We Wanna Be Friends With MAFIA Bags Founder, Marcos Mafia

We Wanna Be Friends With MAFIA Bags Founder, Marcos Mafia

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What could be more appropriate for summer than a tote made out of recycled sails? 


The brainchild of brother-sister duo Marcos and Paz Mafia, MAFIA Bags is bringing you summer perfection in the form of handmade backpacks, totes, duffles, and even accessories all made from recycled sails (from boats). Founded in 2012 in Buenos Aires, MAFIA Bags recently expanded into the United States, with a facility in the Inner Richmond.

CEO Marcos Mafia, 25, (how much do you wish your last name was Mafia?) isn't just a maker of cutes totes, though, he's also an accomplished and award-winning professional kitesurfer who still braves the chilly Bay Area waters every morning and evening for inspiration. And it's obviously paying off. 

Since expanding into the US earlier this summer, the brand has raised over $25,000 through Kickstarter to increase their production and expand into other cities. But until they reach global domination, you can shop their products on the website.

We sat down with Argentinian to ask him seven essential questions about his new home. 

1. What neighborhood do you currently call home? Would you ever move or are you happy in your 'hood?  

Every time I come back to the City from a weekend trip, I feel at home when I get into the Outer Richmond. It feels great knowing that the sea is a few blocks away and it’s a privilege to able to see a piece of that blue mass every morning. Golden Gate Park is the perfect environment, adding to this special place.

2. What's your hands-down, absolute favorite thing to eat in SF?

The place I like the most for dinner is Outerlands in the Sunset and breakfast at Simple Pleasures Cafe – on Balboa, just around the corner from me. These are the kinds of places where you will always have a great time, nice food, and reasonable prices. 

3. What's your perfect night on the town?

Something low-key near Hayes Street. 

4. When you need a low-key afternoon, where do you go for downtime?

I would definitively go to Ocean Beach and no matter what, get into the water. It’s the best way to get over daily issues. The wetsuit is a must, though. 

5. What's your favorite place to go on a day trip from the city?

Santa Cruz. You can feel the summer life there and the road is very nice. Get to a nice beach, feel the wind and get lost for a couple of hours.

6. Quick-fire round:

Burrito or Burger: Burrito.

Presidio or Golden Gate Park: Golden Gate Park.

BiRite or Mitchell's: No idea.

Bike or MUNI: Bike.

Fort Mason or Dolores Park: Fort Mason.

The Independent or the Fillmore: Either one, better if it’s not packed.

Baker Beach or Ocean Beach: Ocean Beach.

7. Three words that describe your life in SF?

Urban fresh winds.  

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