Our Story
Bridging Cultures, One Handcrafted Piece at a Time
Amatoca is a passion project born from a love for beauty, craftsmanship, and the desire to bridge two worlds—Latin America and Europe. Founded by Mathias Keller and Luisa Contreras, a Swiss-Colombian couple with a shared love for travel and meaningful connections, Amatoca is the result of years of soul-searching and serendipitous moments.
​
In 2024, after years of living abroad and navigating life’s challenges, Mathias and Luisa made a life-changing move to Colombia, reconnecting with the vibrant culture and warm-hearted people of Luisa’s homeland. During a weekend trip to the picturesque town of Guatapé, they discovered German Patiño, a family-run leather tailor shop known for its exquisite, hand-crafted products that blend timeless elegance with modern design.
​
Inspired by the craftsmanship and beauty of the pieces, the couple had a vision: to share these treasures with their friends and family in Europe. Returning to Switzerland with suitcases full of carefully selected products, they launched Amatoca as a way to connect two cultures through sustainable, high-quality, and beautifully crafted goods.
​​
Our Values
Bringing You a Piece of Colombia’s True Spirit
At Amatoca, we want you to experience the true essence of Colombia—a country of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and a rich heritage spanning millennia. Through our curated selection of handcrafted goods, we invite you to discover the stories of Colombia’s artisans and celebrate the beauty that lies beyond outdated stereotypes. With every piece, you bring home a part of Colombia’s soul, connecting to its traditions, artistry, and warmth.
Empowering Artisans, Sustaining Traditions
Amatoca partners directly with small businesses and local artisans in Colombia, supporting entrepreneurs who pour passion and expertise into every piece they create. Through close collaboration, we ensure fair compensation, sustainable production practices, and economic growth, preserving traditional craftsmanship while fostering meaningful opportunities.
Giving Back to initiatives in Latin America
Amatoca is committed to making a positive impact in the communities we collaborate with. Once established, we pledge to donate part of our profits to support social and environmental initiatives in Latin America, working with selected NGOs to create lasting change for people and the planet. Once this option is available, you will be able to select your preferred initiative to support with your purchase.
.jpg)
Our mission
At Amatoca, our mission is to build a community that cherishes not only the beauty and quality of these products but also the rich stories of the artisans behind them.
We aim to showcase Colombia’s exceptional craftsmanship, beginning with a curation of uniquely crafted leather goods, while creating meaningful opportunities for a sector often overlooked. Together, we are bringing a piece of Latin America to Europe—one beautifully crafted creation at a time.
Thank you for being part of this journey and supporting a vision that champions sustainability, craftsmanship, and cultural connection.