Nicholas Chung has an eye for finding beauty in the grain, the knots, and the quiet imperfections of wood, that most people overlook.
Through his company Caymanianmade, he turns salvaged pieces into works of art. The 26-year-old spends his days employed with the Public Works Department. “However, my real passion starts when I get into my workshop,” he says.
Born and raised in Grand Cayman, his Caymanian roots run deep, specifically through his mother’s Dacres family lineage.
“That connection to Cayman is exactly what drives my work,” he says.
Nicholas started Caymanianmade to revitalise leftover lumber, in which many may not see potential.
“Most of my lumber comes from the aftermath of a storm, trees someone needed cleared off their land, or from my cousin’s small lumberyard,” he explains. “There’s something special about taking a fallen log that’s been weathered by the elements and finding the art hidden inside it.”
Nicholas undertook a three-year trades and construction programme at Public Works, while also learning about woodworking from YouTube tutorials.
The Public Works’ carpenter ‘Mr. Pedro’ was also a great source of woodworking knowledge, and subject to Nicholas’ many questions.
“I had to get comfortable being uncomfortable to really perfect my craft,” he says.
HISTORY AND HONOUR
While Nicholas whittles wauri boards, charcuterie boards and fishing bats, handcrafted wooden pens are what many may know him for.
“I make a lot of different styles, and it’s incredible how a tiny, detailed sliver of wood can make a pen feel like a piece of jewellery,” he says.
But his favourite pieces to create are tables.
“There’s nothing like working with a massive piece of timber where you can really see the soul of the tree being the grain, the knots, and the history,” he says.
Aside from these pieces, Nicholas had the honour of helping to create the awards and pens for those recognised during the 2026 National Heroes Day, under the theme ‘Honouring a Nation Built: The Power of Physical Infrastructure’.
“I was just one of three people chosen for the task, and I honestly felt the pressure of not wanting to let the Ministry or our islands down,” Nicholas explains.
“Even now, it feels a bit surreal. I’m just a guy who loves woodworking, so the fact that our national honourees are holding something I had a hand in making…it’s humbling.
“Knowing I could contribute something small to their legacy, and to the story of Cayman, is a feeling I’ll carry with me for a long time.”
BRINGING IDEAS TO LIFE
While one day Nicholas would love to pursue his craft full-time, for now he is happy letting that journey evolve naturally.
“I’m still learning every day, trying out new ideas to see what people actually connect with,” he says. “At the end of the day, my favourite part of all of this isn’t the finished piece, it’s the person it’s for.
“Someone trusts me with an idea, I do my best to bring it to life, and seeing their reaction when they finally hold it is a real gift. Their excitement is what keeps me going.
“I feel incredibly lucky to do what I do, and I’m just grateful for every person who lets me build something for them.”
