Every big business started small. Some may have started in garages, kitchens or even around the dinner table.
Every new idea needs to be nurtured so it can reach its full potential. A start-up program or co-working space is a great way to ‘dip your toe in the water’ and test your product or service.
Entrepreneurship inspires and facilitates more entrepreneurship, paving the way for more small brands and bringing products to new audiences.
Dandenong Market is one place where a business idea can grow. The Dandy Makers Market offers a great incubator space to test your products to a receptive audience.
Abyssinia Coffeeland providing the right buzz to the daily grind
Abyssinia Coffeeland run by Alem Hailemariam sells a range of the finest Ethiopian organic coffee beans.
These range from ground coffee to the exotic Yirgacheffe and Sidano. Ms Hailemariam completed a hospitality course at Chisholm Institute in Dandenong and started working at the department’s café where her dream was fuelled to sell her own coffee beans.
Alem was one of the success stories which came out of the Dandy Maker’s Market, a joint initiative of Dandenong Market and the Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre. This initiative aimed to build stronger communities through micro business mentoring and empowerment.
Ms Hailemariam started off running a coffee stall at the Dandy Makers’ Market in 2018. After seeing success she took the next step and opened an outlet at the Market.
Ms Hailemariam travels to Ethiopia yearly to collect her organic coffee beans, which she then packs and roasts in Australia. Unsurprisingly given Melbourne’s deep coffee cult, she’s quickly attracting loyal customers.
“After you give them a taste, they always seem to buy it,” she said.
“The relationships I have built with people – both customers and traders of the Market encourages me to keep doing what I love. Abyssinia Coffeeland has a range of the finest Ethiopian organic coffee beans” said Ms Hailemariam.
Her fantastic blends are much-loved by many customers. The Market’s support for Abyssinia Coffeeland has meant that Alem has become a destination in the Market.
“Everyone appreciates the authenticity of my brand. Dandenong Market has allowed me to tell my story and share my passion with a loyal and loving community.”
The refugee and single mum has dreams of owning her own cafe and restaurant, with her stellar coffee roasted out the back.
Venus Jewellery becoming a treasure in Dandenong
Another thriving Market entrepreneur is Mahdi Vahedi from Venus Jewellery. Mr Vahedi opened his jewellery stall in the heart of the Market in 2016 after immigrating from Iran with his family. His business is now flourishing.
“I have built a strong loyal clientele of customers here in the Market. We have recently opened a second stall to cater for the growing demand from our regular customers,” said Mr Vahedi.
The humble jeweller loves the Market community and the positive feedback he consistently receives from customers. Just four years after opening at Dandenong Market, Mr Vahedi has built his business and expanded another franchise in Dandenong.
“Dandenong Market has allowed Venus Jewellery to grow into one of the most well-known jewellery destinations in Dandenong. The community the Market attracts has helped with this,” said Mr Vahedi.
If you have a business idea you’d like to test at the Dandenong Makers Market, you can phone 9701 3850 or email info@dandenongmarket.com.au or submit an application online.
