Once again it is that time of the year to start gift shopping for your friends and family. The festive season comes around far too quickly. This is the time to spoil the ones you love and admire with a gift they will cherish. The small businesses featured have a passion for the products and services they provide their customers. A unique clutch, handmade jewellery or clothing item could be exactly what you’re looking for. Welcome Merchant has compiled a few notable merchants for the perfect gift this Christmas.
1) Café Sunshine and Salamatea
Location: Melbourne, VIC
SALAMATEA café and restaurant a social enterprise based in Melbourne was established in 2019 and owned by Hamed Allahyari who specialises in Persian cuisine. They welcome refugees, new migrants and people seeking asylum to be confident socially and financially. Their willingness to take in people who have newly arrived in Australia to make it easier for them to gain connections and in turn gain employment elsewhere. They also offer catering services for any occasion with specific dietary requirements considered. The menu on offer consists of a range of breakfast and dinner dishes with drinks available too.
If you fancy not cooking this Christmas and want to try out Persian cuisine visit SALAMATEA.
2) Sassy Organics
Location: Melbourne, VIC & online shipping to specific countries worldwide with free shipping for products over $100 in AUS
Aida the founder of Sassy Organics provides an online retail destination with over 2,000 products offering vegan, organic and cruelty-free cosmetics and home care to name a few. Her mission is to empower those who want to embrace the organic lifestyle through her ever-growing collection of items. The mission of following the organic route has also led the business towards sustainable practices. The removal of all plastic waste from online orders, supporting local Fair Trade makers and sending non-recyclable beauty items to TerraCycle who use them to create swings and picnic benches.
Fancy the organic way to skincare and beauty? Check out Sassy Organics to pamper your loved ones.
3) Sakena the Label
Location: Australian Capital Territory & worldwide shipping avaliable
Sakena the Label founded by Maryam Oria is a slow fashion label that pays tributes to Afghan artisans through displaying their craftsmanship. This brand focuses on waste reduction and turns materials into wearable pieces. The assortment of clutches with their unique designs is sure to be a great gift for bag lovers. If you fancy traditional Afghan clothing items for someone special, have a peek to see what sticks out.
If you’re looking for unique items for loved ones to cherish, check out Sakena the Label.
4) Ati Art
Location: Sydney, NSW
Atefeh Hekmat the founder of ATI Art School & Centre is skilled in oil and acrylic paintings on canvas. Her love for nature and landscapes can be seen through her art classes. The works she has created have been shown at art exhibitions and women-focused events in Australia. This art workshop found in Wentworthville is perfect for art lovers of all ages. With one-on-one, group and online classes available it is a perfect gift for someone wanting to begin their art journey. They cater for various events with the choice to bring your own food with drinks available on-site.
If you’re based in Sydney and know someone who wants to start their art venture, why not gift an experience at ATI ART.
5) Dallal Naser
Location: Sydney, NSW & free shipping within Australia
Dallal Naser is an Australian Palestinian artist based in Sydney whose works of art showcase her fight for Palestine. The art created by Dallal is to spread awareness and the message of love and resilience. Through her artworks, she hopes to evoke the message of empathy and allow the audience to see things from an alternate perspective. The artworks reflect her thoughts on setting Palestine free and for art viewers to get the opportunity to connect to them on a deeper level.
Know someone who loves art? Visit Dallal Naser’s website for all things art.
6) Music in Exile
Location: Sydney, NSW & worldwide shipping avaliable
Music in Exile founded by Joe Alexander is a not-for-profit record label and artist service created to help artists from diverse backgrounds in the music industry. The array of featured artists supported by this organisation gives us a range of musical genres and musicians yet to be discovered. They offer merchandise for those who are avid music lovers with the options of band t-shirts, vinyls, hats, and tote bags on sale.
Check out Music in Exile for the loved ones who love everything music.