Startup Story
Selusiwe Lukhele is an entrepreneur from Eswatini and the founder of Happiness Junction Cafe, an award-winning youth-owned business launched in 2021 and known for its warm hospitality and innovative offerings. A 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards winner, Selusiwe was selected for the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship at the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed an intensive six-week program focused on business leadership, entrepreneurship, and networking with global change-makers.
She is also an alumna of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), a U.S. government initiative that provides women with the skills, resources, and mentorship needed to scale their businesses and contribute to economic growth in their communities. Beyond business, Selusiwe is passionate about faith, social impact and business. As she continues expanding her ventures, she remains committed to driving positive change in Eswatini.
LoA spoke to the passion-driven Selusiwe Lukhele to learn more about her business and her vision for the future.
What does your company do?
Happiness Junction Cafe is more than just a coffee shop—it is a vibrant hub for great food and community engagement, and in Eswatini. Established in 2021, the cafe offers a cozy and welcoming space where customers can enjoy high-quality coffee and delicious meals.
Beyond serving food and beverages, Happiness Junction Cafe is committed to fostering a culture of growth and empowerment. The business actively supports young people, hosts community events, and serves as a meeting point for discussions on leadership, innovation, and social impact.
With a vision to expand its footprint, Happiness Junction Cafe aims to become a lifestyle destination, offering a blend of hospitality, retail, and experiential spaces that inspire connection and creativity.
“Happiness Junction Cafe is more than just a coffee shop—it is a vibrant hub for great food and community engagement.”
What inspired you to start your company?
I was inspired to start Happiness Junction Cafe by my passion for creating spaces that bring people together, bring joy, foster meaningful conversations, and inspire growth. I wanted to build more than just a cafe—I envisioned a place where people could connect, collaborate, and feel a sense of belonging.
Growing up, I saw how small businesses could transform communities, and I was drawn to the idea of building something that could make a lasting impact. I also recognized a gap in my town for a warm, inviting space where people could enjoy good food, great coffee, and a positive atmosphere.
Beyond serving meals, I wanted Happiness Junction Cafe to be a platform for young entrepreneurs, creatives, and changemakers. Over the years, it has become a place where ideas are shared, opportunities are created, and people are inspired to dream bigger. That mission continues to drive me every day.
What makes your business, service or product special?
What sets Happiness Junction Cafe apart is our unique blend of great food, exceptional service, and a deep commitment to community.
Our products are crafted with love and attention to detail, from our high-quality coffee and signature meals to our Love Notes Biscuits, which add a personal touch to every bite. We focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that every dish we serve is both delicious and meaningful.
Beyond our menu, our service is built on warmth and hospitality. We create a welcoming environment where every customer is treated like family. But what truly makes us special is our purpose. Happiness Junction Cafe is not just a business—it’s a movement that supports young entrepreneurs, hosts impactful community events, and fosters leadership and innovation.
With a vision to grow beyond our borders, we are committed to offering more than just food—we offer experiences that uplift and inspire.
“What sets Happiness Junction Cafe apart is our unique blend of great food, exceptional service, and a deep commitment to community.”
Tell us a little about your team
At Happiness Junction Cafe, our team is the heart of everything we do. We are a passionate group of four individuals, each bringing unique skills and energy to create an exceptional customer experience.
Leading our kitchen is our talented chef, who crafts delicious meals with creativity and precision, ensuring that every dish reflects the quality and warmth we stand for. Our team members are dedicated, hardworking, and committed to making every visit to Happiness Junction Cafe special—whether it’s through friendly service, attention to detail, or creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Beyond our roles, we work as a family, supporting each other and striving to grow both personally and professionally. Together, we are building more than just a business; we are creating a movement of happiness, community, and excellence.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My entrepreneurial journey has been one of passion, resilience, and continuous learning. I didn’t start with a background in business, but I grew up watching my mother run a small grocery store and raise chickens to sell to our community. Though I didn’t realize it at the time, her hard work and resourcefulness planted the seed of entrepreneurship in me.
Starting Happiness Junction Cafe was driven by my desire to create a space that goes beyond serving food—it’s a place that fosters connections, supports young entrepreneurs, and builds a sense of community. Like any entrepreneur, I’ve faced challenges, from navigating the early days of business to learning how to grow and sustain a venture. However, each obstacle has shaped me into a stronger entrepreneur.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
At Happiness Junction Cafe, we are building more than just a coffee shop—we are creating a movement that blends hospitality, community, and entrepreneurship. Our vision is to expand beyond our current two locations and establish Happiness Junction as a lifestyle destination, offering not only great food but also spaces for creativity, collaboration, and business growth.
In the near future, we plan to open additional locations in Eswatini and eventually expand into neighboring countries. We want to introduce new product lines, including more locally inspired baked goods and specialty beverages, while continuing to create an inviting atmosphere where people feel a sense of belonging.
Beyond growth in the food industry, we aspire to strengthen our role as a hub for young entrepreneurs and change-makers by hosting more business workshops, networking events, and mentorship programs. Sustainability is also a key focus—we aim to implement eco-friendly practices and partner with organizations to promote environmental conservation.
Ultimately, Happiness Junction Cafe is about more than business; it’s about impact. We want to inspire, uplift, and create opportunities for others while redefining what a cafe can be.
“With a vision to grow beyond our borders, we are committed to offering more than just food—we offer experiences that uplift and inspire.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The greatest satisfaction I get as an entrepreneur is seeing the impact Happiness Junction Cafe has on people’s lives. Whether it’s creating a welcoming space where customers feel at home, providing jobs for my team, or inspiring other young entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams, these moments make the journey worthwhile.
I love the freedom to bring my ideas to life and build something meaningful from the ground up. Seeing the cafe grow, introducing new products, and watching customers enjoy what we create fills me with pride. But beyond the business itself, I find the most fulfillment in the relationships I’ve built—connecting with my team, customers, and fellow entrepreneurs who share a vision for positive change.
Every challenge I’ve faced has made me stronger, and every success reminds me why I started. Knowing that Happiness Junction Cafe is not just a business, but a place that brings joy and opportunity to others, keeps me motivated every day.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
The biggest piece of advice I can give to other women looking to start their own business is to start where you are with what you have. Many times, we wait for the perfect moment, the ideal resources, or complete certainty—but entrepreneurship is about taking that first step, learning as you go, and growing with each challenge.
Believe in your vision, even when others don’t see it yet. Surround yourself with people who uplift and challenge you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Most importantly, resilience is key. Business comes with highs and lows, but your ability to push through challenges and adapt will set you apart. Keep learning, keep evolving, and never underestimate the power of your own potential.
Find out more
Email: selusiwedlamini@gmail.com
Why LoA loves it…
Successful businesses start with passion, a great vision, and then the energy and determination to see that vision realised. For Selusiwe Lukhele, founder of Happiness Junction Cafe, it’s more than a business, it’s about the impact it can make in the lives of others and in the local community. As she says, it’s about inspiring, uplifting, and creating opportunities for others while redefining what a cafe can be. This is definitely a growing business to watch as she makes her inspirational vision a reality. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa