Inside Covéll in Lebanon, Missouri

You don’t expect a bloom bar, French-style macarons or works of art masquerading as lattes in the heart of Lebanon, best known for its boat manufacturing facilities and location on Route 66. But that’s exactly what Covéll delivers, all under one roof. Tucked into a brick storefront at the end of Commercial Street, Covéll is a flower shop, bakery, coffee bar and boutique rolled into one.

Founder Kayla Miller started the light, airy shop after an incredibly difficult season. “This place was born out of the darkest time in my life,” she shares, recalling being a new mom of two who suffered from postpartum psychosis. A former dental assistant and wedding photographer, Miller launched Covéll in 2022 with just $31 in the cash register and a home espresso machine. It’s since blossomed into a space where customers come not just for caffeine, but connection.

“A lot of stay-at-home moms come in, and I see it because I’ve done it—some come in for company,” Miller says. Her desire to create something joyful, restorative even, manifests in the intangible: from intimate flower arranging workshops and mother-daughter tea parties to the ever-present worship music and popular Grumpy Hour, a cheeky take on morning coffee specials.

Behind the counter, Miller channels creativity into everything. She lovingly bakes every item in a kitchen that’s more home chef than Master Chef, and the shop stocks goods from dozens of local vendors she curates herself. Miller also stays on top of viral trends, serving things like the ubiquitous Dubai chocolate strawberry cups. “That’s why I’m here, to bring a tiny slice of the big city to our little town.” Trendy treats aside, if Covéll has banana pudding when you visit, snag one—it’s a menu original.

Flowers remain the beating heart of the business, especially during spring and summer when local blooms take center stage. In fact, flowers were the business at first. Inspired by sidewalks lined with fresh flowers in New York City and cosmopolitan European cities, one of Miller’s earliest dreams was opening a flower shop. Her husband suggested they sell coffee drinks.

And yet, it’s clear she was made for this. As we talked, Miller cut flowers, fielded drink orders, greeted regulars by name and happily fulfilled a special dessert request—one of the coveted Dubai strawberry cups, which aren’t on the menu. You won’t find that level of personal attention at a chain coffee shop.

“Everything that comes from here, I touch,” Miller says. “There’s a soul behind this place. That gets lost sometimes at chains. You can buy a $5 coffee, but they make it in two minutes and put it in the window without any interaction.”

Miller wears her many hats well. In addition to running Covéll, she prioritizes time with her two children, ages 3 and 6, and husband Steven, owner of Miller’s Seamless Gutters. “It’s awesome owning this business while my kids are little,” she says. “They’re seeing us work for things, realizing Disney isn’t free.” The Millers also started a lavender farm on family land in Laquey earlier this year, planting 500 lavender plants and doing almost all the work entirely by hand.

Looking ahead, Miller has a few modest upgrades in mind—like a commercial espresso machine—but she’s not in a rush. “I would love to make drinks faster,” she explains, “but also, this isn’t a place for quickness. This is a place to be enjoyed.” And that’s exactly what Covéll is: a thoughtfully designed slice of big-city charm, grounded in faith, family and a bit of everyday magic. The kind that only comes handcrafted.