While Luis Carlos Machicao is known around the world for his high-fashion designs, many might find it surprising that the native Peruvian is also known on a more local level for his stone fabrication business, which he started 12 years ago. At the age of 20, Machicao enrolled at The School of Dramatic Arts in Peru. Upon completion, he studied design at a local fashion institute and then went on to study sociology at a university. He pursued his fashion career in Paris, and then returned to Peru — working in television mini series, soap operas and theater. But it was not until he moved to the U.S. that Machicao developed his love for stone and founded Metropolitan Marble & Granite LLC in Rock Hill, SC.
“I moved to the U.S. 14 years ago,” said Machicao. “I went to Texas and opened a fashion studio. At the same time, a friend of mine told me he was opening a granite company. I had no clue what it was, but he hired me instantly. It was Bench Mark Stone of Houston. I worked in sales.