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Good Cookies? Ashleigh Ratchford Goes Next Level!

Southpoint Access May 2, 2026
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SoDu We Have Favorites 2026: Help South Durham Choose!I’m inviting Southpoint Access readers to nominate the people, places, and businesses they love most before voting begins.Southpoint AccessWes Platt

After five years of effort and ambition, baker Ashleigh Ratchford has a brick-and-mortar storefront for Ashleigh Bakes Daily - and she's moving to a new home on Main Street in downtown Durham at the end of May.

Order Cookies | Ashleigh Bakes Daily | Perfectly Baked | Luxury NostalgiaDiscover unique, handcrafted cookies. Taste innovation and bold flavors in every bite. Join our delicious journey today.Ashleigh Bakes Daily | Perfectly Baked | Luxury Nostalgia

On Monday, she spoke at a monthly meeting of Michelle Johnson's Next Level Local networking group at Tobacco Wood Brewing in South Durham.

"There's plenty of good cookies on the market," she told the crowd, "but I don't think there are any like mine."

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