Leon and Our New Family

Today we had the honor of meeting the family that makes our handmade leather jackets (chamarras) and leather bags (bolsas).  Carmen and Alex Munoz Aldana from Regina Leathers took us on a tour of their factory, introduced us to their friends and family, and also offered to take us on a tour of downtown Leon.  They welcomed us into their home as if we were members of their family.  What a life changing, beautiful experience, one we will take back to the United States and share with every person that visits our shop.

A huge thank you to the Munoz-Aldana family and we look forward to visiting Leon again soon.
Saludos,
Cat and Mike 
p.s. want to purchase some of the lovely items we are gathering?  Visit www.catalinaleather.com.

Alex's and Carmen's family making the leather goods.

Francisco, another family friend.

Alex's Auntie and Son making purses.

Another photo of the family.

Celebrating our first leather order!  The man next to Mike is Mauro, our driver that we have grown to be a part of our Mexico family as well.  Alex has the glasses and black shirt on in the back row.

Blurry picture but the woman to your right is Carmen, Alex's wife and the boy to the far left is Alex's other son.

Alex, standing on the factory balcony overlooking his Leon neighborhood.

Another of Alex, Owner and friend from Regina Leather.

Sewing the pieces for the purses.

New leather in stock!  Stay tuned for jackets and bags made out of this beautiful, rich, cow hide.

Look at how thick and strong this beautiful leather is.  It is amazingly soft!

Another view of the new leather.

I couldn't help but capture this tiny handprint, made by one of Alex and Carmen's sons when they were little.  A reminder of what they are working for.

street view of the factory.

Another view of Regina Leather's factory entrance.

The simplicity and design of this building make it a perfect work shop.  

Carmen waiting for our trip back to the store in Leon Central.

Notice the lack of railings on the balcony.  View of the work from the street.  

A sincere thank you for the kindness, humble nature and extreme generosity of this beautiful family.  We felt like a part of their family.