Mike Guard, a Local Live Edge Slab Artisan
Amber Monroe, staff writer
Mike Guard is 25 years old, born and raised in Fluvanna County. He is a Fluvanna High School graduate, a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, and a commercial construction site superintendent for Hunnicutt Construction. Aside from all of his demands, Guard finds time to pursue his passion. He is a woodworking artisan who found success in his hand crafted, locally sourced, furniture business.
Guard has been designing and building live-edge furniture since 2015. It began as a hobby but rapidly grew into a business. Guard’s most expensive piece has sold for $4,000.
“I was eventually overrun with inquiries and questions about my pieces. So, many people were interested in what I was doing,” he said.
Guard began pondering the idea of making more pieces for profit. The shop where Guard makes his pieces is not full of fancy or expensive tools. Instead there is a small, practical, woodshop at his grandparents’ property. The sound of his grinder whines and the scent of freshly cut oak fills the air. Classical music plays softly in the background. Guard is head down, grinder in hand, and zoned in.
“My dream is to see my work in some of the locally, private owned breweries and restaurants,” the entrepreneur said. “I am inspired by the founders’ stories and it would be a huge honor and accomplishment to make it into large scale distribution. I would love to see my furniture sold nationwide. I’ve received inquiries for guitar racks, bar tops and even kitchen countertops. I can not wait for the opportunity to complete these projects. It’s become one of my biggest goals. When you set your mind on something you love, put in all your efforts and refuse to look back, you’ll be surprised the outcome.”
His furniture is made of custom, live edge slabs. It can be found at The Lazy Daisy, a repurposed furniture and home décor store located in Short Pump, Va., online, and in homes around the county.
Guard’s live edge designs highlight the surfaces of wood by leaving the original bark, gnarled pieces, as well as knots and holes, bringing out the natural shape of the tree. All his furniture is constructed passionately, preserving the trees in and around the Blue Ridge. The trees are often dead or already fallen, sometimes on tree farms or on locals’ property.
What does it take to get past a hobby level? Guard adjusted his hat and said, “Well, in order to surpass being mediocre, you’ve gotta put in some good ‘ol honest, hard work. You’ve gotta wake up earlier than everyone else. If you get out, network. Leave an impact and build relationships. I’ve got support because of the honest relationships I’ve made and reputation I’ve built. Shake hands, be positive, and surround yourself with like-minded people. Be willing to re-adjust, pick up your head and walk in confidence, even when doubted.”
Readers can follow Guard’s accomplishments and work on Instagram @southjameslumberco.
