The shop La Maison Du Rêve, translated to ‘The House of Dreams,’ is only part of a grander dream of Mustafa’s. Named in collaboration with a friend in Paris, ‘Rêve’ was in fact the first part of the name they settled upon and could not be a more fitting name for his first shop!
Coming from a family of tailors in Afghanistan, as a young man (he is still only 35!) Mustafa worked as a tailor in the family factory in Iran, sewing suits, dresses and jackets and has always been interested in fashion. He is now keen to pursue this career, having already spent eight years in the UK. And it’s hasn’t been the smoothest journey either as he points out.
You arrive speaking zero English. I remember a time I was trying to buy something in Lidl, and I could only hold out all my money in my hand for the woman at the till to take what she needed – I think it was about £5.20. You come to a country, and you don’t even start from zero, you start from minus. It takes two or three years to get even near 0, and three or four more to get from zero to getting somewhere. I originally started looking in Beeston before COVID for a shop and missed out on somewhere because I didn’t have the references. I was very upset at the time but now I see it was for the best.
Mustafa signed the lease in September and opened the shop in October. Starting from zero in the beginning he says it was very slow, but now he has regular customers and has even sent dresses as far as Germany! His most recent project is an 100% silk abaya for someone visiting Dubai next month. But his real dream is to move to London to design and create.
Mustafa believes that in this industry you don’t always need to go to university to make it. This doesn’t mean that you stop learning however, since gaining his Leave to Remain, Mustafa has completed a course in digital design and embroidery in Iran and wishes to return there to learn more about making corsets to help him on his own design journey. To help him achieve his dream Mustafa is currently working with a designer in London to develop their own designs. He even hopes to try his hand at creating his own version of some high-end expensive fabrics for some of his initial designs.
Having recently gained his citizenship Mustafa said this process was quite emotional. Having been displaced twice, he first experienced persecution in Afghanistan for being part of the Hazara community. With distinguishing features that look more Asian than Afghan, not recognised as Afghans and living under the threat of violence and death, his family moved to Iran. Once in Iran, their family once again suffered as Iranians refused to accept them as Afghans. He then came to England, where he finally felt accepted and welcomed.
Our team at the Nottingham Refugee Forum have been delighted to support Mustafa and his family on his journey. From volunteering in the cafe through to housing, employment and business advice, we are proud to see him open his own little shop and achieve just a small part of the big dreams he has yet to achieve. If you visit his shop, you’ll not only be greeted with a smile but also a cup of tea and some biscuits, before long you’ll feel right at home.
Follow Maison De Reve on Instagram to see how Mustafa’s dream progresses.
Mostafa approached the Nottingham Refugee Forum in the early stages of setting up his new business. He was supported to write a Business Plan and looked at the range of practical areas needed to support his business – insurances, sole trader accounting, Local Planning business regulations etc. This meant that Mostafa was better prepared to run a small business in the UK and he could bring his creative and practical garment-making skills into this exciting new venture.
“It’s always rewarding for us at the Forum to hear about the success of refugees as they settle in this country. It’s not always easy, but with patience and determination, safe and fulfilling lives develop.” – Audrey, Volunteer Advisor