Small Business Check-In: Beekeeper Parade

We caught up with Koky Saly, the refugee entrepreneur who is expanding his recycled fashion business into a second store.

Source: Supplied

Earlier this year Small Business Secrets met with Koky Saly, the founder of social enterprise, Beekeeper Parade. 

The business recycles clothing to make backpacks and also raises money for schools in Cambodia.

Since Koky first shared his refugee story on the show, Beekeeper Parade has opened a second store.  

The new venture opened last month in the very popular shopping centre, Melbourne Central.

The retail space's opening took place on the birthday of Koky’s sister Sophia, who passed away in 2012.

Koky says the excitement of the opening was also filled with sadness, “the moment is mixed with a little bit of sadness, just because my sister can’t be here to see it as well.”

Founder of BeeKeeper Parade Koky Saly and his sister. Source: Supplied

“All this is a tribute to my sister, and it’s all about living my life to the fullest and giving my dreams every chance of becoming true,” he says whilst tearing up.

The Melbourne Central location also features a large tree which lights up in his sister's favourite colours of purple and orange.

 

Watch this story at the top of the page, or catch the full episode on SBS On Demand.