ASHLAND — When I met Josh Coffy in fall 2019, he likened his vision for a co-working space to a coffee plantation.
“Just like coffee needs the right environment to grow, so does your business,” Coffy said, showing me around the office space at 12 West Main Street.
I showed up at Coffyspace Coworking one morning after finding Josh’s contact information online. I was greeted by the office dog, Maxwell, who led me to a common space where Josh was chatting with his team at Flight Media, his marketing business that operates out of the co-working space.
He led me around the office, which featured two conference rooms, several private office spaces, dedicated desks and shared common space. The office was then occupied by Flight Media, Vinyl Marketing and a handful of entrepreneurs.
A number desks were open at that time, and one could be mine, if I wanted.
As the tour wrapped up, I knew I wanted to join the space.
I had just accepted a job with Ashland Source as the full-time reporter covering Ashland County. I knew the importance of having a presence in the community — especially right in Downtown Ashland. However, the small start-up newsroom wasn’t ready for its own location. Coffyspace could be the catalyst Ashland Source needed, an environment where our team could grow.
I moved into the space in October 2019. At that time, Coffy and his wife, Kelsey were just getting roots planted for their business. The Ashland couple hadn’t celebrated Coffyspace’s grand opening yet. They were renovating a historic building across Main Street to serve as a second location.
The second space, located at 43 West Main St., would be on the ground floor — directly off Main Street. The Port, as the Coffy’s call it, features reception, a common meeting space and dedicated desks. The other space, where Ashland Source has operated, is on the second floor of a Main Street building.
The newly renovated building was ready for the grand opening celebration in spring 2020, but the ribbon cutting was postponed until summertime due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was strange to work in a coworking space during a pandemic. It was quiet most days. I also used my desk less often than I would have if it weren’t for the COVID-19 pandemic.
But going to Coffyspace, even during the pandemic, kept me connected. The space was sufficient for us to spread out, and hand sanitizer was positioned strategically around the building.
And despite the pandemic, I saw the growth Coffy anticipated. Despite the challenges COVID-19 presented, Coffyspace remained a place that could support business growth.
Ashland Source will add a part-time reporter through Report for America later this year. And though I’m heading to a new opportunity at my hometown newspaper, a new full-time reporter will soon take my role at Ashland Source.
Other members of our team have come to use the space more often, too.
Additionally, I watched as Vinyl Marketing moved into its own Main Street location in late 2020.
The private offices they occupied were quickly replaced with four other area businesses. Then, other dedicated desk spaces were transformed into more private spaces, which also filled.
The desks beside Ashland Source’s were filled, too. The Coffy’s were intentional about placing the two local businesses — JDL Distribution and The Grape Peony — near Ashland Source. It gave me the community I craved.
Getting to know the entrepreneurs behind these businesses has been an incredible experience. We had come to support one another over the past few months.
When Ashley Gray of The Grape Peony needed models for a new bridal robe line on her Etsy shop, a few of the women in the office stepped up to help. And I think everyone was happy to try out products for JDL Distribution — especially the food items!
In turn, these individuals helped me connect with sources, gave me story ideas and more.
As I mentioned above, I am on my way to a new opportunity, but I leave Ashland Source in a good space — literally.
Coffyspace has done just as Josh hoped. It created the right environment for Ashland Source to grow.
To learn more about Coffyspace Coworking, visit coffyspace.com.
