Taentrete: Edson Muñoz's venture that rescues wood to bring families together

What began as a simple idea while observing a large wooden tower in northern Chile ended up becoming a family venture that now travels to fairs and squares with over 30 games made entirely of wood.

Behind this story is Edson Muñoz, an industrial mechanic and founder of Taentrete, an initiative born in Hualpén that seeks to restore the value of shared play and contact with noble materials like wood.

Edson works in Calama on a shift system, spending long periods away from his family. It was precisely during one of those trips that he first saw a large wooden Jenga that sparked his interest. "It caught my attention because I saw it could turn into a future venture," he recalls. With young children and the need to generate more income, he began making his first games in 2020, thinking not only of a business but also of an alternative that would allow him to spend more time with his family.

Sowing the idea

However, his relationship with wood came from much earlier. When his daughter was born in 2018, he began creating small educational and motor skills games for her. Using planed pine, recycled wood scraps, and unused materials, he crafted simple pieces aimed at early childhood learning. They were handmade games, designed to stimulate motor skills, colors, and shapes. Without realizing it, those early works were sowing the idea of what would later become Taentrete.

Born in Chiguayante and raised most of his life in Hualpén, Edson always had an affinity for crafts. Although his profession is industrial mechanic and he currently works in industrial assembly in the north of the country, he admits that since he was young, manual work caught his attention. "I was always good at crafts," he comments. Today, in the small workshop set up in his parents' house, he makes each of the games that are part of the venture.

The first creation was a giant Jenga. Then new ideas began to emerge: disc games, mazes, cork competitions, and various skill challenges inspired by European models that Edson adapted to his own style. Much of the learning came from watching tutorials online and observing traditional games used in other countries. "I tried to copy them, but giving them my own twist," he explains.

First models

At first, there were only six games. With those first models, they participated in a free fair at Laguna Redonda Park, an opportunity that allowed them to gauge the public's reaction. The result was immediate. People approached, participated, and stayed for long periods playing. "It went super well for us. They even gave us tips," recalls Evelyn Velásquez, Edson's wife and a fundamental part of the family project.

Since then, Taentrete began to grow thanks to word of mouth and social media. Today, they have over 32 games made entirely of wood and regularly participate in fairs, squares, and family activities in different communes of the Biobío Region. They have also been invited to traditional events in Ñuble, such as wine festivals and community activities in rural areas.

In addition to renting games for events, the venture began receiving orders from schools, municipalities, and individuals interested in incorporating wooden games into educational and recreational spaces. Each piece is handcrafted by Edson during his days off, balancing work in mining with the development of the family business.

The on-the-ground experience allowed them to discover something they consider fundamental: wood has a special appeal for people. "Adults say they won't play and end up participating more than the children," Evelyn comments with a laugh. The tactile, simple, and approachable nature of the games creates an immediate connection, especially in times where much of entertainment is dominated by screens.

One of the aspects Edson values most is precisely that ability to bring parents and children together around the same activity. "It's not the typical game where the child plays alone while the adult watches. Here, families get involved," he explains. For him, recovering shared play has special value because it allows strengthening family bonds and creating real interaction spaces.

His own children have also been an important part of the creative process. They test the games, help identify difficulties, and provide ideas about sizes, heights, and ways of use. In a way, they have become the first evaluators of each new creation.

Currently, Taentrete continues to project itself as a family venture with its own identity. Although transportation limitations still make it difficult to travel further, Edson and Evelyn dream of expanding their reach and touring new regions, bringing their wooden games to more communities.

At Acoforag, we highlight initiatives like Taentrete because they enhance the everyday and recreational use of wood, demonstrating that this material remains approachable, sustainable, and capable of generating meaningful experiences for new generations.