Luis can say without a shadow of a doubt that the three women in his life rule over him. Nelsa, because she set off the love story that would bewitch him and keep him devoted to her. Luisa, because she was born and made him devote himself to working in the studio from which he used to run away: after all, how could he not be a role model for his own daughter? And Lianeth, because, although her life has barely begun, she has already shown signs that she will eventually turn into yet another daredevil.

He has learned the craft and performs it masterfully. Meanwhile, they have helped him build the notoriety he enjoys today. Thus, he has won countless awards for craftsmanship innovation and honored the handcrafted quality seal that characterizes Galapan craftspeople and their mastery of carving carnival masks.

Despite his success and the modern store that Luisa set up for him through sheer impulse, business spirit, and the creativity that flows through her, Luis has not forgotten where he came from. He recalls that, when he was nine years old, he swept through all of the wood that was stored in his father’s farm to learn how to carve in secret until he perfected his technique. He then took advantage of his skills as a draftsman to continue improving.

Likewise, he talks about how, when he was just starting, the Mario Santo Domingo Foundation offered him a five-year contract that allowed him to provide for his family by crafting wares such as masks and an assortment of different utensils like letter openers, pencil holders, and pens. All of them were corporate gifts that he had to manufacture by hand in large quantities. He has learned so much over his lifetime that he cannot help but smile when he tells people that he has a portfolio of 380 product lines. He has also stated that he works with 23 craftspeople and that he is proud to have trained so many people over the years.

He established Artesanías El Congo Real (El Congo Real Crafts) as a way to face the fear he felt as a child when he saw congas during carnivals. Hence, he decided to pay tribute to the character who kept him awake at night. That turban, which frightened him long ago, became a sign of regality, respect, and greatness. He enjoys inventing as well. This has led to great versatility within his products, which is what has made him famous.

Everyone wants to have one of the wares that bear his stamp in their office, such as the alligator-speaker or amplificaimán: the perfect combination between a handcrafted item and the usefulness of a technological device. Luis’s constant and disciplined work is complemented by Luisa’s entrepreneurial spirit. At the young age of 18, she was already launching a foundation that seeks to encourage crafts-based community tourism. This initiative showcases her father’s work, but also that of Galapa’s entire community, which offers several gastronomic delights. A whole journey through the crafts, tradition, and identity of this town.