We had the good fortune of connecting with Sehlabaka Rampeta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sehlabaka, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am from a small town called Maseru, the capital of Lesotho, in Southern Africa. I grew up in a small neighbourhood called Ha Hoohlo based in the heart of the city. I am the last born among three siblings; an older brother and sister. We were raised by a single father after our mother passed when we were all still very young.

We grew up in government housing among other civil servant kids. Our neighbourhood was not affluent at all so we had to find creative ways to stay entertained as kids. I had a pretty good upbringing but I have always wanted to be able to create a better life for myself and my own family.

What should our readers know about your business?
I run a Specialty Coffee shop and Pizzeria, the first one of its kind in Lesotho. We are currently the only Specialty coffee shop in the country. The shop was built at the tail end of the Covid-19 lockdowns on funds from small projects I did as a freelance videographer for Agence France Presse, portions of my wife’s salary and contributions from a loan my business partner took.

We have a low cost building with a very unique design that was put together by my brother who is an architect along with one of his former students. The design of our space sets us apart from other low cost business structures in the area

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First thing in the morning would obviously be Artisan, our specialty coffee shop, we would stop here for coffee and pastries.

– Hire some mountain bikes from the Bike Hangar and go ride some trails around the City.
– Go for brunch at indulge coffee shop where they sell all day breakfast
– Visit Joachim’s clothing store, visit Bonono merchants studio
– Finally have dinner and drinks at Cafe What

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My wife, for believing in my potential and showing unwavering support in all my endeavours

Instagram: artisan_ls

Linkedin: Sehlabaka Rampeta

Twitter: artisan_ls

Image Credits
Sehlabaka Rampeta

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