Elegant Art – The Story of a Young Entrepreneur  

In celebration of International Youth Day, on August 12th, 2025, Jumpstart is proud to highlight the voices and creativity of young changemakers around the world. This day is a powerful reminder of the potential youth hold in shaping a more just, inclusive, and compassionate future. To mark the occasion, we are featuring Elegant Art, a youth-led initiative that is also a part of the Refugee Marketplace, Canada’s first online platform dedicated exclusively to promoting refugee entrepreneurs.  

Elegant Art is a small postcard and card-making business started by Sedra Alshamaly and her sister Shahd Alshamaly.The business was founded in 2029 when Sedra and Shahd were just 11 and 9 years old. They were Syrian refugees who fled their homeland with their family in 2012 and had finally settled in Milton, Ontario, Canada.  

These two young refugee sisters sketched the pain they remembered and the resilience of youth in refugee camps they had witnessed, transforming their drawings into cards made with sustainable materials to sell. These pieces were not just art, they were stories, lived experiences, and the voices of children and youth from forgotten corners of the world. They became powerful tools for advocacy. Despite their young age and the challenges of resettlement, the sisters created something extraordinary: a project that fuses art, sustainability, healing, and advocacy for displaced youth. This was the beginning of Elegant Art, which has since expanded with even more integrated programs. 

Elegant Art and Youth in Conflict Zones 

With its powerful initiative of using art to heal hearts and share the unheard stories of child and youth refugees, Elegant Art continues to integrate new programs into its growing platform. In its early days, Sedra and her sister were the sole illustrators, using their talents to represent the struggles of displaced youth. Today, however, Elegant Art empowers young refugees and youth in conflict zones, particularly in Syria, to create the artwork themselves. 

“We wanted to let them drive their own story,” explains Sedra. “A lot of our team members at Elegant Art come from backgrounds of displacement and war, so we have strong connections with communities in these conflict zones. We are giving them space to use art as a tool to advocate for themselves.” 

This shift does more than amplify authentic voices—it allows the emotional weight of each story to shine through every postcard, resonating deeply with supporters across the globe. 

Another deeply meaningful aspect of this initiative is the healing power of the creative process itself. Beyond storytelling and advocacy, Elegant Art has developed this into a type of art therapy program, creating supportive spaces where young people can turn to art to confront and process the emotional burdens they carry.  

“We take participants on a journey to heal through arts, as they have been through a lot of trauma,” Sedra shared. 

For youth and women who have endured war, displacement, and loss, drawing becomes more than just a hobby. It is a moment of stillness, self-expression, and recovery. This process of creation allows participants to reconnect with themselves and their emotions. The art therapy program also equips them with practical skills to reintegrate into their communities with greater confidence. 

“By the end of this program, we hope that they are not only healed, but also able to reintegrate back into society and feel less alone.” 

Bring Back the Childhoods 

For many children and youth in war-torn regions, childhood is a luxury they cannot afford.  

“Many kids do not live a childhood that we know of — playing and having fun,” Sedra said. “They often have to mature very early on. So, one of our biggest pillars is helping youth regain their childhood.” 

Through partnerships with local organizations in places like Syria, Elegant Art also provides essential physical support.  

“Now that we are fully registered in Syria, we have used the sales and funds raised from their drawing-postcards to return aid to these children and youth—providing immediate help with education, food, water, and, importantly, toys,” Sedra explained. “We also try to use different platforms to tell the world about their unheard stories and bring change to policies and humanitarian aid that is going out to these youth.” 

Elegant Art is unique in how it bridges advocacy and action. While its programs offer hands-on support, the postcards carry their voices to the world, amplifying their stories and reminding others of the joy every child and youth deserves. 

Looking Ahead 

Elegant Art continues to grow. It is now officially registered in Syria and is planning to send team members into safer areas to implement art therapy programs on the ground. The organization is also expanding its volunteer base, welcoming youth and adult supporters from across Canada and around the world to contribute both virtually and in person. 

This International Youth Day, Elegant Art will be featured at a Plan International event, where Sedra will speak about humanitarian aid and the importance of youth empowerment in times of crisis. From the seeds of a child’s sketchbook, Elegant Art has blossomed into an international force for healing, storytelling, and justice—and it is just getting started. 

A Message to Refugees Newcomer Youth  

“Do not be afraid to share your voice,” Sedra offers as a heartfelt message to newcomer youth.  

She understands the hesitation of speaking out. Many refugees come from places where speaking out is dangerous and opinions are silenced. But in a country like Canada, Sedra urges newcomers to embrace the freedom they now have — to speak, create, and connect. 

“You have an opportunity that millions dream of. Take it. Reach out. Get involved. Someone will want you on their team.” 

Sedra also shares practical advice for balancing passion with academics, especially for young changemakers trying to make a difference. “Stay organized, prioritize your goals, and make time for rest. And it’s never too late to begin making an impact.”