Faux finishing is a profession that is as old as cavemen. And it was now “new” again. I caught the beginning of a faux finishing revival. After taking my first class, I knew that I didn’t KNOW enough.
Do you ever feel that way? Way in over your head?
I went to the library.
I bought books.
I joined every decorative painting/faux finishing forum online that I could find.
And you guys, the internet was brand new! Ya, that long ago! LOL
I took my first class with Kelly S. King and within a few weeks my business had started. I realized that I had taken that class without “listening” as a professional. So I took that class again. And I learned more. I continued taking classes. A few of my instructors have been Kelly S. King, Heidi von Weitzer, Kathy Carroll, Mindy Harrell, Kathy Wear and Rebecca Slaton.
Several months later, Kelly called and asked – “Would you be interested in starting a faux finish school in your city?”
Holy Smokes Batman! Say what?…..
Faux Effects had created one of the best marketing plans I’ve ever seen. They only sold their products at approved schools. A consumer could not buy any of their product at a local paint or big box store. “Take a class, learn product and buy from me” was almost a slogan. And, the products were worth it!
Eric and I jumped in with both feet. I learned more because a teacher should know more than the student, at least in the 101 class, right? We created curriculum for a 2-day beginning class. It was designed for the DIY homeowner. It surprised me when several of my students started asking for another class.
Soooo, I created another 2-day class. And then a week long class and another week long class. Oh boy!
By now more companies were creating water-based products specifically for faux finishing. Many of them were following the marketing plan set by Faux Effects. We added products from Adicolor, ProFaux, Perfetto and Faux by Kathy. And I taught more classes.
Eric and I continued to work “in the field”. After teaching for ten years, the time came that we had to make a decision. Could we continue to grow both sides of our business at the same time? Did we want to?
The decision to close our school wasn’t an easy one to make. We had been instrumental in helping several people start their faux finishing careers. I had been a consultant for my students for almost 10 years. Many of them are still in business today including
Brenda Macaluso, Walls by Macaluso
Leanne Lee, The Diva of DIY
Jennifer Allwood, The Magic Brush, Inc
And to think – all this happened because I took one class for my own DIY project.
What are you going to do to change your life?
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