BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — At just 19 years old, Katelyn Marsh is preparing to open the doors to what she says will be downtown Bakersfield’s first horror and gothic-themed coffee shop.
The owner of Twisted Coffee said the idea was inspired by two things she’s loved for as long as she can remember: horror and creating specialty beverages.
“Ever since I was little, my family and I, as far as I can remember, we loved everything to do with horror, thriller movies, shows, Halloween in general,” Marsh said.
New horror and gothic-themed coffee shop called Twisted Coffee coming to Downtown Bakersfield. Courtesy: Katelyn Marsh
She also noticed something missing from Bakersfield.
“I’ve just realized going out of town a lot, that there are so many things that are not in Bakersfield yet, that I would like to bring to Bakersfield for people to enjoy and experience,” she said.
What began as an idea shortly after graduating high school has grown into a storefront business in just one year.
“I was sitting down one day … and I was thinking, why not bring something different to Bakersfield?” Marsh said.
After proposing the idea to her parents, Marsh began operating at local canopy events, serving lemonades and dirty sodas throughout the community. The business officially launched in June 2025 and is approaching its one-year anniversary.
Now, she is preparing to welcome customers into a permanent location in downtown Bakersfield.
“When I first got the keys, I was like, this is actually happening,” Marsh said. “Getting those keys specifically made it feel 100% real.”
New horror and gothic-themed coffee shop called Twisted Coffee coming to Downtown Bakersfield. Courtesy: Katelyn Marsh
Marsh described the moment as surreal, saying she never imagined her ideas would become a reality so quickly.
“I never thought, like, a year ago, little Katelyn would be creating something like this,” she said.
Customers can expect more than just coffee when the shop opens.
According to Marsh, the business will offer specialty coffees, espresso drinks, lemonades, dirty sodas, pastries and horror-themed treats inspired by movies.
“What you can expect when you go inside of our shop is like a grunge or a Gothic vibe,” Marsh said. “You might see features from different movies that you love.”
She said the shop’s design will feature horror movie elements, themed drinks, murals and a Victorian Gothic aesthetic.
“Everything in there is gonna be decked out for Halloween horror and Gothic Victorian style,” Marsh said.
Marsh said some people questioned whether someone her age could successfully run a business.
“You get a few people here and there saying things like, ‘Oh, this person might be too young to do this,'” she said.
Still, she says she has remained focused on her goal and credits her family for helping her along the way.
“My mom and dad, my family, my little brother, everyone in my family, they keep me going,” Marsh said.
While her immediate focus is on the business, Marsh said she has not ruled out college in the future.
“As of right now, I’m focused on business 100%,” she said. “I would like to major in something in college … but for sure, focusing on the business, since this is the main thing in my life right now.”
Looking back on the past year, Marsh said one of the biggest lessons she has learned is the importance of staying organized while balancing the responsibilities of business ownership.
As for other young people who may be hesitant to pursue their own dreams, Marsh has simple advice:
“Just do it,” she said. “Don’t worry about what other people are gonna say.”
Twisted Coffee is scheduled to hold its grand opening on July 9 in downtown Bakersfield. Marsh said the event will include activities for all ages, along with free food, face painting, a DJ and costume-themed giveaways.