About Us
Welcome to KAIOKA
(previously M5 Collaborative)
Together, We Create Beautiful Works of Functional Art out of Locally Sourced Wood Varieties
KAIOKA is a family woodworking studio. We enjoy designing and handcrafting functional works of art. These items include custom wood furniture, bandsaw jewelry boxes, cutting boards, serving trays, wood & resin coasters, earrings, vases, bowls, pens, and more.
Our Collaborative Process
Concept – We are very inspired by nature living in Northern Michigan. Our concepts start with daydreams, a pencil, and scrap paper before heading to the design phase.
Design – Our designs that have been rough-sketched head to the computer next. We work with the local lumber mills that we have available. Very often, we design our layouts around the wood selections.
Fabrication – This is where the daydreamed idea finally comes to life. Our studio is a modest one, but it has been growing quickly. The addition of specialized equipment has allowed our projects to become more polished and refined.
Our Mission
To provide outstanding products that our customers will take pride in owning. We would love to create your next family heirloom, one that will be cherished and handed down for generations.
Meet the team
Brett
Owner, Maker, Designer
Brett's nights and weekends belong to our Kaioka Studio. He embraces challenging projects that push him to learn new techniques and solve creative problems. He’s crafted everything from small cutting boards and a custom entry bench to our entire kitchen, the island & solid maple top. Last year, he made and installed our white oak staircase.
Our family collaboration has been a journey of growth and discovery.
Kyle
Owner, Maker, Designer
Kyle balances product design, website development, multimedia projects, and resin work—always finding time to get hands-on in the studio. She's currently making her favorite items: pens, bowls, earrings, bottle stoppers, plant trellises, and vases.
Creating together as a family has enriched our lives in countless ways.
ELEANOR
Designer, Maker, Studio Assistant
Eleanor brings her artistic passion to multiple mediums, crafting spatulas, layered wall art, and earrings in the studio. Her talent extends beyond woodwork—her acrylic painting was recognized as a 2026 IFAW finalist. She's steadily growing her own art brand, Franny & Leanor.
Emmett
Designer, Maker, Studio Assistant
Emmett is always available to help in the studio. He is a great problem solver and fast learner. His eye for detail keeps us held to a very high standard.
MAVERICK
Designer, Maker, Studio Assistant
Maverick enjoys learning many of the wood shop processes. He helps steer many of the designs in the studio. He always looks forward to helping with resin projects.