El Paso Couple Turns Dream Into Reality With First Downtown Store, Viva La Mocha

I first met Monica and Charlie Monarrez back in 2019 when I did a feature story on the El Paso Strong t-shirts they had created to honor and support the victims of the El Paso Walmart shooting.

The couple was working hard to keep up with the demand for these shirts and they did it all from their home kitchen.

Viva La Mocha was the name of their small business that started off as a side project, but now has turned into their full-time job!

“I used to print out of my dining room the kids didn't really like it they didn't have a spot to sit down for dinner for 3 or 4 years they like it now, they have a dining room table now,” said Monica Rios Monarrez, owner of Viva La Mocha.

Viva la mocha sells custom made t-shirts and other locally made accessories that showcases the culture and beauty of El Paso.

The couple would set up at local farmers markets and other event to sell their unique merchandise, and it was at one of those events where Monica’s friend encouraged her to take the next step in her business.

“We were freezing our butts off at Winterfest last year and two of our closest friends asked us, “what are you doing? You could be in your shop right now. You have enough merchandise and enough creativity to have your own shop,” said Monica.

It was then that Monica and Charlie began searching in Downtown El Paso for a place to open their very first store.

“It was so important for me to open in Downtown because this is where it all started for Viva La Mocha, was at the farmers markets,” said Monica. “I never imagined it was going to be our home so it’s pretty neat.

Viva La Mocha held their grand opening back in December and the response from locals has been nothing but positive.

The store is located at 201 E. San Antonio Ave and is open from Tuesday through Thursday, 12 pm - 8 pm.

Customers are still able to order t-shirts and other items online by clicking here.