Since arriving in Australia as a refugee almost a decade ago, Aeshah Hazem Al-Aloosi has built up a strong following on social media for her instructional cooking videos.
Ms Al-Aloosi has spent her life in Australia determined to remove any stigma she says she felt as a refugee and instead to flourish in all aspects of her life.
In fact, she says she hardly sleeps and often works 20-hour days.
Many refugees experience a sense of alienation because suddenly they must move on from all they have known before and establish a new life from scratch.
This is how she describes her mindset after leaving Iraq in 2005 during a time of intense instability in the country.
She first went to Jordan, where she lived for nine years, awaiting approval from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) so that she could seek refuge in a country that would provide her and her family with stability and safety.
“The situation was deteriorating and I was frustrated, I did not sleep and was eager to settle in a country that would grant security and safety for my children,” she said.
Ms Al-Aloosi arrived in Australia in 2014 as a refugee to find herself facing obstacles including language, finding a suitable home, getting a job and raising her children.
Australia is a country that gives refugees an opportunity to achieve their goals. It's as if it says to refugees: 'Strive, I will support you.'
Ms Al-Aloosi says she did not give up in the face of the first obstacles she encountered.
Her initial step towards integration was to participate in markets selling handmade accessories to enable her to earn some money and get some experience in the labour market.
I participated in exhibitions and forums and studied at the same time to prove to myself that I am able to be the best person I could be.
Ms Al-Aloosi says she learned English, studied the basics of caring for the elderly, worked in an aged care facility and founded a company to help people with special needs.
Established this year, the facility named 7 Eyes specialises in helping people with special needs develop life skills such as completing everyday household chores.
And as if all of those achievements were not enough, she also created a YouTube channel entitled 'Aeshah's Kitchen' and an Instagram page showcasing her cooking skills.
Her first videos received a very positive response from social media critics and since then her channel has gained unprecedented popularity.
Aeshah Al-Aloosi with one of her culinary creations. Credit: Aeshah Aloosi
Despite her successes, Ms Al-Aloosi says she has not forgotten her roots.
I remember the days waiting to be granted asylum and ask God to fulfill the wishes of everyone who longs for stability. If I could, I would have brought all (of the other refugees) to my home.
Finally, Ms Al-Aloosi's advice to other refugees and asylum-seekers is simple.
“Stay true to your dreams, work despite difficulties and you will find hope and success,” she said.
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