Emilea Hillman: Heart of beloved Independence coffee shop sharing its warmth and kindness
Years ago, the only job opportunity discussed with Emilea Hillman and her family was for her to work at a sheltered workshop. She decided she didn't want that.
Years ago, the only job opportunity discussed with Emilea Hillman and her family was for her to work at a sheltered workshop. She decided she didn't want that.
Years ago, the only job opportunity discussed with Emilea Hillman and her family was for her to work at a sheltered workshop. She decided she didn't want that.
In the heart of Independence is a coffee shop with frosted treats, a long list of drinks packed with flavor, and an atmosphere radiating warmth. It's called , a beloved staple in the town.
"It feels almost like getting up in the morning and going to your kitchen because it's a part of your family," said Wade Weis, the CEO of the Buchanan County Health Center.
For many guests who frequent the shop, the team behind Em's Coffee Company becomes like family. However, it's the shop's namesake — Emilea Hillman — who's really captured the hearts of many.
"When she smiles at you, she lights up the room," said Nikki Barth, another frequent guest and the executive director of the Independence Area Chamber of Commerce. "So it's always a fun time to come in."
"This kind of shop is just perfect for her to mingle with the people and just be a part of the community," added John Klotzbach, the editor of the Independence Bulletin Journal.
If there's one thing people should know about Emilea Hillman that makes her owning a coffee shop so great, it's that she doesn't drink coffee.
"I drink chai tea; hot chocolate," said Hillman, who may not drink coffee, but she knows how to make it and make it taste great. "Every morning I get ice downstairs and then I brew coffee."
Hillman is the sole owner and operator of her shops of 15 years, defying the odds placed by some people who don't really know her.
"I think oftentimes there can be the perception that people with disabilities can't own their own business, and they couldn't be more wrong," said Ashlea Lantz, Emilea's sister.
Lantz is Hillman's older sister, who remembers life before Hillman had her coffee shop.
"Really, the only opportunity that was discussed with us was having her go to a sheltered workshop, which was fairly traditional for individuals with disabilities at that time," Lantz said. "She decided that wasn't what she wanted to be doing."
Their family, fully and without hesitation, backed her decision.
Self-employment became the goal.
"Em would be able to customize a business around what she offers the community and also what the community needs," Lantz said.
It eventually led to Em's Coffee Company, which now has a team of six employees and, of course, Hillman.
"She has access to services through Medicaid and residential support services; her job coach," Lantz said. "All of these supports through Medicaid allow her to live and work in her community."
Em's Coffee Company is now known by many across the nation, including former presidents and first ladies — pictures with them lining a wall — as well as Iowa leaders and of special note: former Iowa Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin.
"Sen. Harkin is a dear friend of Em's," Lantz said. "We always know when Senator Harkin is traveling because all of the sudden, there will be a coffee order to wherever it is that he's traveling to, because he's been such an incredible champion of Em's story.
"I always think of Emilea Hilman," Harkin said in June when vlog sat down with him to reflect on the Americans with Disabilities Act ahead of its 35th anniversary. "Here is a young person that was told was told all she could do was fold clothes in a sheltered workshop, when she had dreams and inspiration to do something."
Emilea did it.
"If you really want to be supportive of the Americans with Disabilities Act," Harkin said. "Keep alive this concept that people with disabilities shouldn't be segregated."
Em's Coffee Company touches the hearts of Iowans and people nationwide who buy her coffee, shirts and merchandise online.
For someone who doesn't like coffee herself, Hillman loves serving up the warmth and happiness her coffee and shop bring to others.
"The great part about Em's story is that she doesn't love coffee, but the coffee shop is what the community benefits from and what also fits Em and her personality," Lantz said.
