Enjoy Special Valentines and Work of a New Artist at the Mission Market!

The Mission Market is offering special Valentine's Day treats -- and the work of a gifted new artist. 

The Mission Market is proud to present the work of Sonam, an Afghan artisan and dressmaker. Sonam and her husband, Abdul, came to Knoxville in March, 2025 on a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) from Afghanistan, where she had a dressmaking business. Both hold advanced degrees in chemistry.

You can purchase Sonam's beautiful jewelry with intricate beadwork, including earrings, necklaces and bracelets, available individually and in matching sets. Her flower earrings are perfect for spring. She will receive the entire sales price posted on her jewelry.

You may also hire Sonam for professional-quality alterations and dressmaking. Pick up one of her cards in the Mission Market and look forward to viewing samples of her dresses in upcoming visits to the church.

And for a low-cost but delicious Valentine for your sweetie, buy 30 miniature Fair Trade chocolate bars in one of Sonam's handmade, Valentine-themed bags for just $12. 

You will be hearing more about Sonam, who is a sewing teacher at the Grow Sewing Classes sponsored at our church by Bridge Refugee Services. "Sonam has high level skills in clothing design and execution," said Colleen Shannon, Mission Market coordinator. "The gowns she showed me absolutely blew me away.

"Our focus is on helping immigrants and refugees become self-sufficient. We're hoping that through our congregation, Sonam will be able to develop a clientele of people who enjoy her services," Colleen said.