Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Fatovic.
Hi Michelle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began woodworking when I was in college. I went to art school and was taught how to build my own canvases. I enjoyed the building part more than the painting part. Over the years I lost tools and a space to continue creating or exploring my new passion for woodworking. During the pandemic, I needed to build new shelving and was gifted a circular saw, a hammer and some nails. It reignited the flame. After that, I bought a box trailer and turned it into a camper, learning framing, flooring, and cabinetry. But I needed more projects and I needed to keep this movement alive. I work in a restaurant at Solitude Mountain resort and we wanted to include a smoked old-fashioned on our cocktail menu. So I said I would learn how to make those smokers. And immediately it took off. The cocktail was amazing and the presentation was just the icing on top. And people wanted those smokers. That’s how I began my business. After the winter season ended, and the smokers were put on the shelf, I had to find a new way to produce and create sellable art. Because this was something that I really wanted to continue. So I began making cutting boards. And that has turned into something that I never thought I would do But love every second of. Every cutting board is like its own unique piece of art. But also durable and a safe surface for every day use. I mainly sell at markets and fairs, and what an experience that is. You meet so many amazing people. From the vendors to the customers to the people running the markets. It’s such an amazing experience and I love how my creative process and my inspiration just keep flowing to create new patterns and how woodgrain works with each other.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For the most part, it’s been a pretty smooth ride. The only real hiccup I’ve dealt with is rejection from markets. And that can take a toll on my mental health for a minute. But I think a lot of artists go through that. And the way I move past it is to just make a new piece. And remind myself that my art and my love for my art doesn’t necessarily have to be everybody’s.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I would say I’m most known for my end grain cutting boards. But during the winter season, my cocktail smokers really steal the show. I would say I’m very proud of those because it’s created a whole brand for myself. I’m known around the resort for being the creator of these smokers and this cocktail. It’s a unique gift and it was a challenge to learn how to make. Basically making a circle out of wood is not as easy as it sounds, and I went through many different processes until I found the one that works best for me. They have really evolved over the last couple years and now, I believe they’re an exquisite piece of art. That is also an incredibly cool concept. While I didn’t invent the smoker, I just gave it my own twist in my own flare.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Growing up, we moved quite a bit. We lived in Kansas City, London, Denver, Virginia. But I think my happiest and most profound moment was when we moved to Denver. I had never seen mountains like the Rockies and I remember how it touched something in my soul. It almost woke me up. Made me feel alive. Those mountains really entrenched themselves into my whole being. I never realized how the landscape and your environment could have such a hold over you.
Pricing:
- 90
- 150
- 200
- 250
- 300
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chuckwagonwoodcraft.com
- Instagram: @chuckwagon_woodcraft
