SHELBY — What began as a mobile coffee trailer with a mission to create second chances now has a permanent home in downtown Shelby at 24 W. Main St. 

Milk & Honey Coffee Co. celebrated its grand opening Friday morning, drawing city leaders, business supporters and residents eager to welcome a new downtown business with a larger purpose.

“This has been a place that we have been praying for, and we give birth to it today,” Founder and CEO Kimberly Mosler said.

The goal is to help customers feel invited, welcomed and seen when they walk through the doors.

“We hope this is a pillar of light in this community,” she added, “and that we can have deeper relationships with each one of you, serving specialty coffee.

Milk & Honey is truly a blend of marketing and ministry, business and blessing.

Shelby Mayor Steve Schag

“We just love the community of Shelby, and we are so appreciative of everybody here,” she said. “We love you.”

Milk & Honey Coffee Co. is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A business built on faith and purpose

Mosler created the business to provide sustainable support for Ignited, the non-profit organization she also leads, which helps women overcome addiction, trauma, exploitation and other life-controlling struggles.

She noted the women who complete the Ignited program often face difficulty finding stable employment. Milk & Honey bridges that gap by offering work opportunities in a healthy, supportive environment.

Milk & Honey’s other goal is to resource its coffee beans from low-income or developing countries to help fulfill a hand-in-hand mission with Ignited of aiding orphans and widows around the globe.

The mobile coffee trailer was originally last August while renovations continued at the 24 W. Main St. location. Mosler said at the time she hoped the brick-and-mortar location would open in spring 2026.

Friday’s ribbon cutting brought that vision to life.

“This is a wonderful turnout to celebrate an accomplishment that has been a long time coming,” Shelby Mayor Steve Schag said.

He referenced the building’s history, saying each business that has occupied the space has added something to it and made improvements over time.

“Inside it is simply beautiful,” Schag said. “When we first came to Shelby in 1981, this was a coffee shop. Forty-five years later, it’s a coffee shop and more.”

“Milk & Honey is truly a blend of marketing and ministry, business and blessing,” he said. 

Schag said each transaction at Milk & Honey has a positive impact beyond the daily collections at the register, noting it’s a place of grace and growth for all. 

He thanked Mosler for her continued investment not only in Shelby, but in the lives of young ladies and families.

“We wish you the greatest success here, prosperity in your journey and longevity in what you’re doing,” Schag added. “Not only in the city of Shelby but in the lives of people around you.”

Richland Area Chamber and Economic Development Director of Member Engagement, Retention and Services Jennifer Wagner said she has attended three ribbon cuttings involving Mosler and continues to admire her.

“I know all of them are a leap of faith,” Wagner said. “Your faith is strong, girl.”

(Photos from the Milk & Honey Coffee Co. ribbon cutting at 24 W. Main St. Credit: Hannah Martin)