Meet our chefs and hamper product makers. Discover their stories and the amazing products they offer.

Aheda Amro
Aheda’s Kitchen
Far from her home, Chef Aheda continues the heritage and culture of beautiful Palestine through her cooking. She hopes that someday she can spread the joy of authentic Palestinian recipes by opening her own food truck.

Arad Niksefat
Persia’s Pantry
A family tale of survival and hardship turns into the sweet recipe that Arad needs to create Persia’s Pantry, a range o delicious offerings for the pantry and ready-to-eats.

Krishna Vijitha
Bavan Foods
Krish’s journey from working in agriculture in his native Sri Lanka to setting up a thriving catering business is made possible by hard work, resilience and with a little help from friends in his new home of Australia.

Mahshid Babzartabi
Chef Mahshid Babzartabi
A change of profession brings Mahshid to her own catering business, offering authentic Iranian feast which has since spawned a book (with another on the way!) and popular dining events.

Malar Sathasivam
Sangee’s Kitchen
Malar’s love for cooking delicious, hearty dishes translates into Sangee’s Kitchen, which brings the beautiful tastes and flavours of her native Penang.

Niro Vithyasekar
Tuka Tuka Kothu Roti Man
Cooking tips from friends in the detention centre and his mother’s recipes inspire Niro to bring the popular Sri Lankan street food kothu roti to Australia.

Owain Southwell
Munificent Wines
Owain’s strong advocacy for education has led him to found Munificent Wines that stands for the true value that education brings to disadvantaged communities.

Priyantha Joseph
Akira Grateful
Priyantha hails from Sri Lanka and with Akira Grateful, he wants to introduce to Australia (and the world) products that show the best his home country has to offer.

Racha Abou Alchamat
Racha’s Kitchen
The founder of Racha’s Kitchen, Racha’s journey so far spanned three countries – Syria, Dubai and her current home in Australia.

Rasha Tayeh
Beit e’Shai
Rasha blends her native Palestinian culture and her passion for biodiversity to create Beit e’Shai teas that use ethically-sourced ingredients and adopts a socially-conscious business model.

Rick Owen
Worthy Cause
Rick knows first-hand the challenges faced by disadvantaged individuals. He founded Worthy Cause to provide them with meaningful work and support—by way of creating the most gooey, moreish cookies around!

Yarrie Bangura
Aunty’s Ginger Tonic
A wild dream is how it all starts for Yarrie, who with her innate ability to juggle multiple tasks and the words of the strong women in her family, founded Aunty’s Ginger Tonic and is taking it places.
What the makers are saying
Stories of Power
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can we be featured on Welcome Merchant pages?
Simple! Reach us via our Contact page or email us: hello@welcomemerchant.com
Does my business have to have a social media account before it can be featured on Welcome Merchant?
No, we can still promote your business in our online directory and on our social media channels. We can also help set up your social media account for you!
How can I hire a refugee-owned business for my next event?
We can connect you to one! Please send us a message on our contact form or email us.
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Welcome Merchant in the media
The Power of Purpose – Prospa Article
Urban List’s 30 Faces Changing the World by 2030
The Guardian Australia’s 2021 Christmas Gift Guide 2021
Junkee article
Broadsheet article
Urban List article
Concrete Playground article
Timeout Sydney Mother’s Day article
Timeout Sydney Refugee Week article
Good Sesh Podcast interview
Good Food article
Timeout Melbourne Refugee Week article
Eastside Radio interview
Traces and Dreams interview
Junkee article
Broadsheet article
Urban List article
Concrete Playground article
Timeout Sydney Mother’s Day article
Timeout Sydney Refugee Week article
Good Sesh Podcast interview
Good Food article
Timeout Melbourne Refugee Week article
Eastside Radio interview
Traces and Dreams interview