Sometimes love comes when you least expect it. For Jose Duran and Luis Duran Gonzalez, it arrived online in May 2022. A month later, they met in person at the Silver Fox downtown, where the spark ignited. “It was love at first sight,” Luis says. One year later, they were married, and today, their life together in Bakersfield’s Seven Oaks is everything they ever wanted. With one 175-pound Cane Corso and hopes of growing a family, this happy couple is just getting started pursuing their dreams.

“We moved into Seven Oaks in October 2024 and we love it,” says Luis. 

Born in Mexico, Luis’ parents migrated to the United States when he was just 3 years old. Originally, they were 30 miles north of Sacramento. In 2001, his father relocated to Bakersfield to begin his career in the oil industry.  “I have been here most of my life since then,” says Luis.

Jose, originally from Porterville, California, has lived in Bakersfield for most of his adult life. “I moved here 25 years ago,” he smiles. “I’ve spent most of my life here in Bakersfield on the east side of town.” Even though they were both here locally, they needed the modern help of technology to actually meet. “We have been inseparable ever since,” says Luis. 

Luis is a strategic operator at heart. By day, he serves as a project manager with Dignity Health, where he leads complex initiatives that require precision, coordination, and results. Beyond healthcare his work spans finance, renewable energy, and mortgage strategy – fields where he applies the same analytical mindset to help individuals and businesses make smarter, more sustainable decisions. Looking ahead, Luis plans to expand his consulting work, focusing on

helping organizations streamline operations, navigate mergers and acquisitions, and build long-term growth strategies. 

 

As for Jose, his career is equally impressive. He’s a former LA Fashion Week beauty coordinator. “I built and led global beauty teams, shaping the creative vision behind the show,” he explains. His team would be hard at work, creating showstopping looks. From there, he moved to Bakersfield and entered the staffing industry, working in executive search for C-suite leadership while continuing to develop his work as a design virtuoso. He transforms houses into homes and businesses into functional environments, creating an inviting ambiance. Currently, he’s working on a big project in Stockdale Estates.  

 

What motivates Jose? “A space has to feel like you,” he says. He delights in bringing out a space’s individuality and customizing it to each client's desires. In Seven Oaks, he is excited to help people fall in love with their houses all over again. “I don’t want a person’s house to feel the same as every other house,” he points out. Customization is key to avoiding cookie-cutter looks. You name it – he can create it.  

 

His decorating days date back to his childhood, inspired by fond memories of his grandmother.  

“Her aesthetic was very Victorian and very antique,” he notes. An interior designer, his grandmother had a talent for making homes “feel very cozy.” Interestingly, she and Jose actually share the same birthday on April Fools’ Day (no joke). From his early days, Jose had a knack for rearranging things. He still does the same to this day for clients, closing his eyes and visualizing the final result before bringing it to life. He takes his clients’ requests to heart, carefully incorporating their desires into the finished product. No two projects are alike. 

 

Jose and Luis’ Belcourt home is a showpiece. Jose’s interior vision blends Victorian elegance with modern rebellion. Think black velvet floor-to-ceiling curtains, neon signs, and a six-foot all crystal chandelier (“that’s my baby,” he smiles), which are hallmarks of his Victorian-modern magic.  

 

When not working, it’s all about traveling for this couple. “That’s our thing,” says Jose. Recently, they took their first trans-Atlantic trip, visiting London and Paris. “We absolutely loved London,” raves Luis, “and we want to go back.” Paris was fun, but they have sights set on experiencing more of Europe. What’s on their bucket list? Spain, Amsterdam, and Germany. Their go-to destinations are closer to home. “If we’re not in Vegas, we’re in Mexico,” says Jose.  

 

What’s the typical weekend like? “Hustling,” laughs Luis. Working in sales, he spends his time meeting with homeowners to explore solar solutions or hosting open houses alongside real estate agents – connecting people with their dream homes and the right mortgage to make it happen.  

 

They’re also committed to the community. Jose participates in BNI and he and Luis are involved in the Downtown Business Association and Power Hub here in Bakersfield. That’s why weekends are a time of adventure and/or relaxation after bustling weeks. Self-described homebodies, Jose and Luis comment, “When the hustle gets too much, we love to be home.” Recently, they landscaped their backyard, added a pool and a spa. “We enjoy the spa more than the pool,” laughs Luis.  

 

Their 175-pound Cane Corso, Gilla, adds to the fun. “He looks scary, but he’s a teddy bear,” Jose laughs. “He wants to sit on you like a lap dog.” Luis adds, “He looks like our mini dinosaur.” His birthday is on Christmas Eve, and he recently turned 11.  

 

Soon, their family will be expanding. “We haven’t decided on surrogacy or adoption yet,” says Luis, “but we are thinking about it.” That’s the next adventure for these someday-to-be parents.  

 

They know they have the right neighborhood here in Seven Oaks with its good school district.  

Jose and Luis are living a wonderful life here in Seven Oaks. From globe-trotting adventures to designing jaw-dropping interiors, from high-stakes business deals to backyard spa nights with their 175-pound “mini dinosaur,” these two do it all with heart, humor, and a dash of daring. In Seven Oaks, they’ve created a playground for their dreams, a stage for their passions, and a community that’s lucky to have them. We wish them nothing but the best!