Cocky Business: Ashley Stephens (‘19) – Brewing Coffee and Connections at Two Ghosts Coffee

For 2019 Jax State alumna Ashley Stephens, being able to give back to her hometown community holds a special place in her heart. Growing up in Dadeville, Alabama, she always dreamed of owning a brick-and-mortar store. When she developed the concept for Two Ghosts Coffee, her wish was to create a space where everyone could feel welcome and enjoy good coffee, good food, and good people. Ashley has even named one of her most popular items, The Grace, after one of her customers.          

“In college, I fell in love with coffee and coffee shops,” Ashley said. “I wanted a space of my own that I could give other people the opportunity to experience a good coffee shop.”  

Ashley prides herself on having been able to fully brand Two Ghosts Coffee, thanks to the graphic design knowledge and skills she obtained from Jax State. She created her own logo and design concepts and says people in the community love what she’s created.   

“Having an amazing support system of friends and family is what keeps me going…and my therapist,” Ashley said. “Knowing what I would’ve wanted in my community growing up helps me stay motivated. I only wish I had a place in Dadeville like this to hang out when I was in high school!” 

She met her three closest friends during her time at Jax State. Patrick Yim helps at Two Ghosts Coffee, and Mason Ward and Grace Cockrell took some of the photos displayed on the Two Ghosts Coffee social media.   

“Jax State gave me more than an education. It gave me three of the best friends I could have asked for,” Ashley said. “They push me to be the best I can, and we credit Jacksonville State University for giving us that friendship.” 

Ashley knew she wanted to attend Jax State from the moment she visited the campus. 

“When attending preview days, I felt like I was home,” she said. “I knew Jax State was in my future from the minute I stepped on campus in 2015 for the first time.” 

Ashley was involved with university athletics marketing, Sigma Alpha Omega, Kappa Pi, Zeta Phi Eta and Sigma Alpha Epsilon. She also worked for the housing department as a multimedia assistant while in undergrad and during the start of her graduate degree.     

“Those organizations allowed me to go beyond what I thought I could do in college,” Ashley said. 

When asked what advice she would give those who are thinking about starting their own business, Ashley said to have a plan, take marketing classes, network with people that have their own businesses, and do research. “Building community and relationships will take you further than you think,” she said.  

People visiting Two Ghosts Coffee can expect more than coffee. Ashley has created a menu that includes non-coffee drinks, breakfast and lunch specials, along with grab-and-go items and ice cream. She also designed specialty t-shirts and sweatshirts that patrons can order online or pick up in store.     

Visit Two Ghosts Coffee online at twoghostscoffee.com or stop by the coffee shop at 222 W Cusseta St, Dadeville, AL 36853. Follow Two Ghosts Coffee on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @twoghostscoffee.