Donna Weekes and her son Jamane opened the business in November of 2019, right before the COVID-19 pandemic. They closed for a couple of months, then decided to open back up and commit to their motto: "We don't serve coffee, we serve the community."

"Me and Jamane are very strong headed, we decided you know what, it's going to work, we left it up to God, and for us, it happened," Donna Weekes, owner of Lips Cafe, said.

The cafe keeps it local by recognizing a new, and up-and-coming artist each month.

"It's really cool and important to me because I'm really into art galleries, and that's my first love," said Jamane Weekes, owner of Lips Cafe. "So, to be able to transform this space into one makeshift wise is really cool to me because I never get to go to them anymore because I'm always here!"

The culture, art, and music bring customers back for more. One of their regulars told News 12 making friends at the cafe is easy, especially at their weekly events.

"People can come here in good spirits, and like even if you're not trying to like talk to someone, the energy of love is so palpable," said Parker, of Flatbush.

If you want to learn more about how to get involved in the Lips Cafe events, click here.