Charity Guide FOCUS ON
Rose pictured with Darren from Beyond Skin.
Rose’s Story Ulster Tatler speaks to Iranian business woman, Rose, who has set up a candle making business since finding refuge in Northern Ireland. “I left Iran along with my children in 2016, and after five years sought refuge from one country to another, finally we get to Belfast. When hungry and cold from the weather, me and my children kept thinking of the day we could freely live in a safe country. Finally becoming a resident was a dream of ours. As a single mum, I went through a lot. From separation, loss, loneliness and anxiety. I have discovered the value of my experiences, this leads me to summon up all of my strength for my children. When we arrived in Belfast it was so difficult and Home Office kept us in a holding centre that was once a hotel. There were so many obstacles to go through. Language barrier and culture shock, of course our asylum seeking status forbid me to work and find a job to support my family – this threw us into a bad financial situation. Finally we got our refugee right to work status. At this point I had to do something. I could not see my children sleep hungry, so I had been creative to change the situation for my children and myself. I used to make candles as a habit when I was in my home country Iran, however the idea of starting up my own candle making business came to my mind from the time that I moved to Northern Ireland and I had no money to support my sons (12 and 17yrs) needs. So I used my weekly benefits to save and buy the materials I needed but it was not enough. In May this year I met Darren Ferguson from the organisation Beyond Skin who told me about a programme they had to help artists seeking asylum. (MARRS) Musicians Artists at Risk Resettlement
Scheme. They helped my get more materials and equipment and introduced me to arts centres, festivals and other people who could help my business and me as a business woman. Candle Making is truly joy in my life since I make each one of them with love and each one of them are filled with feelings. I aim to grow my business by teaching other single mums or those who need to learn something as their career. I could never imagine we will be living in an immigrant friendly place such as Belfast. Anytime, walking down the street, passing by people who smile at say hello, my heart fills with peace. I feel safe, I feel at home. It’s been almost a year since we are living in temporary housing here in Belfast. Even though I love spring and sunny skies, I can never complain about the rainy weather here because, rain, tickles my creativity. The Belfast land is my inspiration. That’s very true. I can drink my hot tea while making candles. Belfast’s colourful flowers were my inspiration
to make Davoudi Candle, which is one of my best seller candles so far. Going through all these challenges and turning the situation to a better life as a woman who was always suppressed in her life. My dreams is to be an inspiration to other women by making Rose Startup to the world and empower women all around the globe who are going through difficult situations. As I have learned that life truly is all about the journey and we are moving toward something greater. I aim to light up my customers’ lives with incredible customer service.” MARRS was set up in September 2021 and to date over 100 people have had support. Instagram RoseCandle.UK Email Rosecandle.uk@gmail.com www.beyondskin.net MARRS www.marrs.world Photography by Bagher Maghsoudi.
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