From Thread to Triumph: How a Mother’s Legacy Sparked a Business in Ottawa

This story is part of the Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada Summer Retail Incubator Program, presented by RBC and supported by Meridian.

The program provides hands-on retail experience and business training to help immigrant entrepreneurs launch and grow their ventures in the heart of Ottawa.

From July 30 to August 3, 2025, in the heart of Ottawa’s ByWard Market - where cultures blend and stories unfold - one stall stands out, not just for its vibrant fabrics but for the rich legacy it carries.

Meet Chidima Nzakamulilo, the founder of a handcrafted accessories business that threads together heritage, resilience, and creative flair.

Her journey didn’t start with a business plan, it started with her mother.

“My mother’s love of sewing inspired me,” she shared. “She used to sew a lot of our clothing when I was younger, and I picked it up years later.”

What began as a personal hobby transformed into a passion project, rooted in culture and community. Noticing a lack of Zambian-inspired accessories and clothing in Ottawa, she decided to take action.

“It was hard to find Zambian prints here. So I started creating pieces that reflected who I am and where I come from.”

From handcrafted scrunchies to bold, beautiful bags, every piece she makes is a celebration of identity that is carefully stitched to connect the past with the present.

Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey

Of course, the path to success hasn’t always been seamless.

“In the beginning, it was getting help with my business,” she explained. “I was struggling with social media and putting myself out there.”

That’s when she found Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada. Through IEC, she discovered more than just technical guidance. She found a community.

“They’ve helped me quite a bit, especially with social media and building a network of other immigrant entrepreneurs of colour. We share our stories, our struggles, and our successes.”

This sense of connection became a turning point in her entrepreneurial journey. Through community, her business grew, and so did her confidence.

Representation Matters

Representation is more than a buzzword for this entrepreneur; it’s her mission.

“It feels good when people walk by and say, ‘Oh, this reminds me of home.’”

Whether it's a bold Ankara print or a familiar pattern that evokes memories of childhood, her products speak to something deeper: belonging.

“I wanted to create pieces that people of Zambian and African descent could see themselves in, but also something others could learn from and appreciate,” she noted.

Her pop-up has become more than a business, it’s a space for dialogue, sharing cultures, and joy.

Looking Ahead

When asked what’s next, her answer is full of energy and ambition.

She hopes to expand her product line and eventually open a permanent boutique, where she can continue sharing stories through fabric.

Her advice to other aspiring immigrant entrepreneurs?

“Find your community. That’s what helped me the most. Being around people who get it, who understand the journey makes a huge difference.”

From humble beginnings to a bustling stall in the ByWard Market, her story is stitched together with love, identity, and the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship.

This blog post is part of our series celebrating the incredible entrepreneurs who participated in the 2025 Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada Summer Retail Incubator Program, presented by RBC and supported by Meridian, in collaboration with our community partners: ByWard Market, Invest Ottawa, Lennox Innovations, Ottawa Print Services, Ottawa Board of Trade, Square, and WhiskeyJack Media.