More Than Coffee: How Faith, Community, and The Business Cohort Helped Coffee Del Rey Flourish

A Seed Planted in Honduras

Sometimes God plants a seed long before we understand what He intends to grow.

For Lily and Mario, owners of Coffee Del Rey, that seed was planted during a visit to Honduras in 2018. While visiting Lily's brother's rehabilitation ministry, they experienced specialty coffee for the first time and discovered how it could be used for something far greater than just a morning ritual.

"We realized coffee could be used to share the love of Christ," Lily said. "It could improve the lives of the people growing it, and it could be used as a ministry tool."

At the time, neither Mario nor Lily worked in the coffee industry nor owned a business. Lily worked for the Social Security Administration, and Mario served in hospital administration. But God had begun stirring something in their hearts.

Answering God's Call

After moving to Texas, they continued praying for direction. Their answer came unexpectedly when the owner of a local coffee roastery invited Lily to spend two weeks learning the craft of coffee roasting. At the end of those two weeks, the owner shared that she had been praying for someone to take over the business as she prepared to become a full-time mom.

After praying and fasting together as a family, Lily and Mario stepped out in faith and purchased what would become Coffee Del Rey in 2022.

"When you say yes to the Lord," Lily reflected, "it's like you better buckle up the seatbelt because it's happening. He's ready when you are."

Building a Strong Foundation

The Business Cohort Coordinator, Ashley D’Amico, Mario and Lily Vasquez, and The Business Cohort Associate, Erica Miller

Owning the business, however, was only the beginning.

While their mission was clear, they quickly realized they needed practical business knowledge to build a sustainable company. Through a fellow entrepreneur, they were introduced to Watermark Community Development Corporation and The Business Cohort.

"It was a place where you had professionals that were Kingdom-minded and understood business," Mario said. "They helped us understand the basics—cost of goods, profitability, spreadsheets—and gave us wisdom from mature businesspeople."

For Lily, the experience with The Business Cohort was an opportunity to build a stronger foundation.

"We needed to go back to day one," she said. "We needed to understand our own foundation."

The Business Cohort equipped them with practical tools to steward the business God had entrusted to them. Rather than simply increasing sales, they learned how to build a healthier, more sustainable business that could support its long-term mission.

Growing the Mission

As Coffee Del Rey continued to grow, they also participated in The Business Cohort+, receiving grant funding that helped purchase equipment for their mobile coffee cart operations. Those investments expanded their opportunities through various farmers' markets, events, and catering, creating new ways to serve customers while growing their business.

Business as Ministry

But for Lily and Mario, business success has never been the ultimate goal.

"We view God as our boss," Lily said.

That conviction shapes everything they do. Their hope is that every customer leaves not only with an exceptional coffee but also with the knowledge that they were seen, heard, acknowledged, and loved. Whether they are serving a drink, encouraging an employee, or praying with a customer, Coffee Del Rey exists to reflect Christ in every interaction.

"The ministry side is what we do first, and what we do well," Lily said. "But the business side—we've got to pay the bills."

Through The Business Cohort, they found experienced entrepreneurs who shared both their faith and their desire to see Kingdom-minded businesses flourish.

"The Lord said, 'I've got these people over here that do this very well, and they love Me too. Let Me introduce you.'"

Faithfulness Every Step of the Way

Looking back, Lily and Mario see God's faithfulness woven throughout every chapter of their journey, from a mountainside in Honduras to a coffee shop in Texas. They also recognize how The Business Cohort strengthened the business behind their mission, equipping them to lead and steward it with greater wisdom and confidence.

Today, Coffee Del Rey continues to serve exceptional coffee with an even greater purpose: creating a place where people feel seen, loved, and pointed toward Christ. Through practical business coaching, mentorship, and strategic support, Watermark Community Development Corporation is helping entrepreneurs like Lily and Mario build businesses that create lasting impact in their communities.

Watch Their Story

Want to learn more?

Catch Mario and Lily on Texas Today as they share the story behind Coffee Del Rey, their entrepreneurial journey, and the faith that continues to fuel their mission. Then stop by their café or explore their coffee online at Coffee Del Rey, and follow them on Instagram @coffeedelrey for the latest updates, new roasts, and behind-the-scenes moments.