Velvet Ditch Coffee Roasters makes comfort its calling

Sometime in the 1950s, Oxford was deemed the “Velvet Ditch” — a nod to the notion that once you find yourself here, you never want to leave.

This sentiment rings true for Lesley Vance Walkington, a former adjunct professor of philosophy and religion at the University of Mississippi, is a decade-long Oxonian and owner of Velvet Ditch Coffee Roasters — one of the newest additions to Oxford’s coffee scene.

“I named my business Velvet Ditch Coffee Roasters because I wanted my coffee to be as unforgettable as our charming little town,” Vance Walkington said. “Much like the town itself, which feels like a warm embrace, I hope my coffee offers that same welcoming, memorable experience.”

Vance Walkington’s adoration of coffee and the process of making it was fostered by her family.

“Ever since I can remember, I have been a coffee enthusiast. I have fond childhood memories of waking up to the smell of coffee brewing in my mother’s percolator,” Vance Walkington said. “(My brother) gifted me with some really expensive coffee beans that tasted unlike any coffee I had ever experienced. That really began my ‘specialty’ coffee journey, and I started learning everything I could about sourcing and roasting single-origin coffees.”

After obtaining her Speciality Coffee Association certifications in 2019, she practiced roasting for a few years while simultaneously laying the groundwork for what would become Velvet Ditch Coffee Roasters in 2022.

“My vision for Velvet Ditch Coffee Roasters is to create distinct roasting profiles, allowing the conversation to move away from superficial ‘light’ vs ‘dark’ coffee preferences to a more nuanced exploration of the complex flavors and qualities that define what customers taste and experience in the cup,” Vance Walkington said.

Vance Walkington hopes that her business will help customers spark a similar appreciation for the drink.

“Drinking coffee is like going on a journey. That bean has traveled a long way to be the coffee in your mug, and I like to share the stories of my coffee beans,” Vance Walkington said. “There are a multitude of people who make coffee possible for us to consume on a daily basis, and I never take it for granted. It’s so very special to me.”

In addition to her passion for coffee, Vance Walkington’s decision to establish Velvet Ditch Coffee Roasters was also inspired by her time spent as a professor.

“As a former adjunct professor at the University of Mississippi, I received feedback from my students expressing interest in staying in Oxford, but (that) the area lacks depth of job opportunities,” Vance Walkington said. “This realization along with my coffee journey, became motivation for launching Velvet Ditch Coffee, giving students a reason to stay in Oxford. My goal is for Velvet Ditch Coffee to also offer a venue for community — a place to see old friends and meet new ones, as our small town is expected to grow another 24% by 2030.”

Meritxell Ambrocio, a sophomore international studies major from Ellisville, Miss., is excited for what the coffee roaster brings to town.

“As an avid coffee enthusiast, I find that the aroma and taste of freshly roasted coffee offers a truly elevated experience. I think that the variety of coffee businesses in Oxford adds to the charm of our community — it gives locals the chance to explore different flavors while supporting our local small businesses,” Ambrocio said. “I feel like this not only fosters a sense of connection among the community but also adds character to the area.”

Ultimately, Vance Walkington wants to ensure that Velvet Ditch Coffee Roasters remains true to its name.

“People make pilgrimages to Oxford to experience our amazing art scene and Southern food culture. Beverages served around town are just as important as our delicious food,” Vance Walkington said. “Yet coffee can sometimes be an afterthought. My goal is to give folks the opportunity to indulge in specialty coffee and explore the nuanced flavors in every sip.”

Velvet Ditch Coffee Roasters’ products can be found online as well as locally at Chicory Market, Oxford Creamery and Sugar Magnolia.