Unlocking the Secrets of Leon, Mexico: The Leather Empire of Latin America!

We're going behind the scenes to a shoe-making factor in the leather capital of Latin America: Leon, Guanajuato in Mexico! This is how luxury leather shoes are made...
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I've been living and traveling all across Mexico for over 4 years. One of my FAVORITE things about this country is the handmade products that artisans pour their hearts and souls into. These high-quality products often represent the regional culture and history in Mexico. Not to mention, the craft/traditions are usually passed down through generations.
So in today's Mexico travel vlog, I had the opportunity to go behind the scenes in a shoe-making factory in Leon, Guanajuato to show you how Mexico makes authentic leather shoes. The process is so much more complex and interesting than I could have imagined!!
Watch Next
I was WRONG about MEXICO CITY: • 11 Unexpected Reasons ...
Giuliano's social media for his colorful leather shoe business
/ giuliano_cacho
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❁❁ABOUT ME❁❁
Hi, I'm Maddie, former partner of Tangerine Travels, a travel vlog with over 350 videos that I helped build for 4 years to over 250k subscribers. I'm originally from Arizona and have been living in Mexico since 2018. These days, I'm traveling around Mexico, doing the "solo female travel" thing.
❁❁SOCIAL MEDIA❁❁
Facebook: / itsmaddiegold
Instagram: / tangerinemaddie
Twitter: / itsmaddiegold
Patreon: / maddiegold
Tip Jar (PayPal): paypal.me/itsm...
My Camera Gear & Travel Essentials: www.amazon.com...
#MaddieGold #Leon #Mexico

[@MaddieGold]

If you like this video please SHARE IT! 💛 It's a huge help for the growth of my channel which ultimately makes it possible for me to continue creating videos for you 😊

[@veec.3367]

Yes Maddie! Please do more. Thank you! 🙏

[@circlethewagons]

Yes, Please. Frankly, I like to learn something new everyday, this is great content.

[@jkphotography9757]

Yessss! Love seeing more about Mexico people, their culture and places! You are doing amazingly Maddie!

[@howardr.tippintippin8014]

Hi..Maddie ..Can you tell me Giuliano Facebook..I am into designing clothes and more fashion stuff..I am from Queretaro..but living in California....but thinking lately to move back to Queretaro and star a business

[@MikeySin]

You have a great way of educating the viewers and keeping it fun!!

[@johnbutera3623]

My grandfather came over from Italy and opened a shoe store called Joseph's Shoes in Washington Heights (1921) New York City. This video was not only well narrated and filmed but the content brought a tear to my eye. My grandfather and another Italian man used to hand make shoes. I was so familiar with the procedure and you definitely did justice to the complexity and time required to make a quality pair of shoes. Brava Maddie!

[@leslieclaire]

I appreciate how respectful you are of the Mexican culture. This was really interesting. Awesome workshop. Your energy is contagious! Keep it up Maddie! 💕🌵

[@cpr0774]

💕 your comment 👍

[@cindyjohnson1456]

Maddie, this video is pure GOLD! Please make more showing how other artisanal goods are made! Really enjoyed it!

[@MaddieGold]

Aww thanks so much Cindy! I'm definitely going to make more videos like this on artisanal products throughout Mexico

[@stuart_oneill]

Absolutely agree! Would love to see western boots being done as well. Some pricing parameters would be helpful. This IS the sort of vid I'd also like to see more!

[@Catswinter]

I loved this video, found it so interesting. Please do more on how arts and crafts are made in Mexico. Would love to see one featuring silver jewelry. Thanks Maddie

[@MaddieGold]

So glad you enjoyed it Catherine! I'm hoping to go back to Taxco again to showcase the silver scene in Mexico (one of them anyway)

[@antoniabaker7770]

Yes please and prices. I love when you do costs. I still have to convert to AUD but love it.

[@mr.osunasmathematicschanne8136]

I would also love to see you go into a kitchen with a Mexican abuelita to show you how to cook a very traditional Mexican dish. Cooked from start to end. A collaboration with Dona Angela from De mi rancho a tu cosina would be fantastic. Have you seen her channel?

[@emilyserafamanschot800]

I agree! Make mole and go step by step. A good mole is made with a lot of ingredients. By the way, you need to read/see Like Water For Chocolate (Como aqua para chocolate). Passionate love story and wonderful food!

[@mr.osunasmathematicschanne8136]

@@emilyserafamanschot800 Mole is very complex lol. Maybe something easier for starts.

[@emilyserafamanschot800]

@@mr.osunasmathematicschanne8136 I know. I tried making it once in a very small kitchen. Lots of work!

[@funguscake]

Yes this!

[@lilup9138]

@@emilyserafamanschot800 Como agua para chocolate, was/is a great movie. The looked sooooooo delicious. My grandma, used to cook like that. Love it💕

[@holabooks]

I’m loving the direction your content is going in✨ This is a very informative and interesting video.

[@MaddieGold]

Thanks Hola Books! I'm glad to hear that 😁

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

@@MaddieGold We all wish you well, both in your new life and many adventures. 😁

[@janejackson495]

Yes, very interesting.. Also, nice to see you thriving, Maddie.

[@moaraa2575]

So am I! It’s informative but fun with natural enjoyment and excitement.

[@hivolco151]

JUST WOW!!! I have loved finding a good Leather shoe in Mexico for many years... my first pair of Huaraches had thick leather uppers and Recycled rubber tires for the soles! They lasted for years and years!! I absolutely LOVE the colorful shoes! What a wonderful idea to create "Happy" colors! He seriously is not going to be able to keep up with the orders after your many subscribers see this video! Awesome work Maddie... you are Golden!

[@suejohnson6254]

Loved this video! This family is amazing and incredibly talented, I would love to see a similar video on rugs, pottery, glassware, etc.

[@pameladeleone135]

I agress all that you said would be great to watch. Rugs, pottery etc:

[@Leveltalks]

Go Maddie! I absolutely loved this video! Thank you 😊

[@MaddieGold]

So glad you enjoyed it, Tanysha!

[@mattdevaux7202]

This was very interesting- not only the subject and content, but you present it very well too. I would vote for more workshops- pottery and ceramics, baskets, clothing, weaving, silversmithing, jewelry, etc.

[@TrujilloRosalba]

Maddie! I loved, loved, LOVED this video! You have accomplished to grow and go beyond where Tangerine Travels left off. So proud of you! Very entertaining and it is great that you are featuring an up and coming brand. Much love to you from California. 🧡

[@donnamccrindle3322]

Maddie ,I’ve been with you since you left for Mexico , stay strong girl , you rock these awesome informative videos love what you are doing on your own 👍🏻😊💕

[@yeuxdal]

Love this! Thanks for showing us this peek into real Mexican life and work. (Plus, who doesn’t love shoes?!)

[@veec.3367]

Wow Maddie! Thanks for sharing! I love watching how things are made/produced. This was a very informative video. Very interesting ☺️ have a great weekend!

[@MaddieGold]

Thanks so much Vee! Glad you liked the video 😁

[@paulacarrasco8517]

Wonderful video; I think this is my favorite one from you Maddie! What a beautiful craft to share with your fans. More like this!!

[@MaddieGold]

Thank you so much Paula! I'm glad you enjoyed the video so much

[@headab9027]

Awesome content. Great to see regular people and their workplace. Also, makes you think how on earth some clothing can be so cheap when you see how labour intensive it is to make.

[@sandyhatch5344]

I LOVE this subject matter, I am intrigued by the handiwork of these artisans, please create more videos like this!!! GOOD JOB MADDIE!

[@HuatulcoGuy]

I love seeing how things are made. So interesting! 👍

[@1hundred45]

😮 whoa! That was so cool. It is always so interesting to watch an artist create

[@Solmarlu]

Very interesting Maddie! I liked it a lot! 🥰 It's kind of a documentary, very illustrative, never imagined such a complex process to make a 👞 😲

[@emilyserafamanschot800]

Maddie that was very interesting. It means so much when you can talk to the artisans and find out exactly how the crafts are made. When we were in Oaxaca, we visited an alebrije workshop, a carpet making store, and a pottery factory (barro negro). So amazing! I'd like to see more videos like this! Thank you!

[@teresabarberot2506]

These artisans are amazing to watch. Being a long time family business too is so unique and special. Thank you Maddie for your great video. Shoes are my shopping weakness and I really enjoyed learning about how they are made. The 2 guard dogs looked their part lol!

[@johnclayburn3222]

Maddie love how you always surprise me with your content, its great to see such craftsmanship being kept alive by the families, thanks!

[@thedrummersclub3667]

Maddie, you are definitely on to something here. Superb Content. No wasted time on useless stuff. This is one of The BEST travel videos on KZbin. Nice 👌

[@deannad9146]

This was so fascinating to watch. Thanks for sharing this with us Maddie!

[@missmomus]

I think you have found your niche with this type of video! It is very interesting and inspiring to hear the stories of creative people. I wish Giuliano great success with his business as well!

[@alexescalera]

Hey Maddie, you know that I love all your content and videos, but definitely this has been my favorite type of video you made, after the travel videos of course, I really hope to see more "Documentary" sort of videos and that your channel keeps up growing!!!

[@sobepooch]

Hi Maddie! I'm so happy you're having such an amazing time in Mexico! Please visit Tonala, they make everything by hand there, from shoes to clothes, to pottery to food, to anything you can think of! Keep up to great work!

[@MaddieGold]

Here’s my video from Tonalá 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGsY2eNbLZ5prs

[@a9arvids]

Thanks Maddie! I'm an expat living in Leon for almost 4 years, and it's great to see some English representation of my city! It'd be great if you did a tourist /travel video about Leon. I'd be happy to show you around! Thanks ☺

[@lucymagee3654]

Those mint and light pink shoes are just gorgeous!! I wish my husband would wear shoes like that they are so elegant & stylish!!!

[@anahutchings7646]

Enjoying your videos, this video was very interesting on the process of how they start their business and how the shoes are made, looking forward to seeing more of Mexico. 👍🏼😊❤️🌼

[@tmac1586]

This is so fun to see Maddie I love it, I will keep watching you!

[@MaddieGold]

Thanks t mac!

[@victoriajohnson5304]

WAOH!!!! AMAZING VIDEO MADDIE! AS A CHILD, MORE THAN SIX DECADES AGO, MY GRANDFATHER WAS A SHOE REPAIR MAN...IT BRINGS BACK GOOD MEMORIES!!! THANK YOU MADDIE!!!🌻🌞🌻

[@cindykawa2492]

This video was great! Informative and interesting, just amazing how quickly everything came together for the shoe.

[@iReturnToFreedom]

Maddie, wow, this is a really cool video. Good for you to get in there and tell the story. These guys seem so kind and genuine.

[@MaddieGold]

Thanks Lori! They really are :)

[@doingtime20]

Good job Maddie, I agree with other comments that it would be great that you make more of these type of videos.

[@gumshew2007]

I really enjoyed the content of the video. This gave me a better perspective on the making of leather shoes and how they are made in Mexico. Really like these kind of videos. You rock Maddie.

[@rosiesamuel8562]

Well done! Love that you are showing artist in Mexico 😍

[@harnaamkaur3020]

Great video Maddie, an insight to the world of zapatos! May your Mexico City experience be incredible! xx

[@eeeee323]

¡Wow! ¡Tiene tiempo que no veo zapateros en acción! ¡Qué chido!

[@rossmann6357]

Great video Maddie, informative and entertaining. Thanks

[@triciak.9968]

Maddie, I watch your videos with my tween and teen and we LOVE what you are doing with this channel. I am thrilled with the direction you're taking the channel -- allowing us to see some real insight into Mexican culture -- having fun with your two Mexican friends from the other channel (the ones you went into a Mexican market with). Your own unique style and personality comes bursting through and you make learning about Mexican culture so much fun. My kids actually ask to see a "Maddie Gold" because we can all watch and learn together. I am so proud of you for taking some lemons that life handed you and turning it into LEMON MARGARITAS!!! You go, girl!

[@MaddieGold]

Oh my goodness this is the sweetest comment ever you totally made my day! I’m so happy you and your kids are enjoying my channel so much! 💛 Thanks for watching! ☺️

[@latinactive209]

That's why I'm so impressed with my people.

[@MrWhip55]

Just watched v/log, Maddie, and in your words, totally digging it. Keep them coming.

[@queserasera1674]

Loved this video, it has the human connection to it, so far from that horrible robot meta verse we are trying to be lured into. I love humans!!

[@darcibeckford6848]

Awesome video, Maddie! So interesting, and you do such a good job with it. I will echo what everyone else is saying - more like this would be awesome!

[@joelashadali]

Really enjoy this type of content. Well done Maddie!!!

[@beauteoussounds1156]

Must. Get. Loafers. This was amazing, Maddie! Thanks for keeping us educated AND entertained. Perfect video!

[@marz9lu104]

Thanks Maddie this was so fascinating, informative and love the story of the family, their expertise in their craft, and also your friends story too, his inspiration of color & to honor his late wife so special.

[@jameshoward8544]

Awesome video Middie. Loving the content. Keep up the great work.

[@MaddieGold]

Glad you enjoy it James!

[@wattupohms956]

Such a dope video!! Really interested in seeing how businesses operate out there.

[@PaulWade87]

Okay, totally into, super cool info & video" thank you so much sist'ah for the video, btw I was that little bro who backed you both up, you & him both up at tangerines, I thought personally whatever will be best for you both & help you both find peace & happiness in your life, that's all I wishes & prayed for you both ~Amen & blessings. Sincerely this lil bro, ~Theo, also my friend, a guy I used to totally hang with, he introduced me to this channel tangerine's, he said once, sometimes we never move on, we just move forward & look to the future, I asked what's the difference? He said, some things kinda just fade after time passes but you keep the good always with you that you had deep in your heart, man's full of cheerful insight & wisdom, I hope he oneday will write me again, he's like a big bro even though lol I'm a foot taller lol, his name is paul, super chill & grateful I got to know the channel this video popped up cos I was into making things, totally cool vid thanks again for it !!!! 😊

[@lauras627]

Love that your bring us authentic Mexico and stay true to your down to earth spirit. Keep being you Maddie.

[@beverlyhintzen8780]

This was a super interesting video! Please do more like this!

[@VibeWithVida]

You're strong and brave and lovely. Keep it up, we've got your back 🇲🇽💯

[@carolyn6929]

I love this video!!!!! I love the cultural stuff! Go to museums, art festivals, plays, operas, ballet, theater, universities. Mexico City! What an exciting place!!

[@karinachavez2803]

That’s amazing!! Makes me want to buy some to support whenever I go

[@luvablesweetnsassy]

This was an awesome video Maddie! I love to see local artisans and their crafts featured! 💕

[@moaraa2575]

Just WOW! So impressive. I’m really in awe , it’s amazing to see this talent. While visiting Mexico you run into a lot of street vendors and (stores), but never really realizing the amount of talent behind them. Bliss ignorance I guess. Thank you for taking us there to see the people at work with a lot of pride and patience. Different note, I’m really enjoying your channel, it’s so natural, entertaining and just fun! So proud of you Maddie! Pls load more!! 🤗🥰. I think my ancestors were from Leon, Guanajuato. At least that’s what my 90 yro dad says his grandfather came from there.

[@claucemicro1080]

Mis pies agradecen que use calzado de piel y me encanta usar zapatos de León. Un día de éstos voy a checar los que vende Giuliano. 🤩

[@alemeliglz]

Maddie, I love this!! I remember the first time I went to Leon and explored their “Zona Piel”… the leather smell permeated the air. ❤️ You know what I’ve been curious about? The workshops in Amealco, Queretaro for the Lele dolls. I think they’re so cute!!! 🥰 Just throwing it out there… 🙈😆 Thank you for the time you dedicate to your awesome videos. 🤗

[@bsr151]

Really fascinating video. Great to see videos like this. It's practically ASMR.

[@lahermosajarifa7007]

Another great video! I love the variety of content on your channel.

[@richardblehm3060]

I don't know how you came up with this idea but it was a great one. Very interesting seeing how those shoes were made. You did a great job presenting this and doing the narration. Very well done. This was one your very best videos. Great job. Keep it up.

[@fredbeagle307]

That was very interesting Maddie thank you

[@MaddieGold]

Thanks for watching Fred!

[@travelingthediaspora7996]

Loving your content. It’s interesting, and bilingual!

[@maryrobby7134]

What a treat this video was! Thank you!

[@bcalderon6446]

I absolutely love this video. I never knew how they were made and you got every step. Thank you for documenting this

[@sharoncarrington1474]

Maddie, this was amazing! Thank you and looking forward to more of these. I love crafts and to see how others display their culture. And the colors!! Magnificent!

[@WorldWideCynthia]

What a process! I wish those people all had better chairs to sit in and some hand protection from that glue too - but that's the union rep in me. Thanks for sharing Maddie! Editing to add the shoes are gorgeous! Best of luck with this journey Giuliano.

[@MaddieGold]

I'm with ya there Cyn!

[@nann6586]

So cool! Love the shoes!

[@sherrifisher7293]

Well how cool was that! Thank you so much for the share Maddie😊

[@wendynync]

Awesome content, this should be a web or tv series!!

[@MaddieGold]

That's a big compliment, thanks Wendy!

[@janiceyoung7106]

Need more of your fun filled videos Maddie.....miss you.....make more.... hate to say it but Jordon is tanking without you. You were the energy behind Tangerine Travels. Loved your girls night video 😍

[@TangerineTravels]

Hi Janice. If by "tanking" you mean "getting more views than ever before in the history of the channel" you'd be correct.

[@janiceyoung7106]

I guess tanking is pretty general and depends on the individual viewer. I still watch all your videos and they are informative. I just miss Maddie's enthusiasm and happy go lucky personality.

[@misssunshine8469]

@@TangerineTravels very childish reply, why are you over here moderating maddies supporters while you allow people to trash her in your comments. Spend more time being decent.

[@janiceyoung7106]

@@misssunshine8469 thank-you, perfectly said.

[@bettybane9915]

See this video? This is where you and your content shine! Mas por favor!

[@Tattbook]

Love this kind of videos where you perfectly capture some of Mexico's deep traditions and its rich culture. Talking about the bonafide Mirrey in the video of course. And I guess the shoe making is nice too.

[@OldSoulPammy]

This was really cool! Thanks Maddie ☮️❤️❤️❤️😎

[@bloodorangemoon]

That was pretty cool Maddie, I like this type of content

[@karlaat8149]

To me, THIS is your best video so far. Including the previous chanel you collaborated with. Authentic, educational, emotional, you got the whole circle here. Congrats! 👏🎉 Hope to watch more videos with similar inspiration. There's so many different artisanal goods in Guadalajara alone that you would have endless topics to work with. 🥂

[@synnacastroman3813]

Love this video Maddie!

[@mr.osunasmathematicschanne8136]

Loved the video!!! For sure we would like to see how they make a lot of the artesania they sell in Mexico. Try finding a place were they make the molcajetes from scratch or the botas. That would be nice to see.

[@dorisn.correa2537]

In Comonfort Guanajuato is where they make the Molcajetes.

[@beverlyhintzen8780]

Just a suggestion but perhaps you could do a video on the Huichol people and their beautiful beaded art work and jewelry!!

[@KyleJess]

So glad to see you’ve stuck to travel and cultural style videos, with a dash of “Maddie life” in there. Just awesome, another great video! 🙌🇲🇽👍

[@WOM-MN]

This was a very well done video. Learned something new with you today. Gracias 🙏🏽

[@maryjoan4128]

Fascinating.. great idea to show case the amazing crafts people of Mexico

[@yvanc3842]

Very interesting. Thank you

[@donnanetwig7869]

This is the perfect direction for you. since you are creative and Mexico has so much in arts and crafts that should be shared with the world. the weaving in Bernal would be a fabulous segment.

[@sdscootergirl]

Awesome video Maddie! Love this type of content sprinkled in with the rest of your fun videos!

[@W.A.F]

This episode is pure gold ✌🏻

[@MaddieGold]

Aww thank you!

[@dayanafragoso2120]

I loved seeing the process because i absolutely love handmade stuff- thanks for sharing this!

[@mwiebe2663]

I so appreciate your upbeat, straightforward, informative videos without sensationalism or hyperbole.

[@MariaFlores-oh7bt]

I love that your showing the artist in the beautiful country there is more to Mexico then just food❤️well done👏👏👏👏

[@mariakok3381]

Maddie, just LOVE this, i m always looking to buy true local made items. These shoes are amazing. Many more blogs like this please, just great stuff :)

[@karlangasnangas]

Hi Maddie! I’ve been following since last year in your previous channel, I love your content keep up the good work! I am originally from León Gto. I haven’t been there in almost 30 years I miss it all and all my relatives living there, I currently live in Dallas Tx. Is it possible that you make a video on the popular foods of León, you can find it all at el centro and inside el mercado Aldama for your viewers to see. Muchas gracias 😊

[@MaddieGold]

what are the most popular foods of Leon? :)

[@karlangasnangas]

@@MaddieGold cebadina is a drink and guacamaya is a torta with pork skin originally from León. If you go to el mercado Aldama you will come across my relatives, they own a whole isle of home goods it wouldn’t be hard to find. Thanks for replying ❤️

[@luvnlivn]

I love informative videos. I appreciate all your videos though!

[@tracymiller2571]

Loved this video! I took a 6 day leather boot making class a few months ago. The final steps of forming the leather around the shoe mold, and then sanding and securing the sole were by far the most challenging for me. Beyond impressed with the skill and craftmanship displayed by these men. These shoes are very functional works of art. 💜

[@camilorivera2634]

Hi Maddie, great video! As a little kid I used walk by this one shoemaker and I was always mesmerize by the intricacies of shoe making. Looking forward to see more of your videos.

[@AnthonyLopez-do4vi]

There are so many amazing artisans in Mexico! Like the people that make the good catrina's, the spirit animals etc etc - it would be cool to see how they are made - good luck with the new channel too

[@zoytt]

This an amazing video. Thank you for sharing. Kudos to these artisans for their hard work and artistry.