Women-Owned Coffee Roasters in Oxford, MS: A New Brew

Erin Austen Abbott

According to the International Coffee Organization, women account for 70% of coffee production labor. Despite this, the coffee industry remains largely led by men. That narrative is changing in Oxford.

Exploradora Coffee

This women-owned coffee roasting company in Oxford offers premium specialty coffees grown exclusively by women. 

“After many trips to Central and South America farms and seeing firsthand the work of the women in coffee country, we made it our mission to seek out female farms,” says Alison Anderson, who is a co-owner with her daughter, Wade Johnson. “Sourcing exclusively from women farms ensures they are paid good wages to further grow their farms and support their families.” 

Exploradora donates $1 of every bag sold to Jackson-based Springboard to Opportunities. The nonprofit organization oversees the Magnolia Mother’s Trust, which is an income program for Black mothers living in affordable housing in the South. 

Lifting up women is key to Exploradora’s mission and vision. 

“Where coffee is grown around the equator are male-dominated societies,” Johnson says. “Slowly but surely, we are witnessing more women making small steps toward balancing the scales. We are putting our dollars behind them.” 

Erin Austen Abbott

The community is welcome to visit their roastery and see where the magic happens.

“We want customers to have a front row seat to our roasting process,” Anderson says. “We have a tasting bar featuring pourovers, nitro and cold brew, espresso drinks, and chai. Out in the warehouse, we have created an event space with seating, a ping-pong table, corn hole and a big screen TV.” 

Going forward, Exploradora hopes to serve the best coffee, educate people about their mission, and continue to raise awareness. “We aim to serve as much community as coffee,” Johnson says.

Velvet Ditch Coffee Roasters

Founder and roaster Lesley Vance Walkington focuses on flavor profiles when roasting.

“I only source specialty coffee beans, which are grown at high altitudes, picked at peak ripeness, and known for superior quality,” Walkington says. “Then, I roast with my unique roasting profiles to really bring out the most delicious flavors.” 

Joe Wortham

Currently, people can buy Velvet Ditch coffee from its website or at select places in the region. In 2025, Velvet Ditch will open a location at 1316 N. Lamar, a mile north of the Oxford Square. 

“It’s centrally located to serve visitors and local residents,” Walkington says. “Velvet Ditch Coffee will be walking distance from The Lamar, Savannah Square and the many other businesses on North Lamar. My goal is to offer a venue for community, a place to see old friends and meet new ones.” 

Velvet Ditch gives back to the community, whether that means sponsoring the Velvet Ditch Gran Fondo or donating coffee to the chamber’s monthly events.

 “Oxford is the kind of place that stays in your heart,” Walkington says. “Coffee can sometimes be an afterthought. I am changing that, giving folks the opportunity to explore the nuanced flavors in every sip.”