Amidst the scent of samosas and bolani and the colorful sight of Afghan embroidered dresses and Ukrainian flower crowns, different corners of the world met at the TownLake YMCA.
A nonprofit providing education, professional development and mentoring to communities in need, Global Impact Initiative Austin hosted the Refugee Arts & Crafts Bazaar for the fourth time on Saturday. It hosted 20 refugees as vendors from Afghanistan, Ukraine, Cuba, Burundi, Iraq, Colombia and multiple African countries. The vendors kept 100% of the proceeds, selling traditional baked goods, meals and handmade crafts. In the past, refugees found contract work and jobs through the bazaar, said Anjum Malik, founder and executive director of Global Impact Initiative.
“A refugee from Ukraine was selling macaroons, and this woman (who had a bakery) walked in and offered (the refugee) work within 24 hours,” said Malik. “It’s gotten to where the word is out that you have skilled craftspeople at this event so prospective employers show up. One of our refugees got a job as a florist because people saw the floral weeds she was making.”
The bazaar featured the Refugee Sewing Collective, which helps female Afghan refugees find work as seamstresses. Margie Yankeelov, the collective’s founder and a lecturer in the College of Fine Arts, said for women from rural parts of Afghanistan, earning money at the bazaar provides a new and empowering experience.
“It’s mind blowing that they could do this thing they’ve been doing as long as they can remember, and someone would pay for it,” Yankeelov said.
Maryna Koval, a vendor and a refugee from Ukraine, sold traditional Ukrainian clothes, ornaments and desserts at the bazaar. A former university professor in Ukraine, Koval is now rebuilding her life in Austin. She said she plans on selling goods at the bazaar again because it supports her.
“Sometimes when I’m sad, I don’t know what I need to do and this bazaar opens my (eyes),” Koval said. “For me every bazaar (feels) like a celebration.”
The bazaar will return to the TownLake YMCA on Dec. 15. Malik said she appreciates how the event allows the refugees to make money immediately (on average $10 to $12 an hour) and change people’s perceptions of refugees.
“To see people say, ‘Oh my gosh, this food is so good. This particular handicraft is beautiful,’” Malik said. “(To) appreciate those skill sets and diversity that (the refugees) bring to our community … It’s a win-win all the way.”
