Our Story!

The Tie-Dyed Coffee Bean is owned and operated by Travis and Kelly Stafford. They’ve been married for 23 years and originally hail from Spartanburg, SC. The pair relocated to the coast in 2016 due to work, first living in the Charleston area and then eventually settling in Georgetown a few years back.

The Tie-Dyed Coffee Bean was born on November 6th, 2024, but the journey started, shall we say, a bit farther back. Way back.

Back to the days of rural fire and EMS, better known as the cowboy days. Travis and Kelly met in 2000 in Spartanburg, SC, while both volunteering at Drayton Fire and Rescue. Travis, an experienced firefighter and EMT, took Kelly under his wing and helped her pass the basic firefighting course and the EMT class. They both worked as Firefighters/EMTs for Drayton Fire and Rescue. 

Kelly was raised by a “hippie” dad (awesome guy!) who gave her an appreciation for the music and era. While in high school (early 90s), her favorite band was the Beatles. Aging has brought out more of the hippie chic in Kelly. Surfside Beach has the perfect laid-back vibe and community for a hippie-themed coffee shop along the Grand Strand.

The two truly believe in creating a welcoming environment for everyone. It doesn’t matter who comes through the shop door, Kelly and Travis are ready with a warm smile and amazing drinks.

They love animals, having rescued and fostered many dogs and cats over the last 15 years. You’re very likely to see a pup or two hanging out in the shop, as there are some regulars who bring their owners for a pup cup coffee.

They are, obviously, coffee enthusiasts and love visiting other local coffee shops everywhere they visit. In fact, they’re in love with the science of actual coffee brewing, something you can ask about when you come see the actual little coffee plants in their shop window.