Meet Susana Almaguer

OWNER, COFFEE MUGG

For Coffee Mugg owner Susana Almaguer, opening a coffee shop was never just about coffee. It was about creating something she had spent most of her life searching for: a place to belong. The idea for Coffee Mugg grew from Susana’s love for storytelling and the worlds she found herself drawn to. She wanted to create a space where those same interests could be shared, somewhere people could connect over what they love and feel like they belong.

That vision was rooted in the things that brought her comfort, from fantasy stories to immersive worlds that offered a sense of escape. But more importantly, it came from the desire to build something that didn’t feel typical, something that felt personal. She built Coffee Mugg from the ground up, taking on much of the work herself, from painting walls to reworking the space piece by piece. There were moments of doubt along the way, but with each step, the shop became more aligned with what she had imagined.

"I didn’t want to do a basic coffee shop. I wanted something different, something that felt like you could walk in and just be part of it."

That perspective is what makes Coffee Mugg stand out. Inspired by storytelling, fantasy, and a love for connection, the shop is designed as an immersive escape. Each room is thoughtfully themed, including spaces inspired by the four Harry Potter houses, each with its own personality. It is cozy, eclectic, and filled with character, much of it built from donated pieces that carry stories of their own. 

More than anything, though, the shop is about people. Susana has spent her life in Corpus Christi, and like many, she found herself carving out her own path. She gravitated toward creativity, books, and self-expression, even when that meant standing apart. Coffee Mugg became her way of creating a space where that individuality is not just accepted, but celebrated.

"My goal was to create a place where people could come in and feel like they belong. Like they don’t have to explain who they are or why they like what they like."

That intention shows up in the smallest details. Guests come in wearing cosplay, sit for hours reading or thinking, meet friends, or simply take a quiet moment for themselves. For many, it is more than a coffee shop. It is a space that offers comfort, especially for those who may not have felt it elsewhere. Over the years, Susana has watched first dates turn into engagements, strangers become friends, and customers find a sense of ease during some of their hardest days. It is a reminder that coffee shops can be more than a quick stop. They can be a place to pause, to connect, and to feel seen.

Susana has also made it a priority to collaborate with other local businesses, creating opportunities for shared growth within the community. One of her current partnerships is with Kika’s Desserts, another Latina-owned hidden gem. Together, they’ve brought creative menu items to life, from mini cheesecakes inspired by the bright pink birthday cake with green lettering from Harry Potter to chocolate Oreo bonbons designed to resemble the Golden Snitch. These collaborations not only add to the experience but also introduce customers to other small businesses in the area.

She has also worked with other bakers and small businesses over the years, regularly opening her space for pop-ups and collaborations. For Susana, it is not just about running a successful shop. It is about building connections and creating opportunities for others. It’s a perspective shaped by the city she’s always called home. Having spent her entire life here, she understands both its traditions and its potential. Coffee Mugg represents something she felt was missing for a long time: a willingness to embrace the unconventional.

"I wanted Corpus to embrace the weird and the different, because that’s where people really find their place."

It is a risk that has paid off. Seven years in, the Coffee Mugg has grown into something far beyond what Susana originally imagined. It is not just a themed coffee shop. It is a gathering place, a creative outlet, and a reflection of the community it serves. Even now, she still has moments where she pauses and takes it all in, realizing that what once felt like a distant dream is now a reality. What Susana has built is more than a business. It is a space where people can show up exactly as they are, whether that means dressed in full costume, deep in conversation, or simply in need of a quiet corner and a good cup of coffee.

In a city that continues to grow and evolve, Coffee Mugg stands as a reminder that there is room for creativity, individuality, and bold ideas. Sometimes, all it takes is one person willing to take the leap.