Today we’d like to introduce you to Yvonne Acosta.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been autistic since birth, and I’ve always been naturally curious and drawn to making people smile. I also grew up loving ice cream, Japanese culture, and the simple comfort of sweet treats and tea.
For years, I set my dream aside and worked different jobs in restaurants, housekeeping, grocery stores, and welding. Eventually, I realized I wanted to build something of my own, something that reflected who I am and what I care about.
That’s what led me to move from Houston to San Marcos with my son and fiancée. I wanted a smaller community, a fresh start, and a place that felt like home. Once I settled in and got to know the area, I saw an opportunity to create something special.
I found a welder who could help me build an ice cream cart, and I used my savings to start River Mochi. I first began with traditional mochi, then learned what worked best for freshness and consistency. Now I’m building on that foundation with mochi brownies, store-bought mochi ice cream, and other treats at the farmers market every Saturday.
I’m still learning and growing, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come. My goal is to keep improving River Mochi one step at a time and eventually use it to give back to the river, the community, and the native wildlife that make San Marcos feel like home.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road.
There have been a lot of moments where I’ve had to push through fear, uncertainty, and financial stress while still believing in what I was building.
Starting River Mochi has been exciting, but it has also been exhausting at times, because I’ve had to learn so much on my own while trying to hold everything together.
One of the biggest challenges has been funding. I’ve had to make careful choices with every dollar, and that can be scary when you’re trying to build something from the ground up. I’ve also been learning how to market myself on social media and connect with people in the community, which is rewarding, but also a big learning curve.
Another hard part has been transportation. Without a truck, getting my ice cream cart and products to events is not always easy, and sometimes it feels like I’m figuring things out the hard way.
Still, every struggle has taught me something, and even when things feel overwhelming, I keep going because this dream means a lot to me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
River Mochi is a small handmade dessert business built around mochi, dango, and Japanese-inspired sweet treats.
What I really specialize in is bringing a mix of tradition, creativity, and comfort into each item I make. Right now, I sell at the San Marcos Farmers Market every Saturday, and I’m continuing to grow from there.
What sets River Mochi apart is that it’s very personal to me. It started as a dream I carried for years, and I’ve built it with my own hands, my own savings, and a lot of heart. I want people to feel the care in the products, whether they’re trying traditional mochi, mochi ice cream, mochi brownies, or one of the rotating flavors I make for the market.
I’m especially proud that River Mochi is rooted in both culture and community. It reflects my love for Japanese treats, but it also reflects San Marcos and the river that helped inspire the name.
More than just a dessert stand, I want River Mochi to feel like something warm, unique, and meaningful — a place where people can enjoy something sweet while also supporting a small local business with a bigger purpose.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Yes, I would love feedback and advice from someone who can help guide me and point me in the right direction. I’ve learned that it really helps me to sit down, take notes, and do my homework before making decisions. Getting second opinions has also been very valuable, because it helps me slow down, think things through, and feel more confident in what I’m doing.
For me, the best networking has come from being genuine, listening closely, and staying open to learning from people who are a few steps ahead of me. I think the strongest connections come when you’re willing to ask questions, show up consistently, and actually apply the advice you receive.
Pricing:
- $3
- $4
- $5.50
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @River_mochi
- Facebook: @River_mochi
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/yvonne-acosta
