In early 2020 I moved into a new house that needed some minor work done. Having only put hammer to nail a few times before, I started building, and soon the woodworking bug bit me. By the summer I was producing custom rustic furnishings and gifts for friends and relatives, all made from reclaimed wood and locally sourced lumber.

What Makes Our Products Great?

My goal as a woodworker is to continually expand my skills and knowledge, funding these pursuits through sales. While many of the items I build are similar to what can be found in discount stores, I strive to make them in a manner that will last a lifetime. When working on commissioned pieces, I involve clients in every part of the process to ensure that their orders are made to their exact specs and full satisfaction.

What makes us most proud of producing Genuine MS products?

Like many people, I don't like waste, and one of the wonderful things about Mississippians is how value can be found in almost everything. What someone discards can be a treasure to another, which has created a sustainable culture of repurposing and upcycling that has a uniquely Mississippian style.

How does buying Genuine MS products make a difference here in Mississippi?

Buying Genuine MS products supports local communities in both obvious and subtle ways. Makers, growers, and artists benefit directly, but so do the people they depend on - physicians, teachers, dentists, grocers, retailers. and so on. Further, it helps to keep talent here in the state, which is desperately needed for Mississippi to both retain its unique style, but also foster stronger communities and forge new cultural paths for younger generations.

Why should people seek out and buy Genuine MS products?

The greatest benefit from seeking local makers is that your needs and desires can be customized more easily. Instead of buying the same products from the big box store that everyone else has, or searching endlessly online for the perfect item, you can get something made that suits your home and lifestyle. Even if something looks exactly like what the big box store has, a locally-made craft or delicacy comes with a story and a personal connection that can't be supplied by foreign, automated factories.