Meet Ashlee Fennell | Owner of GGC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashlee Fennell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashlee, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting GGC we knew we wanted it to be a non-profit. We love where we live and wanted to do something to help those in need right here at home. A lot of people share a love for coffee but one thing that was important to us was to bring back “the good ole days” and romanticize brewing coffee at home again. Something else that was important to us was selling organic coffee beans. Not only is it better for your health but by going back to organic practices you can fix gut issues and even brain fog. We all seem to know someone with those issues these days? In all we wanted a product that gave back to the consumer and the community.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
We just launched in April 1st of 2025, three days later we had a major fundraising market by Interfaith of The Woodlands. NO joke, we launched online and had a big event in just three days. We hit the grounds running (pun intended). It was a rush and finally after 8 months of taste testing and waiting on paperwork we finally were serving our coffee. We currently are coming out of summer, growing relationships within the community to see where we can help. I know there will be a lot to learn in our first year of business, let me get back to you on those!
MY personal background is marketing and designing, after taking a few years to be at home with the kids creating this coffee brand was truly such a joyful experience for me. My husband Zack is also on our board, he is the numbers guy and enjoys the decaf ( that’s right, he cant drink caffeine). My sister Taylor is our third board member. Through my past business she has always been a worker bee with me and I knew this was something I could count on her to help with. As local business owners we had some experience jumping into a new business but this is our first time in the food industry.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The very first thing I would do is make them a cup of coffee. We really enjoy shopping small/local and being outside. The Woodlands is a great place to let the kids run around at parks with great water views. We enjoy eating at Montys Seafood and feeding the catfish off the dock. Sometimes you get awesome views of the large dining boats that pass by. Another great gem is RUAH Cafe located near Grand Central Park (another great place to walk around freely and exercise with the kids). My favorite coffee stops with the kids are Galavants located in Downtown Conroe, plus there’s great antique shopping and thrifting near by. Another highlight we enjoy is playing at Oh Toodles and grabbing a coffee next door from Citizens Cafe. Can you tell me love food and coffee?

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We must shoutout to our local friends and family. Many have helped us get started by spreading the word, volunteering and purchasing. From our local church pastor Matt Rule (who is a coffee bean roaster himself) to other coffee shops like, Serenity Sips, helping us sell our product in their own store. We’ve had so much help and support behind our brand and mission.

Website: https://Givinggroundscoffee.com

Instagram: Giving.groundscoffee

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Giving-Grounds-Coffee/61571766235343/

Image Credits
All photos taken by GGC