Kyle and Michelle Cooper want you to have your best life. 

That might be via a cup of coffee, a breakfast burrito, health supplements, a cap or a Bible. They’ve got you covered. 

“You can buy a shirt for yourself, jewelry for your wife and if you need to, leave with a tourniquet,” Kyle Cooper said, smiling. 

“Live your best life, whatever that means to you,” Michelle added. 

The youthful and energetic husband and wife are the owners and operators of Best Life Coeur d’Alene Coffee and Commerce at 524 E. Sherman Avenue, Suite 105.  

The military veterans take pride in their patriotic, faith-based, family business that has grown since it opened about 5 years ago and soon expanded.

Customers to the bright, spacious downstairs location are greeted by a Bible verse, a large flag, a wall of honor with first responders' patches, and a mural depicting the culture, people and landscape of the area. 

“Live Free. Live Fully. Live Well,” says one sign. 

Their goal was to create a space where everybody feels comfortable and welcome.

“Truly a God situation,’ Michelle said. 

They settled in Kootenai County nine years ago after selling their home, buying a fifth wheeler and traveling the country for more than a year seeking the right place. 

They found it in Coeur d’Alene when they saw a “for lease” sign in an office window at Sixth and Sherman. They renovated the site for a coffee shop in 2021 and when the next-door space because available a few years later, took that on, too, for retail. 

Michelle said they wanted something they could do together while providing products to help with personal growth and development. They are intentional about what they carry at Best Life. Bibles are a top seller. There is a positive, upbeat theme throughout the design and decor.

Honoring veterans and first responders was a must. Kindness and respect are a Best Life staple. 

Active-wear, books, decorations and are among the offerings. A section for children includes a playhouse. 

“We wanted to have a place where they could feel good about where they are spending their money,” Michelle said. “Things that will help you live your best life.” 

Kyle smiles as he explains his wife really runs the show. 

“This is her business. I just work here,” he said, laughing 

There have been challenges, particularly with the construction of the Marriott hotel across the street that has not exactly been great for sales. But both are confident when the six-story building is finished, it will be a boon for business.

“Long-term it will be great,” Michelle said. 

Kyle and Michelle met 22 years ago while serving with the Army in Iraq. Two years later, they were married and started a family. Kyle later worked in law enforcement.

Neither had experience operating a coffee shop or a retail store but believed they could do it.

“We just figured it out as we went along," Michelle said. 

“We're both entrepreneurs at heart,” Kyle said. 

Mistakes were made and it was at times an “incredible rollercoaster” of emotions and challenges. 

“We’ve also learned a lot,” Kyle added. 

“We needed to pivot and change things up,” Michelle said. 

Change and grow, they have.

They’ve learned enough that they recently started roasting their own coffee, with Kyle the primary roaster. 

“That’s exciting for us,” Michelle said. 

They love meeting people and showing them all that Best Life has to offer. Regulars have become friends. First responders in uniform get a free drink. 

“We want to be a light for the community, bring people together,” Michelle said. “We want to bless people in any way we can.":

They are confident Best Life will help them do that.

“It’s a place we that will brighten your day,” she said. “It brightens ours.” 

    Kyle and Michelle Cooper stand near a flag in their Best Life Coeur d'Alene Coffee and Commerce shop.
  

    A playhouse is in the kids' section at Best Life Coeur d'Alene.
  

    Scripture greets guests at Best Life Coeur d'Alene

    A mural decorates the wall at Best Life Coeur d'Alene.
  

    Patches of first responders are displayed at Best Life Coeur d'Alene.