The Mapache team's travel diary

In May, part of the team flew to Mexico. The country where the Mapache adventure began and where, seven years later, our artisans are still present. This annual event was an opportunity for Jonathan, the brand's founder, to take Claire and Lara, marketing and communications managers, with him to discover the brand's manufacturing workshops. A look back at this unforgettable trip with the testimonies of Claire, Lara, and Jonathan 🌞

Claire, Marketing Manager

What were your preconceptions about Mexico?

I had some preconceived notions about Mexico, particularly regarding the language barrier, the spicy food, and the insecurity that can sometimes reign. Regarding the trip itself, I was apprehensive about meeting the artisans since I don't speak Spanish, and I was afraid that they wouldn't take kindly to our visit, unlike Jonathan, whom they already knew well.

What was your first feeling?

The first thing that struck me was being surrounded exclusively by people who spoke Spanish. I felt a rather oppressive sensation linked to the fact of not understanding what was being said around me.

On the other hand, I wasn't too disoriented. In fact, I found everything I experienced and appreciated during my trip to Morocco a few years ago: the smells, the noise, the dynamics around me, etc.

And how did you feel throughout the trip?

I felt lucky throughout this trip, both personally and professionally. So I wanted to live the Mexican experience 100% by adapting and integrating as much as possible into the local culture. So much so that I even left with a memory etched in my skin forever.

What was your favorite thing about Mexico?

The food *bursts out laughing*. I wanted to try everything! I especially remember the grilled octopus tacos, the chilaquiles, and the Mexican-style beer: beer, tomato juice, and spices.

But of course, there was also the meeting with our artisans which allowed me to feel in my element and in perfect harmony.

What did it bring you professionally – were you able to achieve your goals?

Credibility above all, in my words but also in terms of skills. It also gave me inspiration for our next collections thanks to the aesthetics of the country but also by observing what our artisans are capable of. Now I feel even more eager to take on new challenges, find solutions to our problems and continue to work hand in hand with our artisans with whom I have been able to establish a relationship of trust.

And personally?

It gave me additional experience in a new country. I also realized that I am a very adaptable and independent person. I was proud to see that I hadn't lost my taste for adventure since my trip to Morocco.

A mini anecdote:

You should know that my father is a fine collector of miniature Beetle cars and in Mexico, this model is very widespread. I even think it's the national car! So every time I saw a Beetle in the street, I took a picture of it from every angle to send it to my father. You can imagine the surprise of the Mexicans who looked at me very strangely *laughs*.

Lara, communications manager

What were your preconceptions about Mexico?

When we left for Mexico last May, I had been working at Mapache for about a year. So I had already had time to immerse myself (remotely) in this country, its culture, and the local way of life. However, my French eye, which had never traveled outside of Europe, inevitably had some preconceptions! Among them: the heat, the spicy food, and the danger of certain places.

What was your first feeling?

Mostly tiredness, after 27 hours of traveling *laughs*. More seriously, I immediately felt disoriented. The landscapes, the smells, the sounds... Everything is very different and it took me a while to adapt to what I had never experienced before.

And how did you feel throughout the trip?

This trip flew by! Every day, we met new artisans, discovered new places, and were constantly stimulated. I think the most appropriate word would be wonder, especially when we visited our manufacturing workshops. Seeing with my own eyes what goes on behind the scenes was quite magical.

What was your favorite thing about Mexico?

Colors, without hesitation. Inspiration was everywhere around us: the flamboyant embroidery of textiles, sunsets over desert roads, the walls of houses...

What did it bring you professionally – were you able to achieve your goals?

From a professional perspective, my goals were to fully capture the essence and meaning of Mapache's Mexican identity, and then, of course, to take a thousand photos and videos of this trip to share on our social media. These goals were achieved, in my opinion, because I returned to France with a good dose of creativity!

And personally?

Personally, this trip was a challenge because it required me to step outside my comfort zone. Now I've done it: I dared to travel to the ends of the earth to immerse myself in a culture I wasn't familiar with. This has allowed me to gain both humility and maturity.

A mini anecdote:

When I arrived at the airport in Lyon for the outbound journey, my tickets weren't checked in. You can imagine the stress just before the big departure!

Jonathan, founder of the brand

Why did you want to take Claire and Lara to Mexico?

The first reason is obviously meeting the artisans. For my part, I've known them for years. I think it's important for them to get to know the people they interact with on a daily basis and to really understand their way of working. I also wanted them to have a real experience of Mexico. Mexico is Mapache's identity. I wanted them to get all the positives out of this trip and to understand, in a tangible way, if I can say so, the brand's vision.

How do you feel when you are in Mexico?

A great sense of freedom and possibilities. The people are so approachable and welcoming. Mexico is a warm, wild, and very inspiring country. It's such a change of scenery compared to France!

How did you feel during this trip?

Everything went by so quickly. The days were very intense, between meetings, trips between our different workshops, product and brand development, etc. This week flew by and was full of emotions and memories.

What did it bring you professionally – were you able to achieve your goals?

I was indeed able to meet the objectives I had set for myself with this trip, since we reached an agreement with a new, more reliable and better quality tannery for environmental commitments that are important to me and to our customers. In addition to that, we will be able to offer even higher quality products.

I left with my head full of new ideas and above all new challenges!

And personally?

For me, this trip to Mexico is an annual event. It allows me to take a real break from my daily routine. It's always so pleasant and enriching to see our artisans and my friends again.

A mini anecdote:

We spent a whole weekend in San Miguel to rest after this very intense week and we stayed in a hacienda. In the afternoon, I made the terrible mistake of leaving the door to my room open. When I came home, I discovered with horror cucarachas (tr: cockroaches)! Thus began a merciless war against these creatures that were running in all directions and me screaming and throwing my shoes at them.

Follow our adventures on Instagram @mapacheshoes