Episode 2 Turning your passion into Business - Maeve Ann in conversation with Annie Sloan

Mimi by the Sea

In this episode, Maeve Ann is in conversation with Annie Sloan, the original Chalk Paint creator. Mimi by The Sea is one of 1500 stockists of Annie’s Chalk Paint and one of ten stockists in Northern Ireland.

Here about what inspired Annie to start her business, how she set about combining colors from artists' paint with different materials in the search for quick-drying paint. She explains how she always has sketchbooks at hand - "nothing ever stays the same" as being an entrepreneur is not for everyone and you are slightly living on the edge!

Annie records her Wednesday Live session on Instagram and acknowledges that posting regularly on this channel has been closely linked to the growth of her business in the last two years.

There's no point in being an artist in the Attic! People aren't walking past your shop window as they used to, so your shop window is Instagram. Annie recommends posting at least twice a day. Pinterest is now coming back so this is worth giving due attention to.

Annie lives in Oxford, shares her Scots/Irish ancestry - her Great Grandfather John Sloan born in 1815 was from Co. Down.

Annie is committed to selling through independent retailers and has launched a new range of wall paints.