Pedro Suarez

I’m Pedro Julio Suarez Garcia, from Bogotá. I’m 61 years old. I consider myself a noble, serious, and even sometimes grumpy person; it may be because of my age or a consequence of what I have lived through. I started working in the footwear industry in 1969 and I have dedicated all my life to footwear manufacturing.

Maybe the reason I have always dedicated my life to the craft, is because the production of footwear is what allows you to earn a living where I live. Most people I know work in footwear production.

Shoes are a part of my life, they are a terminal addiction, a passion. They are what I do best. Shoes are my joys, my sorrows, they are everything to me.

To me, By Maria is a blessing from God. I am fortunate to be a part of this dream. I feel privileged and blessed to have been chosen as the first to start this project, and to be able to contribute to it with my knowledge. By Maria means support, help, love, and unconditional friendship. I just feel happy to be a part of it.

Workshop Manager – Sewing
Bogotá – Colombia

We are committed with the SDG, these are the ones
"by maria" works with directly:

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership.

At by maria, we are not only committed to paying a good income for our shoemakers, but they also get 1% of every sale done. We contribute to their social protection to make them less vulnerable.

We support our shoemakers and team to strengthen their existing knowledge and skills: Basics like reading and writing and provide opportunities to learn something new.

Two crucial areas a. We give women equal opportunities to work since men dominate the footwear industry. b.We are committed to eliminating all stereotypes; therefore, our shoes are pre-order make.

by maria provides a model based on the triangulation of designer-client-shoemaker. We ensure adequate incomes, safe workplaces and social protection, but with fair and transparent prices.

There are no barriers to becoming part of by maria as a designer, shoemaker or client. Regardless of the race, country, beliefs or sexual orientation, you have a place here.

We are a new supply chain based on designer-client-shoemaker seeking a renewable structure. Committed to reducing waste and making the main actors work together as direct participants.