Alicia Danzig of Lulu Painting is with us today as the first Creative Entrepreneur in our Interview Series.  As a business owner, artist, and instructor, I welcome Alicia today, as we find out more about her, her passions and inspirations, and how they translate to her work and home life.

I have had the pleasure of working with you on several occasions Alicia, and you bring so much creativity, professionalism, and attention to detail to every project.   Can you share with us how your business evolved and some of the projects that you have worked on?

It has been an evolution indeed!   LULU began as a painting business. As we’ve evolved, we’ve become a fully encompassing decorative finish business as well.  We tackle anything and everything that our clients dare to dream up from Foil and Metallic Plasters to Furniture and Concrete.  When I started LULU I had a deep respect for the sanctity of clients allowing me into their homes to better their space.  I still hold onto that passion for painting now, but I would be lying if I didn’t say that over time there has been a lot of “learning” about what I don’t want for my clients and what I do. I pride myself on having a great clientele.  I don’t know where they come from sometimes but it seems like every client I have is equally as wonderful as the last.   I’ve learned through my business growth and various projects that the most important voice comes from within and that I have to do what I think is best for LULU Painting and its clients.  When the work is pouring in, it’s hard to remember to stop, take a deep breath, and make sure you are doing things for the right reasons. I’m so proud to say that I have learned from every one of my clients a way to better LULU Painting, and each project brings a whole new sense of gratification to me, for bettering peoples lives by simply painting in their homes.

You are so creative; your artistry is evident even in a traditional paint project.  In addition to running your company, you are an instructor at the Minneapolis Institute of Fine Finishes. Can you tell us more about this part of your life?

MIFF has been such a wonderful opportunity for me to expand my knowledge and share with my fellow painters and DIY homeowners.  I do not consider myself to be an instructor, but rather a peer who has experience doing something that others want to know about.  I hold myself in the studio as a laid back artist having fun with the gang…wow that sounds so: “I’m the cool Mom.”  My presence at MIFF has brought in quite a few fun new products in the past year, including Wood Icing, Foils, Architectural Enhancements, Wallover Stencils, Royal Design Stencils, and a place for our monthly meeting for NTA.  Drew is the owner and he is a master Plaster Applicator with knowledge to boot.  He welcomed me into the space with open arms and has had a great deal of patience with me and my terribly busy schedule (whose isn’t?). I Love what I do, and so I want to share that with as many folks as I possibly can.

For those readers who would like to learn more about those techniques and finishes, what is the first step to taking instruction at MIFF??

The first step would be to check the schedule at http://plastercenter.com/ . I have an upcoming FOIL class that I’m teaching this April!

Here is a link to it:  http://lulupainting.com/2010/03/foil-yourself-silly-with-my-new-class/

To sign up people can email me at lulupainting@gmail.com or call the Plaster Center at (612) 374-0221. It’s a fun and laid back class.   The class includes lunch and the boards vary from Glass beads to stain and seals and glazes.

You have such a depth of paint and finish knowledge, where does that passion come from and how do you keep up on the new trends and products?

Oh passion, I think if I had the answer to where passion came from I’d be a millionaire.  All I know is that it’s in there.  I know when I start to get off track because the passion starts to dwindle…I’ll find myself having trouble sleeping or worrying too much.  I keep my body and mind strong and rested by doing Yoga regularly and getting massages when feasible.  Keeping up on trends is a little overwhelming. In the painting industry there are SO MANY products, and gadgets, and methods it’s impossible to follow them all.  Mostly I look through magazines to stay current.  Did I mention what a magazine whore I am?  I have more subscriptions than Sarah Jessica Parker has shoes.  I see what speaks to me…rip out pages, and then try to recreate what I see using the resources I have available.  One thing I know for sure is that you cannot know it all, it’s better to dabble lightly in those which do not really feed your fire and to delve fully into that which strikes you most. This way you can keep the passion part of you happily inspired and also maintain a healthy level of industry knowledge to satiate your clients should they need your help.

I am so excited for you, as you will be studying in Morocco soon.  Can you tell us how this trip evolved and what you look forward to most?

It all began last year actually.  I stumbled upon the trip when it was too late for me to pull my schedule and finances together to make it a reality.  Unfortunately for me it was supposed to be the last Moroccan trip of the Peacock Painters so I was crushed to miss out on the opportunity.  When I noticed the trip was happening again this year I took it as a sign that my time had come and registered immediately. It is a study/work abroad program where you travel with 8 other painters to Marrakesh and work painting a Pavilion with the very talented Melany Royals.  I’ll be there for two weeks of painting and sightseeing and falling in love with a whole new culture.  Is it May 7^th yet?  I’m beyond thrilled for this adventure to start.

When we work together, you are such an asset to the overall project and the paint looks so stunning when you are done, you thrill the client.  Will you share with our readers a few “take-away” tips on how to hire a paint and finish professional?

Here is my best advice for you homeowners out there looking to hire a paint crew to help in your home.  Nothing beats a word of mouth referral.  Ask your friends, your neighbors who they use and then see if they will come out to do a FREE estimate.  For regular painting you want to make sure that the crew you hire is going to set drop cloths to protect your floors and cover any furniture they may be working over.  They should be reasonably priced, timely, and treat your home with respect and love.

Thank you Alicia for sharing more about yourself and Lulu Painting with all of us.  I am so excited to have been able to share you with my readers.  Your talents and passions are evident and inspiring.  To learn more about Alicia or Lulu Painting, please visit www.lulupainting.com