Lida Mangal is a former refugee who migrated to Australia from Afghanistan in 2005 in hopes of starting a new life. There she gained a scholarship from Sydney University leading her to complete her master's degree. She then decided to remain in Australia and worked in numerous organisations in different capacities. Lida now working as … Continue reading Afghan Women’s Fight for Freedom | Ghan Fashion
As the second anniversary of the Taliban's resurgence in Afghanistan approaches, the country continues to struggle with political upheaval and uncertainty. One person impacted by this turmoil is Nazdana Bakhtiari. Nazdana is a talented artist who escaped Afghanistan with the assistance of the Australian Defence Force. Her story is a poignant reflection of her home … Continue reading An Afghan artist reclaiming her power
Kate Ryan the founder of Alepp Soap started this social enterprise and registered charity during the pandemic. The name itself is significant as the soap is made in Aleppo, Syria. “I don’t have a middle eastern background, I am a white Anglo woman and not claiming to know a lot about Syria. However, I did … Continue reading Alepp Soap: Sustainability and Social Change
Refugee Week presents an opportunity to recognise the ongoing challenges being endured by refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia, every day. It is a time when the whole Australian population can come together to collectively ask the government to adopt policies that ensure refugees and people seeking asylum are treated with dignity, compassion and … Continue reading Temporary Protection Visas: The harsh reality faced by refugees
Welcome Merchant had the privilege of speaking to Chef Sangeetha Malar from Sangee’s Kitchen about her journey towards fulfilling her cooking aspirations. A single mother of three children who migrated to Australia in 2018 with a dream of becoming a chef and one day owning a food trailer. Sangee's Kitchen logo The beginning stages of … Continue reading Refugee Week with Sangee’s Kitchen
Sustainability has become a buzzword in the fashion industry in recent years and for good reason. With the rise of fast fashion and its environmental and social impact, consumers are increasingly looking for ways to shop ethically and sustainably. Welcome Merchant is proud to support fashion brands Akos Creative, Second Stitch, Social Studio, and The … Continue reading Four Ethical Fashion Brands You Need to Know About
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 ideas to get you sorted. When it comes to gifts to shower your mother-figure, nothing seems fitting compared to their sacrifices and selflessness. We hope these gifts from refugee-powered businesses and social … Continue reading Mother’s Day gift guide
The clean beauty industry is growing rapidly as more and more consumers seek out natural alternatives to traditional products. One company specialising in organic beauty is Sassy Organics, an online store dedicated to offering clean skincare and cosmetics. Founded by Aida Rejzovic, the company has quickly become a go-to destination for those wanting high-quality, effective … Continue reading The Clean Beauty Movement: An Interview with Sassy Organics Founder Aida Rejzovic
Welcome Merchant speaks to Niro Vithyesakar, a Sri Lankan-born refugee who 15 years ago made the move to Australia. He spends his time using his hospitality and business skills to provide authentic Sri Lankan street food. At various events, he has sold his dishes through his market stall Tuka Tuka Kothuroti Man for the past 5 years. … Continue reading SRI LANKAN NEW YEAR
01 Kebab, a halal-certified restaurant residing in Melbourne, is known to provide Turkish food that is freshly made which is sure to not disappoint. They offer a range of affordable dishes to pick from such as Adana, a popular Turkish dish, kuzu cigeri (lamb liver), Mediterranean food, lamb shish, chicken shish, salads and dips. I … Continue reading O1 Kebab: A Conversation about Family and Resilience
