Ella by Ellas

Introduction

When Ella Cocktail Lounge launched, owners Vicki Castellanos and Emily Sanchez envisioned more than just a bar — they wanted to create a space that embodied both strength and sophistication. The name Ella, meaning “her,” captures the essence of a woman-centered concept, and it was only fitting that the marketing behind it was led by women as well.

PO Studios, represented by Vivian Serrano, partnered with Victoria Acosta, bringing Ella’s vision to life. Together, we developed and executed a full-scope marketing strategy that encompassed nearly all of our agency’s services, ensuring Ella was positioned not only as an elevated cocktail lounge destination but as one of El Paso’s most distinct brands.

Emily Sanchez

At just 28 years old, Emily has built an impressive career in the hospitality and business industries. Starting in the administrative medical field, she quickly rose to become head controller for a hospitality management company overseeing 45+ hotels across the U.S. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to ventures in real estate, property development, acquisitions, and festival creation.

Ella is her dream realized — a venue that embodies her values of growth, empowerment, and elegance. Emily envisions Ella as a place where women can come together, raise a glass, and celebrate sophistication, strength, and a touch of rebellion.

Vicki Castellanos

With over 30 years of expertise in the El Paso hotel industry, Vicki has long been at the heart of the region’s hospitality scene. As the owner of Teddy’s, RAI Management & Hospitality, and a founding owner of Brightside Music Festival, she has cultivated a career rooted in connection, culture, and community.

Her newest venture, Ella, reflects her passion for showcasing the women of El Paso. By creating a space that brings together strong, like-minded women, Vicki hopes Ella will serve as a hub of empowerment and sophistication.

Executive Summary

From day one, our approach was immersive. We worked closely with Ella’s vision, mission, differentiation, and impact to shape a brand identity that resonated deeply with its target audience. Our strategy was comprehensive: social media management, content creation, website optimization, event activations, PR outreach, and influencer marketing were all seamlessly integrated to build consistency across both digital and physical platforms.

This all-inclusive package meant Ella’s branding, storytelling, and customer touchpoints were unified — driving growth, recognition, and lasting engagement.

Channels & Integrations

We built Ella’s digital presence across key platforms, ensuring accessibility, discoverability, and cohesion:

  • Website Optimization & Maintenance — optimized user experience and brand consistency.

     

  • Reservations & Maps — integrated with OpenTable, Apple Maps, and Google Maps to capture customer traffic.

     

  • Social Media — Instagram and Facebook used as primary storytelling channels, reinforcing Ella’s brand voice and visuals.

Market Research & Analysis

A foundational step in our process was understanding the competitive landscape. We conducted:

  • SWOT Analysis — identifying Ella’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

     

  • Competitor Analysis — studying the El Paso bar and lounge market to position Ella uniquely.

     

  • Target Market Profiling — defining and understanding the ideal customer base to guide messaging and campaigns.

     

This research informed a comprehensive strategic plan that allowed Ella to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Full-Service Marketing Package

Ella Cocktail Lounge was supported by nearly all of our agency’s core offerings, including:

  • Marketing Strategy — long-term positioning with measurable goals.

     

  • Social Media Management — consistent posting, growth strategies, and engagement.

     

  • Content Creation — high-quality photography, video production, and branded design.

     

  • Website Optimization & Maintenance — ensuring performance and customer ease of use.

     

  • Performance Analysis — monthly insights to track progress and pivot as needed.

     

  • Event Planning & Promotion — curated experiences that drove both foot traffic and online buzz.

     

  • Public Relations & Influencer Outreach — connecting Ella with local tastemakers, influencers, and media.

 

  • Influencer Marketing — collaborations with models and influencers to expand Ella’s reach.

 

  • Analytics & Reporting — transparent performance tracking to show ROI and guide future campaigns.

Audience Transformation 

While our strategy was broad, one of the most powerful results came from reshaping Ella’s audience. In the span of 12 months, the brand experienced:

  • Growth from 21k to 25k followers.

  • A complete gender shift from a male-dominated audience (82.8% men, 17.1% women) to a female-led community (66.5% women, 33.5% men).

  • Age range expansion, reaching beyond 25–34 into 35–44 and 25–45 segments.

  • Local presence strengthened, with El Paso followers increasing from 25.7% to 63.8%.

This transformation reflected not just digital numbers, but Ella’s brand becoming a space where women feel represented, welcomed, and engaged.

Conclusion

Ella Cocktail Lounge is more than a cocktail — it is a fusion of strength and sophistication, rooted in a concept created by women, for women. Through our full-service marketing strategy, we’ve ensured Ella’s branding, events, and digital presence reflect the vision Vicki and Emily first imagined.

From creative campaigns to community-driven events, Ella has grown into one of El Paso’s standout destinations. This case study proves that when visionary ownership and strategic marketing align, the results speak for themselves.