Great News!
You can now shop for Behr Paint online.
Order your favourite Behr colours at homedepot.ca and pick up at store.
Great News!
You can now shop for Behr Paint online.
Order your favourite Behr colours at homedepot.ca and pick up at store.
When I first walked onto a job site as a professional painter, the looks I received said it all. Some were curious, others skeptical, and a few downright dismissive. “Can she handle it?” their eyes seemed to ask. I’ll admit, those unspoken judgments made me pause. But I had a goal, and I wasn’t about to let anyone—not even myself—get in my way. I wanted to create a path that I could look back on with pride, knowing that I was making it easier for the next generation of women in the trades. One my daughters could surpass with confidence.
Growing up, I wasn’t the little girl playing with dolls. I was the one playing sports and learning how to build things in our yard. As a teenager, I loved the feeling of a paint brush in my hand – the smooth glide of fresh colour transforming a space. My friends and family, thankfully, never imposed limits. When I said I wanted to start my own painting business, they didn’t ask, “Are you sure?” Instead, they asked, “When do you start?”.
The first hurdle wasn’t lack of skill or opportunity—it was perception.
Entering a male-dominated industry, I’d constantly hear remarks like, “Are you here to decorate?” or “Let me know if you need help lifting that.” At first, I’d grin and bear it. But as I gained experience and confidence, I learned to respond with humour or competence.
The physical demands of painting surprised even me. Long hours on ladders and the meticulous precision required for detail work took a toll on my body. But every time I finished a project, I felt a surge of pride that made the sweat and sore muscles worth it. I knew I was making an impact.
Resilience isn’t just physical, though. It’s mental. There’s an extra layer of pressure when you’re one of the few women in the room, if there are any others at all. You feel like you must be better than good; you must be perfect. But perfection is a trap. I learned to own my mistakes, treated them as stepping stones, and fine-tuned my skills along the way. Resilience, for me, became about showing up day after day, doing the best I could, and refusing to let setbacks define me.
In the early days, I’d often stay silent when male coworkers or clients talked over me. I’d think, “Maybe they know better.” But experience taught me that they often did not, and my perspective was valid. I was a professional too.
One day, while working on a high-profile custom project, the team faced a challenge with colour matching. Everyone offered solutions, but none felt quite right. Hesitant but determined, I suggested a technique I’d learned during a small residential job. To my surprise, it worked. That moment wasn’t just a win for the project; it was a turning point for me. I realized the value of trusting my instincts and speaking up, even when it felt risky.
As much as resilience is personal, it’s also collective. Over time, I sought out other women in the painting industry, and we built a network of support. The Women in Paint movement is one with amazing momentum. We shared advice, celebrated wins, and vented about challenges. These connections reminded me that I wasn’t alone, and they bolstered my belief in the importance of representation.
Mentorship became another cornerstone of my journey. Today, I make it a point to mentor young women entering the trades. Whether it’s teaching them how to handle a sprayer or guiding them through negotiations for fair pay, I’m committed to making their path a little smoother than mine was. Working with Behr Paint Company has amplified my desire to show young girls and women that painting is a viable career option.
One of the most empowering aspects of my career has been the constant learning. Painting isn’t just about slapping colour on a wall; it’s an intricate art that combines chemistry, physics, lighting and design. Understanding how different materials react, mastering advanced techniques like spraying and kitchen cabinet refinishing, and keeping up with new technologies keeps the work fresh and exciting.
Education also extends beyond technical skills. I’ve taken every opportunity I can to learn about project management and business development, which have allowed me to run my own small painting company successfully. Owning my business has been both liberating and challenging, exhausting and exhilarating, but it’s given me control over my schedule, projects, and vision. It is becoming my freedom machine.
One of my favourite parts of the job is seeing the look of surprise on people’s faces when they learn I’m the owner and lead of my company—and then watching that surprise turn into respect as they see the quality of my work, and the mentorship I provide my team. Every stereotype I tackle feels like a small victory, not just for me but for every woman who follows. Our company culture over time created a female empowerment atmosphere, which attracted more women to us. Today, without intention, we are an all-female company, most of whom are mothers too!
It’s not just about proving that women can handle the physical and technical demands of painting. It’s about showing that we bring unique strengths to the table—an eye for detail, patience, creativity, and emotional intelligence that enhances teamwork and client relationships.
I can’t count the number of times young girls have approached me on job sites, eyes wide with curiosity. “You’re a painter?” they’ll ask, often followed by, “that’s so cool!” Those moments remind me why representation matters. Why Behr’s Women in Paint matters. Seeing someone who looks like them in a role they’d never considered opens possibilities in their minds.
This power of representation fuels my passion for outreach. Through workshops and talks, I’ve seen firsthand how exposure can spark interest and confidence.
If there’s one thing my journey in the painting trades has taught me, it’s that resilience is a muscle. You build it over time, through challenges big and small. You build it when you face hardship and choose to get better, not bitter. You build it when you’re the only woman in a room and you hold your ground. You build it when you take on a project that scares you and see it through, finding solutions instead of excuses. You build it when you mentor someone else and watch them thrive.
The painting trades, like many industries, are slowly evolving. More women are joining, more companies are embracing diversity, and more clients are recognizing the value of inclusive teams. But there’s still work to be done. I dream of a future where a woman walking onto a job site as a painter doesn’t raise eyebrows. Where skill and dedication matter more than gender. Where the next generation of girls grows up knowing they can excel in any field they choose.
That future starts with all of us—by challenging stereotypes, supporting each other, and showing up with resilience and pride. So, to any woman considering a career in the trades, I say this: Go for it. Don’t wait for permission or approval. You are capable. You are strong. You have an army of support behind you. You’ve got this.
Your reputation depends on your ability to do the job right. BEHR can help.
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BEHR® Paints, Stains & Primers.
Get the look you want and the protection you need for any room in your home.
A flat sheen has a non-reflective finish that touches up well and hides minor surface imperfections.
Low-traffic areas; interior walls and ceilings
Ceilings
Medium-Low
A matte sheen has a low-luster, reflective finish that is durable, easy to clean, touches up well and also hides minor surface imperfections.
Low-traffic areas; interior walls
Family rooms, living rooms, kids' rooms, bathrooms, dining rooms, ceilings
Medium
An eggshell enamel sheen has a soft, velvety appearance that resists dirt and grime, as well as mildew.
Moderate-traffic areas
Family rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, kids' rooms, hallways, dining rooms
Medium
A satin enamel sheen has a pearl-like finish that's easy to clean.
All interior surfaces; moderate- to high-traffic areas
Family rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, kids' rooms, hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, shutters, interior furniture
Medium-High
A semi-gloss enamel sheen is sleek and radiant resisting mildew, moisture and wear.
Cabinets and trim; high-traffic, high-moisture areas
Kids' rooms, hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, shutters
High
Hi-Gloss enamel sheens provide have a brilliant, shiny appearance and a durable, glass-like finish that allows dirt and grime to be wiped clean.
High-use surfaces
Kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, shutters, interior furniture
High
Set the right curb appeal with exterior painting efforts that last.
A flat sheen is non-reflective, and easy to apply and touch up. It will minimize the appearance of minor surface imperfections.
Wood and vinyl walls and siding; brick and other masonry; fences
Medium-Low
A satin enamel sheen creates a pearl-like finish that's durable and dirt-resistant. It will also resist moisture, fading and stains.
Virtually all exterior surfaces
Medium-High
A semi-gloss enamel sheen is sleek and radiant with a hard, durable finish. It is formulated to withstand wear, and will also resist moisture, fading and stains.
Doors, trim and shutters; Exterior furniture
High
Hi-Gloss enamel sheen have a brilliant, shiny appearance and a durable, glass-like finish that allows dirt and grime to be wiped clean.
High-use surfaces
High
