Supporting Refugees in Australia
Marjorie Tenchavez
WELCOME MERCHANT
Marjorie shares her story of setting up a platform to support refugees who relocated to Australia to live.
1. What is your background?
I am a First Generation Australian from a Filipina background. I grew up in Sydney, I spent my high school years in Western Sydney and now live in the Inner City of Sydney.
2. What inspired you to start Welcome Merchant?
I have been working with refugees and people seeking asylum since 2011. I started Welcome Merchant in March 2020 after seeing the successes of platforms like Buy from The Bush and Spend with Them, which featured businesses impacted by drought and bushfires. I thought that refugee and asylum seeker entrepreneurs deserved a platform too.
3. Describe what Welcome Merchant is:
We're a social enterprise with a mission to change the negative conversation about refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia. Through our curated events, social media marketing and partnerships, we elevate the voices of refugee and asylum seeker entrepreneurs in Australia. Lack of connections and communication, as well as digital savviness often mean that many refugee-powered businesses in Australia operate in the dark and don’t receive the attention they deserve. As a social enterprise, Welcome Merchant acts as a directory, making it easy for conscious shoppers to find unique products and cultural events operated by underestimated entrepreneurs, all while making a meaningful social impact.
4. Can you share any inspiring stories from Welcome Merchant?
Plenty of inspiring stories! When the second lockdown started in Sydney, we knew that a number of the entrepreneurs we've featured would be impacted badly. We did a fundraiser to cover at least 1 week of overhead costs for 5 refugee entrepreneurs (3 caterers, 1 photographer and 1 cleaning business) and we were overwhelmed by the support. Our target was $5,500 and we raised $5750 within 9 days!
Here is a story from one of the refugees we support:
A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY WITH A CONSCIENCE!
@builtbymilan wants to make a difference! When Milan Nourali and his siblings were at school in Australia, he told us that the other students used to call refugees 'terrorists' and they were often told to 'go back to your own country'. He said that working on construction sites, despite being one of the most multicultural industries, wasn’t anything different.
This experience has inspired Milan to establish an inclusive business and offer jobs to underestimated individuals. He also wants to especially encourage and teach young people to work.
"Melbourne is a very big and powerful city. I believe that in Melbourne if you try hard and be the best version of yourself you can achieve any life goals you have. The plan is to grow the business and get into building brand new houses."- Milan
5. How can people be involved with Welcome Merchant?
They can get involved through attending our Curated Events (only in Sydney for now, we have plans to expand to other states in the future), or buy one of our refugee-powered goody bags - https://welcomemerchant.com/products/ or peruse our online directory which includes different types of tradespeople, restaurants, cafes, caterers, photographers, musicians, amazing retailers and artists
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/welcomemerchant/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/welcomemerchant