New Business Week: Mofe International Ltd

Q&A with the Business Owner

What’s your full name?

My name is Blessing Afelumo.

When did you open your business?

I started my business in 2019, so running it from mine, just as a small business, I opened my shop on December 10, 2022 and I joined the West End BIZ in January 2023.

What inspired your business idea?

I found it difficult to get some African wear. I had to go online searching for websites. I had to buy from websites based in the UK for a while until I decided to start shipping from Nigeria. 

I love Africa wear, even in Winter, when I’m going to church, I put on my African wear, I put on my winter jacket and hang it in the church lobby because there’s heat everywhere so I feel comfortable just wearing my African wear. But finding it is a bit difficult. So, people started asking me: “where do you get your African clothing from?”

In 2019, I  told my family and community here: “this coming Mother’s Day I’m bringing some fabric, I want you guys to patronize me.”  So, people started coming, supporting me to get my stock from Nigeria, and that’s how I’ve been pushing. And I want more people to know about me, I want more customers because I don’t want to limit myself. Yeah, so, our main thing is clothing and accessories, African fasion, for men, women, children, elders. We have jewelry, we have wigs, the bags made from Nigeria in the color prints, anything you need for your special occasion, for your party.

What do you think makes your business different?

I’m from Nigeria. I’ve lived in Canada for years but I still love my culture as well. What make my business different is that most of my stuff is from Nigeria and they are uniquely made. People look for me because this is something that you don’t see everywhere. This outfit here represents my culture and yeah, I like promoting my culture. People from other countries are always curios too, and they’re interested in Nigerian culture and they might want to try something on.

What’s your message to your current and future customers?

My message is that I appreciate them because without them, I wouldn’t be in business, right? I really appreciate them for their support. I’m also promising them that I’ll keep on giving them the best of what they want. I’ve not let them down. I want to let them know that we keep on improving everyday. We want to be better, we are working towards it and we are doing it with their support.

Giveaway Contest

Enter the contest for a chance to win one of THREE prizes.  Visit any of the participating businesses and submit your entry. Each participating business has a draw box where you can enter your name for a chance to win! No purchase is necessary; for full contest details, please click here. 

Participating Businesses

• Mofe International at 569 Ellice Ave (Open Monday to Saturday) 
• Wolseley Eyecare at 986B Portage Avenue (Open Tuesday to Saturday) 
• Som Legacy at 726 Sargent Avenue (Open Tuesday to Sunday)
• Miss Luxe Hair & Beauty at 466 Sherbrook St (Open Monday to Saturday) 

Age requirement: you have to be 18 or older to participate.

Contest running period: The contest will run from April 22nd to 30th. You can visit the participating businesses anytime between these dates. The operating hours will vary for each business, so plan accordingly.

Winner Announcement: The winners will be announced on April 30th and contacted through the provided phone number and/or email address on the card.