International Human Rights Day 2025 On 10th December each year, we observe International Human Rights Day, marking the date the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted in 1948. Human rights can sometimes feel like an abstract, distant idea; something reserved for world leaders and landmark moments, but most of us experience them in far … Continue reading The Threads That Hold Us Together
Welcome Merchant had the privilege of speaking to the founder of One of a Kind Skin, Rawan. A skincare business that started in 2020, derived from all-natural and sustainably sourced ingredients, with a message to treat yourself with kindness. A one-woman business championing natural Australian ingredients, with proceeds going to much-needed charities. Rawan was born … Continue reading Skincare That Gives Back | One of a Kind Skin
Refugee Week in Australia, which ran last month from 15th to 21st June 2025, is a time to celebrate people from refugee backgrounds. This year’s theme, ‘Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community’, reminds us that ordinary acts of kindness can have extraordinary ripple effects. But the work of inclusion doesn’t begin or end with this week. … Continue reading Why Supporting Refugee-Owned Businesses is Year Round Activism
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 together strength, dignity and creativity in every thread. Anjilla is a lawyer-turned-fashion designer whose journey from refugee child to acclaimed advocate is deeply rooted in her Afghan heritage and a lifelong sense … Continue reading Community, Craft and Courage: Afghan-Australian Designer and Advocate, Anjilla Seddeqi on the Power of Representation
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 … Continue reading It’s Our Birthday! Celebrating Five Years of Welcome Merchant
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 … Continue reading The Perfect Presents for Your Loved Ones
Lida Mangal the founder of Ghan Fashion has been supporting women in Afghanistan through her online traditional clothing business. Her clothing pieces help the women, and their families gain some financial means with the Taliban regime taking away their agency and freedom. We spoke to Lida over a year ago discussing the topic of Afghan … Continue reading Lida Mangal on Ghan Fashion and The Taliban Regime
Aheda Amro is originally from a small village called Halhul, in Palestine. She comes from a large family of five brothers and three sisters. She is a mother to four children and her husband sadly passed away 14 years ago. She came to Australia in 2018 but could not work as a chef due to … Continue reading Cooking Classes and Resilience
Sydney food enthusiasts, we have a treat in store for you on Sunday, August 18th, 2024. Welcome Merchant is hosting a Malaysian pop-up event at Little Lagos in Enmore. The star of the show is Malar Sathasivam, the talented chef behind Sangee's Kitchen. This event promises to bring authentic Malaysian street food flavours to the … Continue reading Authentic Malaysian Cuisine at Little Lagos Pop-Up Event
Emmanuel Asante migrated from Ghana West Africa to Australia 9 years ago and has been residing in Fairfield Western Sydney. He has always been passionate about pursuing art. Becoming an artist was something he fought for despite the doubters. His dream of becoming an artist became a reality once in Australia where he shares his … Continue reading Sydney Stories of Power | Emmanuel Asante Art
