PRAIRIE CITY, Iowa — When you're called to take a chance and do something different, sometimes you have to. That's how a family-owned shop in Prairie City popped up and is now becoming a popular hangout in town.
Tucked in the center of town is Coffee and Carnations, a place where Morgan Burkman can let her creativity flow.
"It's a butterscotch flavored coffee that we brewed really long to make it like a cold brew and then butterscotch syrup," Morgan excitedly described a drink idea the team came up with.
Co-owning a spot like this is a dream for Morgan. It isn't just about coffee, but the other opportunities that bloom from this endeavor as a florist wanting to plant roots in her own adventure.
"I kind of wanted to have no limitations and stuff like that," she said. "And I guess mom wanted to go on this journey with me because she loves to cook for people. She loves to serve and part of the reason why we decided to open this is because nobody in town has anywhere else to hang out."
"Mom" is Melody Burkman, Morgan's business partner and mother-in-law.
"We love to have fun here if you can't tell," Melody told Local 5. "Morgan's learned a lot and she has some things that she does and I've learned a lot on the floral end. So, I can do some of the flower arranging too so we've all kind of mastered all of them now. It's kind of neat to share all of the duties."
It truly was a family affair splitting those duties to get Coffee and Carnations up and running.
The entire family and even volunteers in town ripped the building apart from top to bottom and transformed it into what it is today, overcoming plenty of hardships in the process.
"We originally had a contractor lined up. We gave him a down payment and all of that. He did a little bit of work but eventually he kind of just left us high and dry," Morgan said. "That was probably one of our lowest."
"It was a lot of late nights, frustration and trying to figure out things we don't do everyday. But, it was good. We've come a long way," Melody added.
For Melody, it's been a lifetime journey in this place — the same building where she worked most of her life for Dr. Greg Ingle.
"A lot of memories in here. I spent a lot of time in here, hours and hours," Ingle said.
Melody refers to Ingle as "dad," since he's played such a pivotal part in her life.
"Right out of high school, passed up a scholarship … got married, started working at dad's office as a receptionist for 30 years and then straight back in here as a business owner. It's home for me," she said.
"It's good to see the family work together. From my experience, a lot of families are spread all over the country," Ingle said. "We're lucky. We've got all three of our kids right here."
There are still signs of Ingle in Coffee and Carnations because family roots hold the business up. And for Morgan, that's what will keep it going.
"When I do have kids someday, I can bring the kids here with me and we can raise a family here together," Morgan said.
In a town like Prairie City, Morgan and Melody hope every person in and out of their doors feels loved like family.
"I want them to feel the love that God has for us, we want to share with everyone," said Melody.
In just their first year, Coffee and Carnations won a "Best Coffee Shop" award in the area.