On the suface, Sydney store, The Social Outfit looks like any other clothing store.
But behind the beads and bracelets, lies a different story.
Esther Han is from the Karen ethnic group, and fled Burma seeking a safer, happier life.
"We came as refugees. Australia is a good place to live and there are wonderful places here. And people they help," she said.
Despite being a skilled designer and seamstress, the mother of 7 struggled to find work when she first arrived.
That was until she joined The Social Outfit - a clothing manufacturer and store that hires recently arrived asylum seekers and refugees.
"I like the environment working here. Helping one another and we have a good team," Ms Han said.
The small business provides training in sewing and design to its staff, with many employees going on to set up their own micro-businesses.
Founder, Jackie Ruddock wanted to give new migrants and refugees the chance to share their skills, while developing business experience.
"Often new migrants, as soon as they arrive, they want to contribute. They want to give back, be a part of the community and really show their skills," she said.
She said many refugees and migrants initially struggle to have their abilities recognised in the Australian job market.
"I think social enterprise is a really important step in the part of that process. We're a supportive environment and one that understands that people need to build their skills over time. But at the same time we're very much like any other small business. We have a product to sell and something that we're really proud of."
Since it opened nearly two years ago, the Social Outfit has provided jobs and training opportunities to dozens of migrants and refugees.
Economist, Tim Harcourt from the University of New South Wales, says many small businesses fail to harness the abilities and skills of newly arrived Australians.
"I think there is a great opportunity for social entrepreneurs and I think many of these refugees will set up their own businesses in the future and employ people so there are first order and second order economic effects from these types of enterprises," Mr Harcourt said.
For Esther, working at the Social Outfit has helped with more than just her work skills.
"I built my confidence meeting with new people here," she said.
