Mom, you always say that, I really don’t see how it could be..
Each morning I sit on my Mom’s bed and give her an update on the day before, it’s been a difficult year for my Mom and I, she’s my best friend. My Mom was 19 when she found out I was on the way, and it was just the two of us for the first few years, I don’t think there have been many days in my adult life that we don’t talk on the phone at least once (or five times).
My Mom is battling cancer, cancer is ugly , painful and sometimes humiliating. My battles are not nearly as hard, they are your typical day to day trying to pay the bills kind of struggles.
About this time last year, my paint sales went from awesome, to a jarring halt, I’m not going to go into detail about what I believe happened but I do want to provide a brief explanation as there have been numerous questions regarding my recent departure from CeCe Caldwell paint.
If you follow me and watch my videos then you know that CeCe Caldwell paint was a big part of my business, I loved the products and the people. I promoted, sold this brand exclusively .
The short version is that there were changes to company policy that I personally didn’t like, however small businesses often change as they grow so I tried to move forward and find a work around to the issues that I had. I was very attached to the products, and the thought of leaving was one I debated for several months. Last month another big change occurred and it became clear ( for me personally) that it was time to resign as a retailer. When I resigned, I left without a back up plan, and this felt like jumping off a cliff because paint sales are what keep my lights on.
I began contacting every company I could find that offered one step furniture paint, hoping and praying I would discover something that I loved as much as CeCe Caldwell.
In the process I met many wonderful small business owners, who sent samples and answered my questions, many even said they were praying for my Mom! Social media can be so wonderfully powerful and supportive. I’ve read all of the kind words that have been left on my page, to my Mom, your prayers are so encouraging and your comments make us both cry.
When boxes of samples started to arrive I was surprised at how different each product was. This topic deserves it’s own post! Stay tuned I have a post on the way describing the 6 brands I tried, what I liked about each one, not just from a customers perspective but from a retailers perspective.
Two of the companies I contacted offered to create a line for my brand, Debi’s Design Diary!
Wow again.
I was excited by this idea but the weight of it was heavy. I’ve been a small business owner for over 20 years, it’s hard work to say the least. Good products with good terms are essential to success, and there are many variables to carefully weigh before investing in a product to sell.
If I was going to put my name on a product I wanted it to be fun and easy to use! I wanted affordable prices and terms for retailers that will help them succeed.
When Paula from Heirloom Traditions offered a plane ticket to come meet her and see how her business works, I knew I had to go.
Good products are important, good people behind the products are essential, so I got on the plane..
When I arrived in Kentucky, I immediately liked Paula1 We talked in the car, over dinner ( I think the waitress had to come back three times before we even looked at the menu) and the entire next day about paint. I probably grilled the woman with a hundred questions. Paula never tired of me and I could see that she loved the subject of paint, repurposing furniture and small business as much as I do, most importantly , it seemed like we were on the same page.
Then it was time to see how the paint was made, and more questions, this time for Aaron. Aaron is the third generation in his family’s paint manufacturing business. This man knows paint inside and out, he listed off every ingredient in the can, what it does and where it comes from.
I had questions about VOC’s, pigments, what chalk and clay does to paint… oh yes clay is good! I interviewed Aaron on video so I’m going to save most of this for later but Aaron said one thing that I have to share now, regarding pigment.
Most of the paint on the market is made from a base, the base is purchased and then pigment is added. If you have been to the hardware store to buy a custom color you have seen this first hand. Paint that is made from scratch, is different, the pigments are ground in, this makes paint 70% pigmented vs. 30% pigmented if the pigment is added later. The photo below is of pigment as it is being ground in. Awesomeness!
This was the point where I really started dreaming about colors, names and packaging!
I was excited, but I wanted to return home and settle down, weigh it all out and of course talk to my Mom.
Over the next few weeks it became clear that this was the direction to go in. I teamed up with Heirloom Traditions and I’m very excited to offer an excellent line of products and a wonderful retailers program! If you are interested in becoming a retailer for Debi’s Design Diary DIY Paint or Heirloom Traditions, (or both) you can contact Paulaat Paulablank41@gmail.com If you have additional questions you can email me at hello@debisdesigndiary.com or message me on Facebook!
If you would like to try some paint for yourself, I will be adding the products to my website tomorrow and my store shelves are full! Somehow the word leaked out….I’ve already sold a few pints of vintage linen while the shop was closed today!
Heirloom Traditions offers 50 colors and 10 waxes. Both product lines will be available on my website and in my shop!
I loved naming the colors and working with Claire my assistant to design the packaging. I hope that Vintage Linen, Gravel Road, Petticoat Pink, Carnival Red, Layered Chocolate, Seaglass, Faded burlap, Black Velvet, Mint Chip, and Mermaid Tail. will inspire you to paint! Quarts retail for 30$ Pints are $20 and 6oz samples are $10.
Liquid Patina, ( not photographed yet) comes in five colors, Dark and Decrepit, Vintage Pearl, Gypsy Gold, Silver Tiara and Chandelier.
Another exciting thing….
There is more to come! My amazing friend Christine Rose Elle is working on a new website for Heirloom Traditions, and she’ll be at my shop this Sunday for photo shoot! In the next few weeks I’ll be sharing pictures of Heirloom’s color pallet and the furniture I’ve been painting!
It’s after midnight 🙂 time to finish this post.
Next week I’ll be introducing Paula and some of the retailers to you, they have some inspiring stories to tell.
My Mom was right, this was a blessing in disguise!
Thanks Mom.
Sincerely,
Debi
PS… There’s another big announcement coming… it might involve milk paint! Next week :
how exciting !!!!
I am so excited for you and can’t wait to try out your paint! Good luck and God bless you!
Things do tend to happen for a reason. Really excited for you and am anxious to try the paint. Very interested in the finishes that don’t involve wax. Will be following.
Debi, your hard work is paying off, so very excited for you! Keep up the good work and being an inspiration to your followers, but most importantly, to your mom. Hug Mom and remind her that there are so many praying for her…and “that’s good.” <3
Being a business owner is hard, and scary and hard……but things happen for a reason and I believe that the reason was to allow you to grow and expand. Your paint like will rock – because you do and people love you. It’s an experience buying from you, and I know it will do well. Congrats, and continued prayers for your Mom!
Debi’s Design Diary you are a doll and a hard working women. I went through alz with my parents not fun at all., but never cancer my thoughts and prayers are with you can’t wait to try a sample I really like ce ce paint but I trust you… My god bless your life.
Congratulations. I cant wait to try it.
Have missed your more frequent posts so I look forward to seeing you more often now. Prayers for Momma.
Yeaaahhhh! I will be ordering some ASAP!!!
Congratulations Debi, you’re doin’ it Kid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<3, Shabby Loco
I need this paint!!!
YEA!!! So excited for all the opportunists that have opened up for you and all your painting friends 😉
… your mom was right, blessings come so often in disguise!!! Keeping you both in prayer!!
Congratulations! Love you and your work. My mom was my best friend and biggest cheerleader.Big prayers being said
for you both.
Tickled pink. Can’t wait to try your new paint, hear more news and watch videos. I’ll be lifting your names in prayer each morning. Cheers. genie
How just wonderful for you..I send prayers for your sweet Mother.
Love the paint label and the names of the colors are perfect! Love it. Thinking of you and your mom and sending prayers. Tell her hi for me and that I’m thinking of her.
My dearest Debi,i once told you that you would become the star,i could tell that about you the first time I met you,wonderful things have been happening and there is no one who could deserve it more.I have a lot I could say to your mom,i am,a cancer survivor,and Debi your right,cancer is ugly,there is no way around it,i detest even saying the word,and for many years I wouldn’t say it.But it does get better,each day you get alittle stronger,we each have been born with a will to live,and humans can survive a lot of trials and tribulations.Your mother has been blessed with a circle of people unknown to her thru this thing called the internet,many prayers,prayers of healing,prayers of love..The power of prayers holds a special place in my heart,my mother in law,asked her church for special prayer sessions for me and her congregation prayed for me many times,people I would never know,i was humbled. And don’t forget the special love between a mother and her best friend daughter,i too have that special amazing relationship.,people say you shouldn’t be your childrens best friend,i disagree..So that being said,ill keep up the prayers and wishes for good things for you Debi and her mother,with such good people in the world like you,we are blessed.
this looks awesome!!! always feels good to support small businesses when im doing projects i am working on my daughters bed at the moment but think it might be getting done all over again with your paint xxx
this looks awesome!!! always feels good to support small businesses when im doing projects i am working on my daughters bed at the moment but think it might be getting done all over again with your paint xx
Want to try paint real soon
I cant wait to order and receive my paint! I paint and sell vintage camper trailers ….. this diy chalk paint works perfectly as a finish. Really brings these vintage beauty come to life! Your colors are incredible! Would you please send me info regarding retailing your paint. Thanks
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Wish you the best. Your qwerky videos ( I mean that in a sweet way) are how a lot of us feel when we paint. We just cant pull off the passion as colorful as you. Keep it up your fun to watch. Pray the best for your mom.