MinerAlert
MinerAlert
April 2025
By Alexandra Sanchez, ’17
For Erika Knoch ’12, owner of Global Coffee, the dream of running her own coffee shop began when she was just 16. “I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur,” she recalls. “I’ve always loved numbers, so I knew I had to study business.” That passion led her to pursue a degree in business and finance at UTEP, an experience that would define her journey as a business owner.
UTEP Influence
While at UTEP, Erika took advantage of extracurricular opportunities that later helped her with opening Global Coffee. She joined the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO), where she gained deep insights into entrepreneurship, honed her business plan, and surrounded herself with like-minded individuals.
“Being part of CEO really helped me understand what it takes to start and run a business,” Erika says. “It pushed me to refine my ideas and develop a solid plan for what would eventually become Global Coffee.”
A Passion for Coffee and Community
Global Coffee isn’t just about serving great coffee, it’s about creating a welcoming space for the community. Erika’s inspiration came from volunteering at her church’s café, where she discovered her love for serving people and making connections over a simple cup of coffee.
“It’s about more than just the product,” she explains. “It’s about making people feel welcome, creating a space where they can study, work, or just take a break from their day. A good cup of coffee can turn someone’s day around.”
That philosophy has resonated with her customers, which fueled the growth of Global Coffee. Opening its first location in El Paso on January 6, 2017, it has since expanded to three locations, exceeding Erika’s initial expectations.
“I thought it would be just a small coffee shop,” she says. “But it grew beyond my expectations. It’s been such a blessing and very humbling to receive the support we have.”
Why ‘Global Coffee’?
The name “Global Coffee” wasn’t something Erika decided on immediately, but when inspiration struck, it felt perfect.
“Coffee is universal,” she says. “You can travel to a different country, not speak the language, but still bond over a cup of coffee. It connects people.”
Global Coffee incorporates beans from around the world, including Ethiopia, Guatemala, Mexico, and Colombia. Erika takes pride in roasting her own coffee, ensuring high-quality brews that reflect her commitment to doing things the right way.
“It’s harder to do things right, but it’s worth it,” she says. “People notice when you put in the effort.”
Advice for Future Entrepreneurs
For anyone aspiring to start their own businesses, Erika offers one key piece of advice: passion is everything.
“If you truly love what you’re doing, that passion will drive you,” she says. “I left a stable job with a good salary and benefits to pursue this dream, and I didn’t get paid right away. But I believed in it.”
She also emphasizes the importance of networking, and, for aspiring UTEP students, taking advantage of campus resources. “Join organizations, get involved, and learn as much as you can before you take the leap. Have a solid plan, do your research, and don’t cut corners. It’s harder to do things the right way, but in the end, it’s worth it.”
As Erika continues to grow Global Coffee, she remains grateful for the journey and the community that has supported her. “This has been an incredible adventure, and I know it’s only the beginning. I’m excited to see where this path leads next.”
For those looking to experience the warmth and quality of Global Coffee, stop by one of their locations and share a cup—because as Erika believes, coffee has the power to bring people together, no matter where they’re from.
Global Coffee Locations:
1513 N. Zaragoza Rd.
9640 Montwood Dr., A100
13647 Eastlake Road, Bldg. A, Ste. 102