Baking Up A Business | Video

Sarahbeth Ackerman | 10/5/2012

The flood of 2011 forced a lot of Minot residents to make some difficult choices, that had a huge impact on their lives. For many residents in Minot, the flood left many of their homes and businesses underwater.

A year later, the wounds are still fresh.

"The scars are still there ya know and we think about it often sometimes I still get teary when I drive by my house you know its tough," said Sweet & Flour owner Shanda Cool.

For Cool and her husband, Patrick Sheldon, they didn`t just lose their home. After the flood, they had a very tough decision to make because both their business and home were underwater.

"Ya know, the choice was kinda of made for us because our home was pretty much non-repairable. It would have had to be completely rebuilt, the area was right next to the river so we decided that we would put everything into the business," said Cool.

The couple decided to dedicate themselves into creating Sweet and Flour, a European inspired pastry café.

"I think working so hard and so much has helped us through it, I do. Having a purpose, working toward a goal that`s bigger than yourself that`s definitely been therapeutic for me," said Cool.

Sheldon and Cool opened their business five months ago, they`ve seen a very positive response from the locals.

"People from the community, they write letters and emails and they stop in the kitchen, they`re thrilled that we`re here and that`s really rewarding," said Cool.

Although, the memories of the flood can still take a toll on what they lost, they are creating something sweet for the future.

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