By: Deborah Johnson Wood
Last year, entrepreneur Barb Clare had to close her Richland, Mich.,
studio, where she demonstrated and sold eco-friendly interior paints and wall finishes. But her customers still kept calling her for products and help.
So a few months ago she launched the first direct sales paint and wall finishes company, Eco-Trendz, from her home in Delton.
“I sell eco-friendly natural clay paints and clay plasters, which are naturally mildew resistant, and absorb heat, cold and moisture,” Clare says. “The paints, plasters and wood stains have no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).”
Eco-Trendz’ launch also created business opportunities for independent consultants, including training. Clare, who is the first to say she’s not an interior designer, has several years’ experience teaching do-it-yourself classes on color, painting techniques, faux finishes, plastering and concrete overlay for homeowners and professionals. She now trains the independent consultants in the basics, like the product’s special features and how to determine how much product a client needs.
The consultants go to a client’s home or business where they help the client select the color and the right product for the space. The consultant orders through the online store, Clare receives the order in her warehouse, mixes the paint or plaster, and the client receives the order in two to three days.
“Our color system is a very limited color palette of 12 to 20 choices in each color group, which makes it easier for people to choose,” Clare says.
Clare plans an official kickoff on October 30.
Source: Barb Clare, Eco-Trendz
Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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