Guatape | Cueros LeBon

Two hours by bus from Medellin, there's the old stomping ground of Pablo Escobar. It's a bright little town that's literally painted over their ruined past. Local artists have decorated the walls with colorful imagery to distract you from looking to deep into secrets in the cobblestones. There was a time where the people of the town could mysteriously disappear at the whim of the presiding drug lords. 

Today, you'll find a people still on the mend and a new generation of open minded hopefuls. I was able to meet a new Pablo - Pablo Patino Castellanos. His father has been making shoes for the last 35 years. He was the head designer for some major brands around Colombia before opening his own shop in Guatape. Pablo followed suit, aiding in the future of the store expansions and procurement of the materials. The true father-son family business employs anywhere from 3-6 employees at a time to help keep with demand and make shoes. Pablo showed us around the factory where he designs new product and aids the ladies working with him. Every piece of fabric and sole is stitched by hand and set using tools that have been in the family for generations. 

I bought a pair of peter pan flats (that's what I call them). They have that perfect shape that's somewhere between almond and round without crushing your toes. I believe this little shop to have the potential to grow internationally. Next time you go, check them out. Location below.