wednesday evening, Welcome Merchant attended the 5th birthday celebration of Aunty’s Ginger Tonic, held at Canva Space in Surry Hills. It was a joyous event that celebrated both the achievements of founder Yarrie Bangura and wider African culture. - Mahsa Amini: We stand in solidarity
Here at Welcome Merchant we believe that all women deserve to live full and free lives in safety. We care deeply about the … Continue reading Mahsa Amini: We stand in solidarity - Welcome Merchant’s For-Purpose Partners
Here at Welcome Merchant, we are ethically-minded in everything we do. You probably already know that our purpose is to elevate refugee and asylum-seeker background entrepreneurs, but did you know we partner with other purpose-led businesses for our ‘behind the scenes’ operations that keep Welcome Merchant up and running? - What’s happening in Pakistan right now, a brief crisis explainer
Welcome Merchant gives a brief explainer of the Pakistan flood crisis, and what we plan to do to help. - The Role Refugee Entrepreneurs Can Play On the International StageGuest Post by Aubrey Cooper The typical view of an entrepreneur is an innovative person who establishes a business, manages risks, and hopefully … Continue reading The Role Refugee Entrepreneurs Can Play On the International Stage
- Spring Has Sprung at Welcome Merchant
Spring is here! Celebrate the new season and support refugee and asylum-seeker entrepreneurs while you’re at it by checking out our merchants for all your spring needs. - West by Southeast: Finding common ground through a Syrian-Filipino food popup
Guest Blog by Happy Feraren Two weeks ago, I found myself sitting in a dinner table full of strangers. To my right was … Continue reading West by Southeast: Finding common ground through a Syrian-Filipino food popup - Wear it Purple Day: Lifting Queer Refugee and Migrant Voices
We speak to Erkmen Savaskan, architect, designer and queer activist, about the experience of leaving Turkey to live as a proudly gay man - Meet two of our ‘Falastin Fair’ panellists
We had the privilege to speak with Sara Saleh and Arwa Abousamra about their connection to their culture, their work, and about supporting the Palestine cause. - Music In Exile: We speak with Boubacar Gaye of Ausecuma Beats
Speaking with Boubacar, drum master, about his experience as an African musician in Australia. - Celebrate Ethiopian culture with Tinsae Elsdon and Welcome Merchant
Welcome Merchant are hosting another feast for good this Saturday, a hearty and heart-warming 3-course Ethiopian lunch, with Ethiopian-Australian cook Tinsae Elsdon. - The Value of Storytelling and Connecting Through Words
This month Welcome Merchant is teaming up with Mahawa Creative to run a free Inner Essence Creative Storytelling Workshop for migrant and refugee women. - The Sri Lanka Crisis Explained
Sri Lanka currently is facing their worst financial crisis in decades, with experts calling the crisis unprecedented. So what’s actually going on, and what can be done to help? - Review: Welcome Merchant’s Biggest Event To Date, Refugee Week ‘Feast For Good’
On Sunday 25th June, Welcome Merchant held their biggest event to date, a sold-out lunch to celebrate Refugee Week. - Welcome Merchant Winter Warmers
As we settle into winter and more nights spent inside, Welcome Merchant has rounded up ideas from our directory to help you stay … Continue reading Welcome Merchant Winter Warmers - Refugee Week 2022: Healing, Hope and Connection
We interview Chef Mahshid this Refugee Week. - Timeless Elegance that Elevates Women
Welcome Merchant recently featured Anjilla Seddeqi, an Australian designer of Afghan heritage, whose designs shine a light on the elegance and beauty of … Continue reading Timeless Elegance that Elevates Women - Be Brave, Make Change: Reconciliation Week 2022
Welcome Merchant supports National Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC week and Pay the Rent - As Election Day Approaches, Keep Refugees at The Forefront of your Mind
Learn more about where the major parties stand on policies that affect refugees and asylum seekers. - Support Refugee Entrepreneurs and Find a Mothers Day Gift
Welcome Merchant is holding a special pop-up market in Melbourne - This Earth Day, spare a thought for the refugees of the climate crisis
Learn more about the ever-growing issue of climate refugees this Earth Day. - Refugee and Migrant Powered Pop-up Market in Melbourne
Meet the merchants at our pop-up market in Thornbury on Sunday, May 1 - The Future Looks Bright for Welcome Merchant
We discuss what’s next for Welcome Merchant. - Meet FDPN, the organisation that provides support for LGBTIQ+ refugees and displaced peoples
Earlier this month, many of us celebrated Mardi Gras and our LGBTIQ+ community in general. However, it is important that work supporting LGBTIQ+ … Continue reading Meet FDPN, the organisation that provides support for LGBTIQ+ refugees and displaced peoples