With so many changes going on, I've neglected my blog. Writing and sharing my passion for creativity are very important to me. Well, now I get to do that more. Because sometimes fate and being prepared to seize an opportunity presents itself.
The coming weeks will bring changes to my web-site and blog as I create a hub for the those interested in the decorative arts. Hey, we made it this far-let's see where the trip takes us!
Opportunity. Over
20 years ago I was a very creative type stuck in a good but boring job. I
wanted, no I needed something more that gave me the chance to express myself.
And in my search to change my life, I found Faux Effects. From my introductory class,
to using the products and then completing my first project, I knew I’d found my
true calling. I’m
sure this sounds familiar to many of you. Because the real story
of Faux Effects isn’t just about the water-based environmentally friendly
products. Or the network of skilled instructors. I can’t discount the
versatility and range of the materials. Of course, all those things matter and
set the company apart. The real story I think is the thousands of people like
myself who have discovered the decorative arts through Faux Effects and had the
opportunity to create a small business.
I
quickly started my own thriving commission business and discovered how easily I
could match the client’s desires to a finished project given the range of
products I had to work with. How can you be stumped when the combinations of
material, color and technique are endless? Every time I got my Faux Effects
boxes was exciting and I couldn’t wait to get to the job site. Because of this
success, I was able to hire people creating jobs for other artists. But after
several years, fate stepped in. I had a series of injuries that severally
limited my ability to work in the field and I thought I might have to quite the
job I loved.
Opportunity. Once again Faux Effects
had a chance for me to evolve my career. This time I was able to combine my
years of experience as a program manager and trainer from my previous life with
instructing others in the decorative arts. Along with Bruce Slaton, we built
Surfaces and became a training and retail center for Faux Effects. Surfaces
allowed me to work with amazing established talent while developing artists of
the future. So many
people discover Faux Effects through a life changing moment. A divorce or a job
loss. Children going to school or the crushing need to be your own boss. I had
the pleasure of spending time with the Sandor family and the other studios.
People I only knew through books, videos and television shows, I actually got
to meet and now count as friends because of my relationship to Faux Effects.
But the best part? Working with individuals to become successful entrepreneurs.
Every day I see a Facebook post, a Pinterest board or an Instagram picture from
someone using products and techniques learned in a Faux Effects class. For 16 years we had
Surfaces, until Bruce became ill.
Opportunity. Once
again my life changed but that’s how things go. Look out how much our
industry has gone through? We became so successful at the Tuscan Style, faux
finishing became synonymous with Old World. Unfortunately, its been a hard
image to shake. We were hit with the great recession which effected the
housing/construction market most of all. Talent left our business for a variety
of reasons: the economy or aging out. Younger people have been slow to embrace
our art form. New and exciting social media platforms have replaced older
methods of information sharing. We are entering the age of the Collaborative
Community. It all sounds big, over-whelming but exciting. Faux Effects is ready
for the challenge and so am I!
I’m
pleased to announce that I will continue my long relationship with Faux Effects
as their new Director for Marketing and Public Relations. We’ve been working on a
strong plan to help our customers meet the challenges of this new market place.
Over the coming months, you will see many exciting things to help you grow your
business and hopefully contribute to revitalizing our industry. I’m grateful to
continue working with our talented network of instructors and related industry
professionals. Our desire is to re-ignite a passion for the decorative arts
with homeowners, designers and builders to sustain our current finishers and
develop new talent. And best of all, I may focus my abilities on an industry I
love with a company I believe in while taking care of my personal life. And
that is what
opportunity is really all about. Thank you to Faux Effects for allowing me to
continue my journey and I look forward to the road ahead.
