Lumos Coffee Creations
What does your company do?
Lumos Coffee Creations is a community-centered coffee brand based in Alexandra township. We serve high-quality beverages — from frappes and smoothies to waffles — in a warm, alcohol-free environment that promotes connection, creativity, and comfort. Our mission is to reimagine township spaces by providing an alternative to tavern culture, while empowering youth through employment and inspiration. What began as a humble DIY stand outside my mom’s salon has grown into a fully operational coffee business currently located at a community Safe-Hub.
What is your biggest success?
Our biggest success has been transforming Lumos Coffee Creations from a pavement stand made of two pallets into a recognized township coffee brand with national recognition. In less than two years, we’ve won the Triga Ventures pitch competition, been accepted into the Anzisha Prize Fellowship, and secured a space at a community Safe-Hub. These milestones validate our mission to provide safe, inspiring spaces in underserved areas. Beyond awards, our success lies in the impact, like inspiring township youth to dream bigger and offering an alternative to the dominant alcohol-serving spaces.
What has been your biggest hurdle?
Our biggest hurdle has been operating in spaces with limited foot traffic and inconsistent revenue, especially after moving from our busy street stand to a quieter Safe-Hub location. This impacted our ability to retain staff and maintain stable income. Financial management has also been a learning curve, particularly in separating personal and business expenses. However, these challenges have taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, resourcefulness, and the importance of building a strong customer base and sustainable operations, especially in under-resourced areas.
