EZULWINI – What began as a small home bakery during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into one of Ezulwini’s most talked-about food spots — and its owner isn’t slowing down.
Kirsten Fisher Hansi, founder of Bom Dia Bakery & Restaurant at the Mantenga Craft and Lifestyle Centre, is preparing to open two new outlets in Eswatini. The expansion is expected to create new jobs and nurture young local talent.
She shared her journey in an interview with the U.S. Embassy Eswatini, reflecting on how she turned a crisis into an opportunity.
“When COVID-19 hit, people were looking for comfort, and I noticed there was a gap in the market for good-quality baked goods, coffee, and customised catering,” said Hansi. “I believed in my ability to meet that need, so I took a leap and started what was then called Sweet Spot Bakery.”
Her goal was simple: to create a cozy, welcoming space where people could enjoy local food made with heart. Today, Bom Dia is not only a popular spot for baked treats, but also a full-service restaurant with a Portuguese-inspired menu.
A proud 2023 Academy for Women Entrepreneur alumna, Kirsten Fisher Hansi is the powerhouse behind Bom Dia Bakery & Restaurant in Ezulwini’s Mantenga Craft and Lifestyle Center. Originally launched as Sweet Spot Bakery at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has since expanded… pic.twitter.com/ghYGJ7Alml
— U.S. Embassy Eswatini (@USEmbEswatini) May 30, 2025
Starting out wasn’t easy. One of her toughest challenges was operating in a country where reliable business data is hard to come by. Hansi had to think on her feet, learn quickly, and rely on her network to make informed decisions.
“I had to get creative and resourceful,” she said. “Workshops, networking with other entrepreneurs, and a lot of trial and error helped me get to where I am.”
One of the turning points in her journey came when she joined the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in 2023, a U.S. Embassy initiative designed to support women in business.
“The AWE program helped me fine-tune my business plan and gave me the confidence to take bigger steps,” she said. “But more than that, it introduced me to other women entrepreneurs who inspired me. Being able to talk to women I had looked up to from afar changed how I see myself as a businesswoman.”
Looking back, one of her proudest moments remains opening her business in the middle of a global crisis. But turning a bakery into a fully-fledged restaurant — and now looking ahead to two new locations — is a milestone that she says keeps her grounded and motivated.
Her advice for young entrepreneurs in Eswatini?
“Be patient. Be resilient. You’ll face setbacks, but every one of them teaches you something. Know your market, keep refining your plan, and surround yourself with people who believe in your vision.”
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