Melissa Is This Month's Brewers Spotlight!

The Brewers spotlight allows us to shine a light on some fantastic Brewers customers and members of the Facebook group, Brush Wizards. After seeing Melissa’s amazing work in her own home, we knew we had to find out more! We got in touch with Melissa after paying us a visit at the P&D show to chat all things painting and decorating.

It’s so lovely to meet you Melissa and thank you for stopping by at the P&D Show! How long have you been a painter and decorator for?

I have been decorating for 17 years!

Nearly two decades!! For you, what is the best thing about being a painter and decorator?

I am able to go in and turn people’s houses around which are often tired and dated to create them a beautiful and refreshed home. 

That must be so rewarding! What has been your proudest job you’ve worked on?

Having the ability to strip a room out and then create a functional living space for my children I would have to say is my proudest job. They are not small children (they are 18 and 21) so it was trying to work out how to give them as much space as I could, which resulted in having to take walls down and repositioning them! They wanted grown up rooms and I believe I achieved this with the final finish. It took a while, but it showed how committed I can be and I am proud of all the challenges I faced with in this job!

What a fantastic mum, I bet they loved their new spaces! You mentioned challenges, what would you say has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced during your career?

I suppose when I think about it, setting up my business was tough and continues to be tough. Being self-employed I need to be on the ball to ensure I have enough work to carry me through. In doing this I have struggled to maintain a healthy home/work balance. However, I feel I am starting to get somewhere with this now as I have reduced my working hours to fulfil my family commitments. 

I’m glad to hear you’re prioritising yourself, it’s hugely important to strike that balance, but you have also started learning other trades too, haven’t you?

I am a lady that loves to learn, I also love my tools. I like challenges and also like to stretch myself. I have a very active mind, so I am always consumed with the next thing. I don’t know how to relax or shut down! I like to keep active and explore other trades such as plastering and carpentry.

I was lucky enough to have a position within education. I had delivered teaching to multi-skills and the painting and decorating department which only fed my hunger. Whilst I worked there, I was also lucky enough to turn my hand at bricklaying, tiling, carpentry and plastering. Having the basic knowledge allowed me to progress to where I am today. 

What an inspiration! What are your favourite products to use?

I don’t think I can say there is one product that I love to work with as there are so many new products making their way on to the shelves. I love to give all new products a try! Currently, my favourite brands are Dulux and Crown but I am eager to try Benjamin Moore and Isomat products too.

Firm favourites within the trade for sure! How can people find you?

You can find me on Facebook, Melissa Staples Painting and Decorating.