Welcome to OC
About Me
“Holaa! I’m Rafael. I was born and raised in Guatemala, with German roots that make up the other half of my identity. I grew up at Lake Atitlán, one of the most stunning and soulful places in the country, and many of my favorite memories come from those early years running around the lakeside, connecting with people from different villages, and being surrounded by ancient traditions, vibrant colors, and the quiet wisdom of Maya culture.
Living between two worlds gave me a unique way of seeing things. It taught me to appreciate the beauty in slow, handcrafted work, the value of community, and the stories carried through generations. Those experiences still guide me today, and they’re at the heart of everything I’m trying to build.”
About the Project
“This project was born out of love, frustration, and hope. Love for the ancestral Maya artistry I grew up around, frustration at how fast it’s disappearing, and hope that by sharing it with the world, we can keep it alive.
I want to create a space where the incredible work of local artisans can be seen, appreciated, and respected not as souvenirs or trends, but as pieces of identity, history, and soul. These are techniques passed down through generations, created by hands that carry stories. They deserve more than to be overshadowed by mass-production and materialistic thinking.”
My Vision
“My vision is to create a bridge between the world of ancestral craftsmanship and the modern world that’s too often distracted by the superficial. I want people to stop for a moment and recognize the value of something real something made with intention, not machines.
I dream of forming a community of like-minded souls who believe that culture, humanity, and creativity still matter. People who see that even in a world that often feels pretty shity, there are still pockets of beauty worth fighting for. And I want this project to be one of those pockets.”
My Mission
“My mission is to honor the artisans, share their stories, and help preserve the ancestral Maya techniques that are slowly fading away. I want to support the people who create with their hands, their hearts, and their heritage, and help others rethink what they buy and why.
Most of all, I want to show that we do still have hope that by choosing authenticity over mass-production and connection over convenience, we can make a small but meaningful difference. If this project inspires even a few people to value craftsmanship, culture, and humanity a little more, then it’s doing exactly what it was meant to.”