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Mateo is a perfectionist who finds peace in the repetitive, rhythmic nature of traditional hand-stitching. He views every piece as a lifetime investment for its owner and secretly signs the inside lining of each piece he completes. Outside the workshop, his life revolves around cycling. He participates in Bogotá’s famous Ciclovía, waking up at dawn to conquer the grueling mountain climbs outside the city. He uses his leatherworking skills to craft custom, weather-resistant leather tool pouches for his bicycles.

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Family: Mateo is deeply devoted to his family. He has been married to Elena, a primary school science teacher, for seven years. They have a high-energy 5-year-old daughter named Sofia who loves to "help" her dad by sorting his colorful thread spools. The couple is currently remodeling a small nursery as they expect a baby boy next month.

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