Bringing vibrant African-inspired decor to Canada: A Q&A with Futurpreneur Prima Mabonzo 

This story is presented as part of My Canadian Startup, a newcomer entrepreneur initiative presented by Futurpreneur and TD through its corporate citizenship platform, the TD Ready Commitment. 

When Prima Mabonzo moved to Canada, she quickly realized something was missing from the interiors around her—vibrancy and colour. Inspired by her African heritage, she launched Kisina Déco in 2018 to bring bold, African-inspired home decor to Canadian households. 

Building a business as a newcomer comes with challenges, from understanding regulations to securing financing. Prima shares her entrepreneurial journey and advice for fellow newcomers looking to turn their business ideas into reality. 

What inspired you to start your own small business in Canada? 

Where I’m from in Africa, clothing and home decor are vibrant and full of colour. When I moved to Canada, I noticed a lack of colour around me—homes felt very similar. Over time, I started imagining a business that could bring African-inspired decorative accessories to Canadian homes, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design. 

What challenges did you face when launching your business? 

The first challenge was understanding the Canadian regulatory system and market. Learning about customer preferences was crucial because a business’s success depends on identifying market gaps and positioning itself effectively. 

The biggest challenge, however, was securing financing. My employment status made it difficult to access funding—no one wanted to finance me. Futurpreneur was the only organization willing to support me, and that made all the difference. 

Looking to launch your own business in Canada? Explore free workshops, resources and support offered through My Canadian Startup, presented by Futurpreneur and TD Bank Group. 

What pitfalls would you advise new entrepreneurs to avoid? 

Focusing too much on the product and underestimating the importance of marketing and communication. Where I come from, businesses grow mainly through word-of-mouth. That works in Canada too, but you can’t rely on it alone—you need a strong online presence and marketing strategy to reach a wider audience. 

How did Futurpreneur’s loan with mentorship impact your business success? 

It was essential. I had my business plan, but I needed equipment and raw materials to get started. The mentorship program helped me make smart decisions at the right time. 

When you’re starting out, it’s easy to want to do everything at once, but that can be overwhelming. My mentor helped me focus on priorities, guiding me toward building a strong foundation for my business. 

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about doing business in Canada? 

The first challenge is understanding Canadian culture and customer expectations. As newcomers, we bring our own cultural perspectives, but business approaches aren’t always the same here. Taking the time to get to know your customers and adapt to the local market is key. 

The second lesson is the importance of building a strong network. When you move to a new country, you don’t have the same support system you had back home. It’s important to rebuild that structure by networking and surrounding yourself with people who understand your vision and are willing to support you. 

For me, I found a great community through Business Professional Women (BPW) Montreal, a businesswomen’s network where I volunteered. I always encourage entrepreneurs to look beyond incubators and get involved in their communities. Giving back can open doors in unexpected ways. 

What strategies would you recommend to newcomer entrepreneurs launching a business? 

Build your network early. Volunteering or working in Canada before launching your business helps you understand how things work here. Seeing the business world through a Canadian lens makes everything easier. 

Learn from others. Observe what works for successful businesses and adapt those insights to your own venture. 

Don’t go it alone. Seeking mentorship, connecting with peers, and engaging with your community will help you succeed. 

Want to access startup loan financing with mentorship and tailored resources for Black entrepreneurs? Learn more about Futurpreneur’s Black Entrepreneur Startup Program (BESP). 

Presented by the TD Bank Group