For over four decades, La Casa Del Mariachi has been more than just a store selling charro suits. It stands as a living testament to tradition, resilience, and pride in craftsmanship. At its heart is Don Jorge Tello, a man who arrived in Los Angeles alone with few possessions yet carved out a lasting legacy in both community and fashion.
Don Jorge and La Casa Del Mariachi are featured in El Camino of the Fighters, a series showcasing Latine-owned, family-founded small businesses, street vendors, and entrepreneurs. Through these unsung heroes, Modelo demonstrates its commitment to honoring everyday fighters who have shaped their city’s legacy and economic landscape.
Born in Guatemala, Jorge discovered his dream while visiting Mexico’s Chiapas state, where he witnessed a mariachi band perform. It was a pivotal moment in his life. “One day, I’ll make that kind of clothing,” he told himself, never imagining how this garment would transform his future.
Initially, this was merely a passing thought. Jorge was practical—having completed only 6th grade, he was working toward becoming a car repairman. Fate intervened when a football injury prevented him from lifting heavy machinery. Rather than becoming discouraged, he pivoted. Under his father’s guidance, he learned the art of tailoring. By the age of 15, he had crafted his first suit and soon joined a workshop, where he began earning a living.
His journey continued with a move to Los Angeles. He arrived without money or clear prospects, yet these challenges didn’t deter him. Soon, he met someone working at a charro suit workshop who recommended him for a job. Jorge’s talent shone immediately—within six months, he was managing the entire operation, expanding it from a team of three to ten people. Nothing came easily; Jorge earned every opportunity through hard work and dedication. “Here’s where my dream came true,” he reflects today.
In 2002, with his sister’s help, Jorge (often called “the most Mexican Guatemalan”) opened Casa del Mariachi near La Plaza Del Mariachi. Stepping into the store feels like visiting a vintage Mexican establishment, with its warm, homely atmosphere. Mannequins display Jorge’s work, allowing visitors to admire the detailed fabrics, embroidered fringes, and gold and silver buttons. The true stars are the suits themselves—meticulously crafted to preserve a centuries-old tradition.
Jorge’s clientele ranges from schoolchildren to international musicians, with orders coming from L.A. to Europe and Australia. People commission his charro suits for special occasions, such as weddings, parades, graduation ceremonies, concerts, and television appearances. Jorge’s remarkable memory allows him to recognize all his clients, many of whom span multiple generations. “Sometimes people tell me, ‘Jorge represents Mexico and has made suits for my father, his son, and now it’s the grandson’s turn,'” he smiles.
Success hasn’t come without challenges—economic hardships, small business loans, and sleepless nights. Yet Jorge never considered closing shop. “You have to keep fighting,” he says. “Like the old saying goes, ‘there’s no worse fight than the one that isn’t fought.’ We’ll keep going.”
Though officially retired, Jorge still works daily in his workshop. Quoting a late, famous Mexican singer, he explains, “As long as people applaud, I’ll keep going.” His primary concern is preserving the tailoring craft for future generations. Don Jorge leads by example, showing that charro suits aren’t merely clothing but expressions of identity, personality, and love. “It moves me to tears when I see young children wear my suits,” he says. “That’s the kind of legacy I think is important.”
It’s the human impact—how his craft resonates within his community—that will define Don Jorge Tello’s legacy. Like Modelo, his fight to preserve heritage—both his own and a cultural symbol—gives his life meaning.
