OVERVIEW
At E.P. Carrillo, we’ve always known that there is more to cigar rolling than meets the eye. In an effort to delve deeper into the craftsmanship behind each cigar, we initiated a unique study led by Skye, the daughter of Lissette Perez-Carrillo and the next generation of the Perez-Carrillo family. This study at Casa Carrillo, our factory, explored the intersection of creativity, tradition, and community in cigar rolling, revealing fascinating insights into the artistry that goes into every cigar we produce.
Creativity in Cigar Rolling: Beyond Routine
While cigar rolling may seem like a repetitive task to the untrained eye, our study uncovered just how much creativity and personal artistry is involved in the process. Through interviews with the rollers at Casa Carrillo, it became clear that each cigar represents a new opportunity for the rollers to express themselves artistically. One roller spoke about the meditative connection to nature she feels when handling the tobacco leaves, turning a seemingly routine job into a spiritual and creative experience.
This sense of endless improvement emerged as a recurring theme. Every roller is constantly pushing their boundaries, viewing each cigar as a step toward mastery. This reflects the very essence of what we believe at E.P. Carrillo—cigar rolling is an art form, not just a skill, and our artisans are the true artists.
Family Tradition: The Foundation of Craftsmanship
The study also highlighted how deeply family tradition influences our cigar rollers. Many of them come from families who have been in the tobacco industry for generations. They grew up watching their parents or grandparents perfect the craft, which instilled in them the same passion and dedication. This legacy of craftsmanship is not just an integral part of the workers' lives but also the cornerstone of E.P. Carrillo’s history.
Just as Ernesto Perez-Carrillo was inspired by his father’s work, the next generation of the Perez-Carrillo family is influenced by these traditions. Skye’s study reinforced the idea that family heritage is a key driver in the cigar-making process, and it’s one of the reasons why our cigars are crafted with such care and precision.
Community and Competition: Driving Excellence
One of the most surprising discoveries was the sense of community and friendly competition among the rollers at Casa Carrillo. What could be seen as a solitary task is actually embedded in a collaborative environment, where rollers motivate one another to excel. Many described the light-hearted competitions that take place on the factory floor, with workers challenging themselves and each other to roll more cigars or to achieve greater precision.
This competitive spirit is not just about productivity—it’s about personal pride and fulfillment. Our rollers take immense satisfaction in their work, knowing that each cigar they produce is a reflection of their own skill and dedication. This sense of ownership and pride in their craft is something we value deeply at E.P. Carrillo.
The Value of Work: More Than a Paycheck
Perhaps the most profound finding from the study was how much our workers value their craft beyond just the financial rewards. While the financial stability provided by their work is important, it became clear that the true fulfillment comes from the combination of creativity, family tradition, and community. This level of job satisfaction is rare in many industries, and it’s a testament to the unique environment we’ve cultivated at Casa Carrillo.
The study also revealed how these factors contribute to a well-rounded, meaningful life for our rollers. They find joy in their daily tasks, taking pride in knowing that the cigars they create will be enjoyed by people around the world. This speaks to the deeper purpose of their work, which goes beyond production—it’s about artistry, passion, and contribution.
Conclusion
Redefining Cigar Rolling as an Art Form
The results of our study at Casa Carrillo reaffirmed what we’ve always believed at E.P. Carrillo: that cigar rolling is not just a technical skill, but an evolving art form. The creativity, legacy, and community that define the work of our rollers are what make each of our cigars truly special.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to honoring these values and celebrating the artistry of cigar making. Skye’s study has not only deepened our appreciation for the craft but has also reinforced our dedication to fostering an environment where creativity and tradition can flourish. At E.P. Carrillo, we are proud to carry forward this legacy, ensuring that every cigar we produce is a work of art in its own right.