Inspirational escape to freedom turns into thriving business for Iranian mother

A thriving business of handcrafted toys started by a young Iranian mother fleeing domestic abuse has earnt the Henty Machinery Field Days Exhibitor Award Best Indoor Exhibit – Country Lifestyle.

Neda’s Treasurers was born when Neda Harandi escaped a harrowing and violent marriage in Iran in 2015 with her two young children to begin a new life of freedom in Australia.

Neda now employs other women to help make a range of crocheted and knitted baby toys, rugs, dolls, cradle caps, beanies, booties, tote bags and newborn memory dolls. 

“With your support my dreams are coming true. My little business has become known and loved around Australia, and now around the world so thank you,” Neda said.

“I often refer to Iran as my biological mother and Australia as my adopted mother, who took me in and loved me when I needed her. Unfortunately, so many women don’t get the chance to have an adopted mother like I did.

“I am proud that I am now able to give support to poor and displaced women in Iran. I am donating a portion of every sale to women in Iran who, thanks to divorce, or living in a remote area, or even thanks to being married, are unable to make any income.

“In Iran, being born a woman can be a curse, but there is hope.”

Neda was trapped in a violent and abusive marriage to an Iranian engineer and planned her escape to Australia for two years, secretly studying English by torchlight at midnight. 

She fled Australia on the pretence of visiting a relative and never returned, going on to study a Master of Design and generating income by making handmade baby toys and gifts and selling them at markets. 

“I asked myself should I stay here for the rest of my life in an abusive relationship? I didn’t want my son to grow up with that attitude. When my son was a newborn, I secretly studied English by torchlight to be able to pass the Australian requirements for a student visa,” Neda said.

“It took me almost two years to be able to pass the Australian exam. I went to visit my sister and never looked behind me. Financially I had a very good life there with cars and holiday houses, but I wanted love and freedom. I closed the door on my home and that was it. 

“I was a university tutor in Iran as I had a Master of Art but my student visa in Australia didn’t allow me to work in my previous field. I didn’t have the confidence either as my English was not good.”

Neda eventually met her Australian partner who gave her self-confidence and supported her in the fledgling business. 

“By speaking English at home, my English improved and he made a website for me – business went well, and I was able to open a shop in Bowral in 2020.”

The covid pandemic forced the shop’s closure and the business transitioned to online sales.

“I found a few ladies on the central coast and Wollongong to help make the toys and was able to expand to more markets. This year for the first time I was accepted at Makers & Shakers in Sydney, and I am very proud of that,” Neda said. 

“My partner makes the wooden bases for my products and helps with the western cultural designs of the dolls. 

“We have a knitted newborn memory doll using actual weight and length details supplied by the mothers. 

“I use cotton acrylic yarns to prevent shrinkage and make blankets for newborn to 18 months.”

Neda’s children have gone on to a happy and successful life in Australia with her 21-year-old daughter studying medical science and her 18-year-old son playing AFL and enjoying a lively social life.