“I encourage anyone to follow a passion. Very few people find it. If you find it your life will be enriched.”
Quick Facts
Education: University of South Carolina
Years of Experience: 40 Years
About
Michael Laico has been transforming raw wood into functional art for over 40 years, something he still finds hard to believe. From his artisan studio on Paris Mountain near Greenville, he handcrafts homeware using reclaimed and sustainably sourced wood. Each piece is designed to be both practical and beautiful, with natural colors, textures, and often a striking blend of wood and resin. His journey began at age twelve, working alongside his grandfather in a woodshop with a spark that never left him. By his twenties, that early fascination had grown into a serious pursuit. In 1984, he built his own shop by hand, stocked it with his tools, and got to work.
What sets his craft apart isn’t just the skill behind it; it is the intentionality. Michael hand-selects wood from fallen or storm-damaged trees, often rescuing logs and live-edge slabs that might otherwise become firewood, choosing pieces with distinctive character. When local sources fall short, he turns to certified suppliers to ensure every piece of wood, domestic or exotic, is ethically procured. The result is that no two finished pieces are ever exactly alike, and that’s entirely by design.
For Michael, the workshop is a place of solitude. He works in silence, spending hours carefully shaping each piece. “In a mass produced world, I focus on design, and craftsmanship… Every day I pour my heart and soul into every piece… No two pieces are ever exactly alike.”
His catalog spans a wide range of heirloom-quality work, from charcuterie boards and bar knives to vintage-style hand mirrors and hand-carved snowmen, with custom engraving available for birthdays, anniversaries, and retirement gifts. He works with a variety of customers, always beginning with a conversation to make sure each piece aligns with the client’s vision. “My journey started when I was twelve years old… it’s hard to believe I have been woodworking for over 40 years.”