Industry + Location
Multi-use Café and Digital Nomad Oasis
Cozumel, MX
When an expat in Cozumel couldn't find a spot with killer coffee AND reliable wifi, they decided to create one. But this wasn't going to be just another cafe – this was going to be the place where digital nomads, locals, and travelers all feel at home.
Picture this: a three-story oasis where the first floor buzzes with the sound of espresso machines and laptop keys, the second floor serves up amazing local cuisine, and the rooftop bar offers the perfect sunset view over the Caribbean. Add in an arcade, karaoke nights, and some of the best coffee on the island, and you've got Aquí y Ahora.
I was honored to partner on this multi-faceted project from the very beginning. Working with a client who had such a bold vision and trusted the process completely? That's the dream. Together, we created something truly special – a brand and space that brings people together and invites them to be present in the moment. Does it get better/cooler than that?!
Project Scope
Brand Naming | Brand Identity + Strategy | Website | Packaging + Print Design | Signage | Structural/Interior Design Support
Results + Impact
Inviting and professional identity for street-level café. Improved interior design, street presence, customer recognition + community trust
Website
www.aqui-ahora.co
Building a brand's identity from the ground up meant bringing every aspect of this ambitious project to life. My client needed everything from the perfect name to a complete visual identity that could capture sophisticated edge, organic textures, and professional warmth – all while creating a welcoming vibe for both locals and tourists.
As the project evolved from a simple café into a three-story destination with a full kitchen, coworking space, rooftop bar, and arcade, the challenge became creating a consistent look and feel that would work beautifully across all these different spaces while staying true to the original vision.
This wasn't just another café - it was a three-story experience where digital nomads, locals, and travelers would all find their perfect spot.
From street-level signage to rooftop vibes, every touchpoint needed to tell the same story while speaking to completely different audiences.
The mission was clear: develop a brand identity that could flex from street signage to coffee packaging while making everyone – from digital nomads to tourists to locals – feel like they belong. Each design decision needed to support this vision, creating a space where great coffee meets even better company.
We created a brand that invites everyone to be present in the moment, whether they're coding with coffee or catching the sunset with friends.
Starting with the name – Aquí y Ahora (Here and Now) – we created a brand that truly invites people to be present. The visual identity features actual tropical plants from the island, custom typography that balances modern edge with island soul, and thoughtful touches throughout every space.
From the palm leaf imprints in custom furniture to the carefully crafted signage, every element works together to create an atmosphere that feels both fresh and familiar. We designed everything from their coffee packaging to their website, menus, and even helped shape the physical space itself.
The brand identity even extends to their coffee packaging, where we created custom illustrations featuring alebrijes – mythical creatures from Mexican folk art – that combine animals native to Cozumel and surrounding areas. Each blend's character is represented by its own unique alebrije, telling a story that's deeply rooted in both local wildlife and Mexican culture. (But that's a whole other story – literally! Check out the full story behind the coffee line design here.)
2000+ five-star reviews later, Aquí y Ahora has become more than a workspace - it's become Cozumel's favorite gathering spot.
With over 2,000 Google reviews and a 4.8-star rating, people aren't just loving it – they're making it their go-to spot.
Here's what they're saying:
"Best looking place on the touristy strip. Cool downstairs with various nooks/places to relax, work, play games and hang out. Drinks are amazing. Phenomenal rooftop bar/restaurant area."
From concept to karaoke nights, this project evolved into something even bigger than we imagined. The brand we created works seamlessly across every touchpoint, whether you're grabbing your morning coffee or catching the sunset from the rooftop bar.
Gen was a star through the whole process - she didn't just help with the ideation, she basically led the entire creative direction and created what is now the brand we know and love.
"When we started imagining Aquí y Ahora, we knew we wanted to create something original, unique and chill. Being in Cozumel, Mexico - we wanted to embrace the local influence, but also absolutely make the brand our own.
Gen was a star through the whole process - she didn't just help with the ideation, she basically led the entire creative direction and created what is now the brand we know and love.
Sharp, intuitive, creative and crazy talent - that's what you get when you sign up to work with Genevieve. Trust the process. Trust the vision. She absolutely knows what she is doing and you will thank her a million times over when she is done working her magic. We know we did (and still do!)"
- JONATHAN + TANIA, AQUÍ + AHORA COFFEE