As we mark our fifth birthday at Welcome Merchant, it is the perfect time to reflect on our journey, celebrate our successes, and envision the future of our refugee advocacy. From our humble beginnings as an Instagram page run solely by founder, Marjorie Tenchavez, Welcome Merchant has since blossomed into an award-winning social enterprise, bridging gaps by connecting merchants with the broader community. In addition to equipping them with free capacity-building workshops, online exposure, and curated events, we dedicate ourselves to dismantling public biases towards displaced populations and reshaping perceptions of the refugee experience.
Since April 2021, Welcome Merchant has organised over 60 refugee-powered events across Sydney and Melbourne. These events have ranged from short film festivals, vibrant markets, and art exhibitions to fashion shows and sold-out dining events. Each has offered the makers a platform to showcase their crafts and stories, strengthening the bonds between communities and highlighting the immense resilience and creativity of refugees and people seeking asylum. Memorable gatherings like Rohingyan Night, the Persian Feast for Women’s Rights, and Fundraiser events for Medical Aid for Palestinians have celebrated cultural heritage, raised funds, and inspired. Furthermore, experiences such as speed friending evenings and trivia fundraisers, have equally offered the public a chance to engage with our cause whilst benefiting from a rich tapestry of cultures.
With the blog, we have covered a wide array of topics and stories: having had the pleasure of interviewing many of our incredible merchants, highlighting grassroots community initiatives, and keeping readers informed by delving into the socio-politics of displacement and migration. By sharing these stories, we not only celebrate resilience and creativity but also challenge misconceptions, encouraging more inclusive conversations about the refugee experience.
Our achievements have been recognised through numerous awards and accolades, affirming our role as a community catalyst. This has been further highlighted through extensive media exposure, including features in esteemed platforms such as Vogue Australia, Women’s Agenda, and The Guardian Australia’s Christmas Gift Guide, as well as our amazing founder Marjorie Tenchavez achieving recognitions such as being nominated on Urban List’s “30 Faces Changing the World by 2030” and being a recipient of the NSW Humanitarian Award – Business, by Refugee Council of Australia and STARTTS.
Looking forward, there is ample opportunity for improvement in the way Australia and the global community support refugees and people seeking. Our work is more critical than ever as the political landscape becomes increasingly hostile towards refugees, with policies continuing to prioritise deterrence over protection. Globally, the rise of extreme right-wing politics has led to harsher border controls, reduced pathways to asylum, and inflammatory rhetoric that fuels public mistrust. In this climate, advocating for refugee rights is more than meaningful: it is essential. We remain committed to driving transformative social change that champions refugees and enriches society. You too can help: whether it’s attending our fantastic, varied events, or subscribing to our patreon for exclusive content, your assistance ensures Welcome Merchant’s continuation.
As we celebrate our significant milestone, Welcome Merchant remains dedicated to its mission of truth, empathy, and hope. Central to our success thus far is the vast array of talent and dedication brought by the merchants, and another huge thank you goes out to our incredible volunteers whose passion and energy make Welcome Merchant possible. Thanks also extends to our partners, and loyal readers for their unwavering support as we continue to tell the stories that matter.