Dawn Mabee
Mabee Baby

After a fruitless search for creative, gender neutral, eco conscious clothing for her son, Dawn Mabee began creating comfortable clothing that would suit his needs. As a fashion arts graduate with many years of industry experience, it was only fitting that her creations would grab the attention of many. Her homemade clothing would eventually transform into something more substantial – and Mabee Baby was born.   

After signing up to Futurpreneurs Sid Hustle program, business took off. Mabee Baby has now evolved into one of a kind sustainable loungewear for little ones that blends modern and nostalgic tastes into lasting items. Made from a healthy mixture of up-cycled, salvaged, and new materials, Mabee Baby’s products are durable and eco-friendly. Grabbing inspiration for each collection from her son and the ever-changing world while leaving behind the kid cliches. As the brand continues to grow, Mabee Baby now offers products for the young and young at heart with more and more adults placing orders for themselves. Stylish, sustainable comfort is for any age.  

Prima Mabonzo Yombo
KISINA Deco

Prima Mabonzo is a citizen of the world, residing in Quebec after immigrating from the Congo. After graduating from Finance and International Management from the University of Sherbrooke in 2014, Prima is thriving a Business Analyst in Information Technology in addition to being the Vice President – Membership of Business Professional Women – Canada, a non – profit organization that works to improve the economic, political, social and employment conditions of women. What’s more, Prima owns a thriving business on the side.   

Anchored in African values while inspired by Western trends, Kisina Deco was created to inspire her new home with the beauty and knowledge of African art and culture. The African artisan handcrafts are made in Senegal and distributed all over the world.

Katy Williams
Miller Box

Currently a full-time Event Services Manager, Katy WIlliams assists in the planning and execution of weddings, corporate retreats, & hotel events. Growing up, she always had a passion for giving in every sense of the word. She often used her creativity to connect her family and friends through family outings & events. Her love for gifting really became apparent when she moved away from home and began to miss the connections. She craved celebrating every birthday and holiday with her family.   

Enter Miller Box Co.   

Her business plan came to life in 2019 but it truly started when her mother (her maiden name is Miller) met her father when she was just 12 years old. Though they lived far apart, they started dating, became pen pals, sending packages of goodies to one another every opportunity they had. Gifting became an important way of showing love and gratitude in their family growing up, and it seemed only natural to share these values with others. Family means the world to Katy and she is honored to share their story through Miller Box Co. 

Karla Briones, Moderator
Karla Briones Consulting

Karla Briones arrived in Canada on a U-Haul truck with her family when she was 18, after a long five-day drive from her native country, Mexico. She and her family lived the struggles most immigrants experience: cultural, language, environment and employment barriers. She is now proudly a Mexican-Canadian serial entrepreneur with retail, food & beverage, and online businesses (Global Pet Foods and Freshii).   

In her newest side hustle venture, Karla Briones Consulting, she uses her 10-year business experience to assist new immigrants become successful entrepreneurs in their adopted country by helping them build sustainable and scalable businesses. Karla is also a recipient of the 2018 City of Ottawa Immigrant Entrepreneur Award, given to an immigrant who has made an impact in the local economy and entrepreneurship ecosystem.  

She actively gives back to her community and is a business mentor with Futurpreneur Canada, World Skills’ Entrepreneurship Connections program, the Centre for Social Enterprise Development (CSED). Karla is passionate about growing the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Canada and giving back to the country that welcomed her with open arms.